A Styled Shoot in the Catskills brings Autumn and Rustic Charm

Toasted Events officially launched this month, but I’ve had this dream in the works, and I’ve been in the industry for a long while. So to celebrate the launch, and create some content for my business, I banded together with some friends launching businesses also, as well as with some industry vets. We created this styled shoot together at my country home in Upstate NY. I hope you find inspiration as well as enjoy our story! All photos are by Patty Brown Photography

The shoot was on a crisp fall day

Which meant it was chilly at times, and a little too sunny at times as well. But Patty is such a pro that all the photos came out perfectly! Patty and I worked together years ago at Craft Restaurant in NYC, I was a server and she was a line cook! I love that we’ve traveled a long road together to wind up in the same industry once again.

The florals

Were provided by Jill from Earthgirl Flowers. I found her through an extensive search of the region to find the right fit. It was quite the search, but I really do think fate brought us together. Her skill and aesthetic are both to be admired, and she was a joy to work with. Jill grows a lot of her own flowers, but an early frost had come, so she only grew a small portion of what is seen here. However, all the flowers and greenery looked like they were plucked straight from the property!

Stationary was designed

By Jennie from Oxford Comma Co. Our concept was a fall color palette and the landscape of Upstate NY, for an intimate affair. Jennie is an upstate native so this came naturally to her, but when I saw that hand-painted plaid, I was blown away! Although she and Jill did not speak about the flowers being provided, it’s as if they were of one mind.

Jennie is also so creative and helpful! When I told her I would love to include some details for my daughter in the shoot, she designed a treasure hunt as part of the suite. Additional inspiration for the treasure hunt was also provided by a computer-generated map of the property designed by close friends as a house-warming gift.

The cake

Was provided by local baker, Kelly Banks Cakes who I found through another extensive search of the area. Have you ever looked at someone’s work and just known they are super talented? Yeah, that’s what it’s like looking at Kelly’s Instagram Account. She can make a cake look like ANYTHING. It’s like watching a pastry reality show. But let me tell you, she let us eat this cake and it was absolutely the best wedding cake I have ever had. After the shoot, we were all raving about it and I truly can’t wait to recommend her.

We were fortunate to have food!

Provided by Chef Evan Sloan and his wife Siobahn. I worked with Evan at Temple Court at The Beekman Hotel in Lower Manhattan, and he is hands down the best event chef I have ever worked with. Imagine attending an event where the food is delicious and looks beautiful as well! I’ve told him time after time that he could have a career in food styling. Just check out his Instagram to see some sexy plates

Evan specializes in wood-fired cooking. He built this grill out of an antique bed frame for the beauty of the reclaimed piece as well as the practicality of having your wood grilling elevated so as not to damage the lawn. No digging needed!

Rentals were combined with my own stock

Of furnishings. Place settings, runners, tapers, some platters and the beautiful rug in the lounge were provided by Chippy White Table, another extensive search and a long drive introduced me to them. That is one of the pitfalls of a rural wedding - sourcing vendors! The rest of the furniture came directly from the house about 300 yards away. We even used an old steamer trunk from a local garage sale to make a “Zoom Station” to inspire those micro weddings with a virtual component.

A film was made

Alex and Brian from Intersect Media Productions were onsite to interview me and film the details. Alex was dismayed by my low-tech “Zoom Station” and busted out the real deal to showcase how you can beautifully live stream your wedding even from the top of a mountain. Check out the branding video they made that day here.

Not pictured here

But important to note, is the real theme of the shoot - community. Patty’s husband, baby, and 2 dogs were here and I’ve known them for about 10 years now. My husband, daughter, and cat were in attendance. Chef Evan and I have been friends since 2016. Alex from Intersect owns his own vacation home 3 miles away - that’s how we met! I’ve been lucky enough to maintain those relationships. And all of us, mostly out of work due to the pandemic, are getting along fine. We found that gratitude and joy together throughout the day and later swapping restaurant and event stories around the firepit later that night. What a celebration it was!