Ryan + Darren: Rustic Elegance at Crabtree’s Kittle House

On the East bank of the Hudson River, thirty miles north of New York City, lies the beautiful historic settlement of Chappaqua. Founded by the Quakers in the 1780s, Chappaqua is home to a multitude of stunning historical buildings, including the timelessly elegant Crabtree’s Kittle House, where Ryan and Darren Mooney were married in impeccable style this past November.

 

Ryan and Darren reside in Boston, where they met during their second year of law school.  “We were both at a mutual friend’s birthday party where I learned Darren was moving not far from where I lived,” recalls Ryan, “I must have had liquid courage because I jumped at the opportunity to show him the neighborhood.  It was very awkward, to say the least…we went to the gym and then Trader Joe’s! It stuck though, and we’ve been together ever since!”

Four years later, Darren proposed on the infamous Acorn Street tucked away in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. “I thought we were on our way to a Christmas party, but soon learned Darren had other plans. He even had a photographer hiding in an alley to capture everything.”

 

 

The next morning, Darren surprised Ryan with a trip to Newport, RI, their favorite getaway, where they stayed on the water at the Castle Hill Inn.  “It was warm for early December (el nino/global warming), so we got to walk along the beach barefoot while drinking champagne. It was my kind of weekend!”

Because Darren proposed in December, the couple went into their venue search knowing they wanted a winter wedding that reflected the holiday vibes surrounding their engagement. On the weekend following New Year’s Eve, the couple set off from Boston to tour a handful of venues in the New York area where Ryan grew up. Crabtree’s Kittle House was their first stop.  

“We drove up and immediately fell in the love with the huge wreath hanging outside,” says Ryan, “It got better when we stepped in to find garland running along the staircases, rustic touches here and there, and an overall homey and welcoming feel throughout.”

 

 

While they still looked at a few other venues, the couple kept thinking back to the Kittle House and eventually cut their search short. “What ultimately sold us was the people who worked there. Everyone was genuinely nice, caring and accommodating. We felt comfortable and we felt valued.”

The Kittle House began as a humble barn when its timber frame was first built in the 1790s, and it was important to Ryan that their wedding décor reflect the venue’s history.  Deep greens and rose gold served as a base color scheme, while accents of deep pink and violet opened up the décor to a more free, rustic feel.  The reception featured a combination of long, lush garlands and low centerpieces in an English garden style.

 

 

“Bride and Blossom scattered dim candles throughout the centerpieces that added warmth and a soft glow to the Kittle House. It was perfection!”

Ryan carried a stunning, textured bouquet of burgundy bacarra roses, pale blush quicksand roses, ivory spray roses, burgundy ranunculus, cream garden roses, parvifolia eucalyptus, and seeded eucalyptus with accents of Italian ruscus vines and hints of natural greenery

 

 

She wore a gorgeous gown by Eve of Milady and her magnificent “something old” – a fur stole given to her grandmother by her late grandfather, his dedication stitched right into the lining.

 

 

“It was so special to literally be wrapped up in a message of love from my grandfather, and my grandmother felt like he was there that day with us all to celebrate.”

When asked what advice she would give to brides-to-be going through the process of planning, Ryan emphasized trusting your gut about little details that matter to you.  “Brides are constantly told to relax and that no one will remember x, y or z. I hated hearing that because I’ll remember at the end of the day! If you have the time and the resources, focus on what matters to you and ignore the naysayers. Plus, I had many guests comment on some of those ‘small’ details and how they loved them, which made my day even better!”

 

 

Congratulations, Ryan & Darren!

 

Venue: Crabtree’s Kittle House
Planner: Susan Knapik – The Wedding Assistant on the Hudson
Photography: Meg Miller Photography
Videography: Michael Joseph Films
Cake: Lulu Cake Boutique
Bride’s Gown: Eve of Milady via Allegria Bridal Boston 
Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Groom’s Tuxedo: 9tailors
Groom’s Shoes: The Black Tux
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale via Allegria Bridal Boston
Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: The Black Tux
Rings: Orly Diamonds
Makeup: JK Flashy
Hair: Beauty by Nicole
Music: Maura & Co (ceremony), BOK Music (reception),
Officiant: Reverend Timothy Wiggins