Tappan Hill Mansion Wedding : Venue Tour : Tarrytown, NY
Tappan Hill Mansion, set at a high point overlooking the Hudson River in Tarrytown, NY, offers a beautiful, relaxed, historic without being stuffy atmosphere for a wedding in Westchester County. After winding your way up to the venue you're greeted into a white rotunda with dramatic high ceilings which is perfect for family photos and other portraits. In my eyes, the two main draws have to be the dramatic stone lined ceremony space with sweeping views as well as the wonderful hospitality provided by Abigail Kirsch Catering. You can always count on a wonderful meal at Tappan Hill. Additionally, when you pay for a vendor meal at TPM you can be assured the vendor is receiving a real hot plate of food which is infinitely appreciated in the midst of a long day on our feet.
You'll find a tastefully appointed getting ready suite as well as some adjoining rooms which can be utilized in the case of a large bridal party. I tend to gravitate to those neighboring rooms because there is much more light to work with. Groomsmen will usually get ready in a wood trimmed room on the first floor. I've also personally seen couples choose to get ready at a nearby hotel and then move on site for final touches.
For photos, the grounds feature large lawns, mature trees, forested areas, and landscaping out front. I could return to the venue several times and make the weddings look different which means each wedding won't be so cookie cutter. In the event of rain, the rotunda, ceremony space, and windows along the main cocktail area will be your main opportunities.
Tappan Hill has an understated elegance enhanced by its natural surroundings. There is a feeling of serenity here that gives you the feeling of a getaway from the city while still being just a short 30 minute drive or train ride away. It's one of my favorite venues within close range of New York City.
Tappan Hill Mansion Wedding : Alanna & Joshua : Tarrytown, NY
Alanna and Joshua were married on August 5th, with a ceremony and reception at the Tappan Hill Mansion wedding in Tarrytown, NY.
I started out the day with Alanna at the Castle Hotel & Spa, just around the corner from where the wedding would be held. Alanna gathered with her bridesmaids, and the excitement in the air was palpable as I covered not only their preparations but the prep going on at the Tappan Hill Mansion.
A lot of times, I’m asked how to make a wedding feel more personal. For me, it’s the family and the people involved—including furry loved ones, since they’re part of the family as well. Alanna and Joshua’s puppy took turns with both the men and the women before the ceremony and was definitely one of the VIPs of the day.
It was a beautiful, blustery afternoon in Westchester, which set the stage for a dramatic ceremony as the sun set on the horizon. Wedding ceremonies at sunset are special because they take on several different feelings in a short period of time. The bright, direct light just before sunset gives way to a colorful glow, and this can be very powerful when it happens around the vows.
Alanna had always dreamed of having a chuppah with a dreamy overtone, featuring a live chandelier… and that’s exactly what she had. After the light eased off, we came back to the chuppah for portraits under the night sky. One of my favorite images of the day was of her and Joshua under that outdoor chandelier. Alanna’s veil could pick up the breeze throughout the day no matter where we were, too, which amazed me.
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about the excellent catering at this wedding. The name Abigail Kirsch is known throughout New York City, with a number of notable venues, including The Lighthouse, which I’m visiting a few times this year. If you’re looking for a location with cuisine that is anything but typical “wedding food,” Abigail Kirsch always delivers.
Joshua & Alanna, thank you for letting me be part of your beautiful celebration. I’m so excited for both of you to begin this new journey in life together. 
