“Working in the wedding industry has made me familiar with wedding venues. The Garrison has always been my favorite. The views are simply breathtaking. My husband and I loved that we could, if needed, have an indoor wedding safe from weather and still have the beauty of nature on display.
“Annie Rozycki and Bridget Bell, both special events managers, were by our side every step of the way. They were as involved as we wanted them to be, letting us take the reins when we wanted to and stepping in with suggestions when we needed. It was perfect, as there were aspects we felt passionate about and others we wanted them to handle. Having them on our team let us go through our wedding day without a worry in the world.”
Their Vendors
Ceremony & Reception: The Garrison
845.424.3604, www.thegarrison.com
Gown: Madison James, at Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids: Jenny Yoo, Azazie, Lulus
Tux: Men’s Wearhouse
Photographer: The Ramsdens
Makeup: Bridal By Alexandria
Hair: William Lyon
Florist: Maple Field Floral
Cake: The Pastry Garden
DJ: Music Speaks Volumes
Jackets: Lauren Schneider
“Simply Breathtaking”
Tyler and I met in high school. We never dated but always found each other cute. I was friends with his cousin, mother, and sister through the years and was always around his family, so when we started talking it was very casual. We’d both just gotten out of relationships and had a mindset of, “I am who I am, so love me or leave me.” With that, our conversations had no pressure and we realized we never wanted to stop talking.
A little over a year later, Tyler proposed at my family’s lake house upstate. I went with a friend for what I thought was a decorating weekend. When we arrived, Tyler was standing on the dock, which he’d covered in Christmas lights. I was immediately flooded with emotions. The moment we dreamed of was happening. He walked me to the end of the dock, and after a few moments together I heard the clicking of cameras and my family and friends yelling congratulations. It was absolutely perfect. Now, I am a hair stylist and Tyler is a plant operator.
Working in the wedding industry has made me familiar with wedding venues. The Garrison has always been my favorite. The views are simply breathtaking. My husband and I loved that we could, if needed, have an indoor wedding safe from weather and still have the beauty of nature on display. Annie Rozycki and Bridget Bell, both special events managers, were by our side every step of the way. They were as involved as we wanted them to be, letting us take the reins when we wanted to and stepping in with suggestions when we needed. It was perfect, as there were aspects we felt passionate about and others we wanted them to handle. Having them on our team let us go through our wedding day without a worry in the world.
Truly, the staff added that extra, indefinable something that made us feel at ease and excited at the same time. Jessica, my bridal assistant, was amazing all day. She brought us champagne in the morning, updated me on what was going on around the venue so I wouldn’t stress, and was always there to take a photo, hold a bouquet, or literally do anything we asked of her! This goes for all The Garrison’s staff. Our guests cannot stop talking about how pampered they all felt.
Our day started with a first look that helped calm my nerves for the ceremony. We wrote our own vows, but felt they were too personal to read in public, so we read them at our first look. We were in the moment with only each other and poured our hearts out without a thought of anyone else in the world. My uncle, who is the head pastor of our church, married us. We kept the ceremony short, but honored our mothers by presenting each with a rose at the beginning of the ceremony and having them take part in the unity candle ceremony. On our way back down the aisle our guests tossed confetti — something that took away the stress of all eyes on us and made for fantastic photos!
For cocktail hour, The Garrison provides food like none other. Some favorites were the smoked chicken quesadillas with avocado cream, vegetable spring rolls with sweet chili sauce, fried dumplings with ponzu dipping sauce, and andouille sausage in a puff pastry with dijon mustard.
We kept things fresh, light, and airy for our summer wedding. Our florist put together wonderful decor, making our sweetheart table the focus. It was a beautiful long, rustic farm table with a luscious garland and candlesticks down the center. We had a huge greenery arch placed behind us that accentuated the earthy look. The rest of the centerpieces were simple trees and my husband made the bases for each. My father also planted a tree the day before our wedding to symbolize our growth as a couple.
Our reception was our favorite part of the night. Our DJ did a wonderful job keeping everyone on the dance floor and keeping the good music playing. Every age group was engaged and having a blast. We maximized dancing time by skipping the bouquet and garter toss as well as the bridal party introductions. We did our first dance and parent dances but asked the DJ to cut the songs down a bit. When our guests weren’t dancing, they could go outside to enjoy the cigar bar or the fire pit while looking out at the scenery. Our dinner options, herb roasted chicken or grilled flat iron steak, were both delicious!
Our wedding day came to life as the best day ever. We were blessed with the love of a lifetime and were able to celebrate one another while having tons of details make the day uniquely ours. Everyone who helped create our day exceeded our wildest dreams. Our families, friends, and vendors were the key behind our wedding day being more than we could have ever imagined. We can’t thank you all enough!
The Garrison, Garrison, NY, 845.424.3604, www.thegarrison.com
