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. 
