Anna Blum and David Snyder are a match made in heaven.
Or, ahem, in New York.
Although the couple come from two different worlds – Blum works in a Manhattan art gallery while Snyder is a corporate tax attorney for a law firm – they crossed paths when a friend set them up in 2013. The opposites attracted, and the two have been together ever since.
For the proposal, Snyder took Blum to a secret garden in Central Park on March 23, his grandparents’ anniversary.
“It was a big surprise and very romantic, and I blacked out!” Blum enthuses. The duo celebrated over dinner at Marea, where they were surprised by family. Afterward, Snyder planned a romantic weekend of hiking and massages for the two of them at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz.
When it came time to plan the wedding, Blum knew there was only one option for the ceremony location.
“Blue Hill at Stone Barns was the only place I wanted to get married my whole life,” she says. “Growing up in Irvington, my family and I went to Blue Hill at Stone Barns all the time, every year. We would go for walks with the dog, play around the farm, and celebrate birthdays and New Year.”
After confirming that Blue Hill was indeed available, she and Snyder settled upon a late spring date at the end of May. Around the same time, they began working with Ang Weddings and Events to plan the ceremony of their dreams.
On May 26, Blum and Snyder savored a day of joy, love, and memories in the Hudson Valley. Before the ceremony, the couple stole small moments during their first look, ketubah signing, and those oft-coveted quiet minutes with family and friends. Even when droplets of rain began to fall as the ceremony began, the wedding continued without a hitch.
“Blue Hill at Stone Barns, as amazing as they are, had a staff of people hold umbrellas up as each person walked across the courtyard to the verandah,” Blum recalls. “They choreographed the whole thing so that the umbrellas came down one by one as the person took a step forward. It was pretty spectacular and made it feel like the royal wedding!”
As for what she wore, Blum was resplendent in a simple, yet elegant “Eva Gardner” gown from Vera Wang. Softly glamorous and incredibly romantic, the gown paired with a matching veil embroidered with roses to evoke an aura of old Hollywood. On her feet, she added strappy white Manolo Blahniks that flowed perfectly with the silhouette of the dress.
After the “I dos,” the couple reveled in their very own Hudson Valley paradise. Surrounded by artful floralscapes and tunes from the Highline String Quartet and, later, DJ beats from 74 Events, they watched the last glimmers of sunlight fade into evening alongside their loved ones.
“The flowers were beautiful, the band was fantastic, and [we danced] the night away with 160 people, all of whom we love,” Blum reminisces.
For future brides and grooms in the Hudson Valley, Blum’s advice is simple, yet essential.
“Don’t procrastinate!” she cautions. “The whole day, ceremony, and occasion is extremely special and meaningful, so don’t sweat the small stuff. Embrace planning together; it’s the first event of many.”
Vendors
Event Planner: Ang Weddings and Events
Florist: Poppies and Posies
Venue: Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Officiant: Rabbi Robert Leib
Invitations: Bella Figura
Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Mary Ellen
Photobooth: Amazebooths
Dress: Vera Wang
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Bridesmaid Dresses: Cloud Hunter
Bridal Hair: Liam Carey
Bridal Makeup: Beautini
Band: The Eleven
Strings: Highline String Quartet
Afterparty DJ: 74 Events
Lighting: Pegasus
Rentals: Party Rental Ltd
Photographer: Judy Pak Studio
Videographer: McKenzie Miller Films