Courtney and Sander: Late Spring Romance at Blue Hill at Stone Barns

 

When Courtney met Sander in 2021 during a COVID peak in NYC, dating for everyone was anything but casual. This was especially true in their case – Courtney, a doctor, was vaccinated early and taking extra precautions. “We were kicked out of bars at 10 PM due to the curfew and spent more time hanging out and chatting on street corners during those first few weeks,” she recalls. In these conversations, the couple would find themselves agreeing on most any topic that came up, eventually learning that they shared very similar views of the world. “We both had intense feelings early on,” she confides.

In their first year of living together, Courtney and Sander decided to host her family for Thanksgiving. After putting together a menu and hitting local wine shops, farmers markets, and florists for supplies, they settled into the kitchen to spend Thanksgiving Day preparing and cooking together (a favorite pastime of theirs, hosting or not). As they ran over recipes and tag-teamed tasks, Courtney was overcome with a deep sense of gratitude for Sander who was “all-in for a holiday he didn’t grow up celebrating” (he’s from Europe) and honoring her family’s traditions. In that moment and much to her surprise, Courtney proposed. Getting engaged had been discussed – Sander was working with a jeweler in a nearby city, but the ring wasn’t ready yet. Courtney remembers, “He jokingly demanded one, so I made a ring out of some pastry dough lying around on the counter. And the rest is history!”

The couple learned where they were getting married while on vacation in Europe. Courtney explains, “Sander and I were there for New Year’s and my mom called us and said, ‘I booked Blue Hill for your wedding.’ So, it was a surprise, but how do you argue with that? You can’t!” They weren’t unfamiliar with the 2-star Michelin restaurant’s name – during the Pandemic, Blue Hill transitioned to a market to sell food grown at its farm in Westchester County. Courtney and Sander made regular visits there for groceries.

Serving as a bridesmaid ten times, Courtney admits feeling anxious about what she was going to wear now that it was her turn. “I was never someone who envisioned a wedding dress, and wasn’t even sure of what I really liked,” she adds noting that her initial searches were coming up short. Accompanied by her mom and friends on a weekend trip to New York City, Courtney, who was now living in upstate NY, scheduled appointments at Oscar De La Renta and Monique Lhuillier. Both designers are esteemed for their singular approaches to bridalwear, but it was a breathtaking ballgown by Oscar De La Renta that captured Courtney’s heart. Radiating enchanting romance, her choice featured a strapless bodice giving way to a diaphanous skirt as petal-rich flowers with sequin and bead embroidery cascaded from top to bottom. Reflecting on that moment, the bride says, “I found my dress and was more certain than I thought I’d ever be. It was perfect, I felt so beautiful and so much like me at the same time.”

For beauty and personals, Courtney leaned toward a timeless, understated aesthetic. She wore her hair in a polished low bun fixed with delicate floral pins complemented by a natural makeup look by Luminous Bride. Adding a dash of shimmer was a classic pearl necklace, bracelet, and diamond and pearl cluster earrings set. She completed her ensemble with white satin heels from SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker and an organic, all-white bouquet composed of peonies, ranunculuses, roses, lisianthus, and baby’s breath with touches of greenery. Sander looked the part of groom wearing an ivory suit by Tom Ford, Cole Haan shoes, and a white ranunculus boutonniere. Their wedding party dressed for the occasion – bridesmaids wore elegant white dresses by Dress the Population while groomsmen wore classic black suits by Robbie & Co.

Flowers have always been important to Courtney. Growing up, she watched her mother make beautiful bouquets and arrangements for the holidays and special occasions. “Her love of flowers was definitely passed down to me,” the bride adds. She and Sander make it a point to always have fresh flowers in their home. When it came time to choose florals for their wedding day, the couple had a starting vision, which became crystal clear as they drew inspiration from the natural beauty of Blue Hill at Stone Barns.

Courtney and Sander married on a picture-perfect day in early June. They exchanged vows in an intimate, outdoor ceremony in Blue Hill’s courtyard before family and friends. Décor complemented the verdant setting – a ‘living’ aisle led to a simple backdrop of floral arrangements raised on pedestals. “I love the huge tree so much and didn’t want a flower arch obstructing it,” the bride mentions. “I wanted tons of greenery and all white flowers to continue the dewy coming-of-spring green and white theme.”

After a cocktail hour fueled by celebratory toasts and hors d’oeuvres, the couple and guests headed to the HayLoft where they were welcomed by a captivating scene. Unfolding in three unique centerpiece styles, décor started with the head table trimmed with a series of small arrangements displaying white and pale pink peonies, tulips, baby’s breath, spray roses, and ranunculuses illuminated by floating candles. Other tables featured low and high centerpieces composed of flourishing seasonal florals and greenery, which created striking contrast against the rustic stone interior while bringing a sense of movement throughout the room. Adding a personal touch to each place setting were napkins, all hand embroidered by the bride’s mother with the couple’s initials.

Courtney and Sander’s first dance, the Viennese Waltz, was one for the Real BB Weddings books. Rich in history and considered the oldest of the all the ballroom dances, it is twice the speed as the regular waltz. “Having both taken dance classes here and there, we thought it would be fun to learn together,” Courtney says. “It was hard though! And took us about eight months to fully learn.” Everyone agreed, they pulled it off perfectly.

The couple shares a passion for good, seasonal food and knowing where it comes from. So, it’s no surprise that when asked about her favorite wedding memories, Courtney praises Blue Hill at Stone Barns and the hospitality and professionalism that was shown to the couple and their guests. She looks back and says, “We’ve had some really amazing meals together and had the most incredible meal at Blue Hill the night of our wedding. Fresh asparagus with pickled mushrooms and smoked ricotta, poached halibut in pea broth with pistachios, and finally grass-fed beef with asparagus and otto file. It was unforgettable, and so special for us to get such a treat for our wedding.” The house band from legendary Greenwich Village music club, Café Wha, kept energy high as celebrations continued well into the night. “They were absolutely incredible,” she exclaims. “And kept everyone on the dance floor for hours.”

Congratulations, Courtney & Sander! Thank you for sharing your Real BB Wedding story with us!

Couple’s Vendor List
Venue: Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Photographer: Golden Hour Studios 
Planner: Rose Ahn Events
Bride’s Dress: Oscar de la Renta
Bride’s Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker 
Groom’s Attire: Tom Ford
Groom’s Shoes: Cole Haan
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dress the Population
Groomsmen’s Attire: Robbie & Co. 
Makeup: The Luminous Bride 
Hair: Hair By Eileen 
Bride’s Hair Pins: Vivi Embellish
Rings: Alias Art by Alastair Crombie 
Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations
Place Cards: The Paper Studio 
Catering: Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Music: Café Wha