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Real Wedding: The Tarrytown House Estate on the Hudson
Old World Elegance & Charm
"Justin and I first met in 2002 while living in the city. He worked with my best friend at a financial company and I was working as a second grade teacher on the Westside. We met several times, but nothing ever came of it. It wasn’t until late March that Justin asked me to dinner.
"Our first date was supposed to take place at the Soho Grand Hotel, but there was a terrible thunderstorm and the streets were flooded. I was ready to reschedule, but Justin seemed determined to meet. He quickly chose another location closer to my apartment and we wound up having a great time. We spent the next five years meeting each other’s friends, traveling, smiling, and laughing each step of the way.
"In April of 2006, Justin planned for us to fly to California and drive the coast, stopping at various vineyards along the way, and then ending our trip in Lake Tahoe. When we got to our last stop, Justin scheduled a romantic dinner at a small Italian restaurant. After dinner he suggested we go for a walk. I soon noticed that Justin was behind me and very quiet. When I turned around, he was on one knee, holding my ring.
"We knew we wanted to have our wedding in the New York area. Our first stop was the Tarrytown House Estate on the Hudson, which joins two old estates once belonging to Mary Duke Biddle.
"When entering the estate, you’re taken over by a feeling of Old World elegance and charm. It also has a 212-room hotel on the grounds that could accommodate our out-of-town guests.
"On our first visit, we met David Smith, the director of catering. He spent two hours explaining how he would make our dream wedding a reality. After that meeting we never looked at another place!
"Everything on our wedding day was perfect! The cocktail hour took place both indoors and outdoors, and our guests dined on an endless amount of delectable food.
When we got to the ballroom for our reception, it looked incredible! The tables and chairs had been covered in champagne colored linens and the centerpieces were shades of white and pink.
Jennifer Macken & Justin Griffiths
Ceremony: Immaculate Conception Church
Reception: Tarrytown House Estate
on the Hudson
Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Bridesmaids: Amsale
Hair &Makeup: Zohar Wolf
Ring: Rosalinda Lazarus
Tux: Calvin Klein
Florist: Westside Florist
Cake: Artuso’s Bakery
Photographer: Therese Marie Wagner
Photography
Videographer: John Fazio
Band: Brian Kirk and the Jirks
Honeymoon: Virgin Gorda & Tortola
Tarrytown House Estate on the Hudson
800.246.2044, www.wedattarrytown.com |
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"The food was amazing. The meal began with Maryland style crab cakes and was followed by a mixed salad on top of prosciutto. For the main course our guests had a choice of filet mignon with crumbled blue cheese, chicken in a champagne sauce, sea bass, or vegetable Wellington.
"Dessert included our chocolate wedding cake and Godiva chocolate torte. Justin and I are both Irish, and we had a traditional Irish wedding cake that was flown over from Ireland.
"Our wedding went on for many hours with guests retiring to the pub on the grounds of the Tarrytown House Estate after the wedding. The day was like a dream come true! "
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