One Couple's Romantic Hudson Valley Wedding at Glynwood Farm in Cold Spring, New York

To celebrate their marriage, Tamara and Steve planned a romantic, flower-filled wedding in the Hudson Valley at Glynwood Farm in Cold Spring, New York. Beautiful scenery, beloved friend and family, and details to honor Tamara's Jamaican heritage and Steve's Jewish background filled the day. "Our wedding was very special to us because it blended two very different cultures," recalls Tamara. "Steve is from a traditional Midwest Jewish family, and my family immigrated to the United States from Jamaica. We focused on weaving in old traditions while also creating space for new ones. For example, at the end of the ceremony, Steve and I elected to break the glass and jump the broom," explains Tamara. She adds that "our ceremony music featured some of the best Black artists of our time. We selected each song to reflect on social concerns and cultural pride. As for food, we also kept a Kosher menu but added Jamaican dishes like escovitch red snapper and Jamaican deserts like Jamaican rum cake and Gizzada. What's most beautiful is that we are both connected and aligned in our desire to embrace both cultures, honor each others' traditions and most importantly, keep space for new traditions." 

Tamara recalls that out of the entire wedding day, the ceremony was the part she anticipated the most. She especially loved "walking down the aisle to see Steve. I was so nervous! He was too—I could tell he was shaking at the altar. When I saw him shed his first tear, I almost lost it. If you knew Steve you'd understand why, too. He's very reserved and doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve but, at that moment, he couldn't help it. Also, Steve's vows blew me away. I've always known Steve was my match because he's everything I am not. I am loud and outgoing, and he is very tactful and reserved. But where we align is in our desire to enjoy life and our values around family and friends."

When it came to decorating their wedding space, the couple "wanted to highlight the beauty of Glynwood," explains Tamara. "We focused on the rolling hills, the rustic house, and used accent lighting to add a bit of flair to the evening. Our wedding was outside with tables set for 50 guests, a stage for the band and a dance floor for the guests. We kept our aesthetic clean but added a bit of Caribbean flair with tropical leaves and palms," explains Tamara. She adds that their "style was clean, modern, and tropical as an homage to my Jamaican ancestry." Looking back on the beautiful New York wedding day, Tamara has three pieces of advice for current to-be-weds in the throes of wedding planning: "Follow your heart. Get a great brand. Make it intimate."