When Danielle and Eric began their wedding venue search, we explored a range of options across Manhattan and Westchester. With an estimated guest count of 250, the right location needed to be spacious without losing a sense of intimacy. After touring a handful of top contenders, they walked into Valley Rock Inn and immediately felt at home. The property carried the charm of a summer camp, with its beautifully landscaped gardens, buildings, and tucked-away houses for overnight stays. Just an hour’s drive from Manhattan, it offered ease of access for their New York and Westchester guests while also creating the feeling of a true getaway. With more than forty rooms available on site, Danielle and Eric could invite their closest friends and family to stay, transforming the weekend into a destination celebration.

Friday Arrival

The weekend began with VIP guests arriving on Friday afternoon to settle into Valley Rock Inn’s houses, each designed with unique character and thoughtful details. With an exclusive buyout of the property for the weekend, we had the freedom to create different layouts and adjust plans as needed for the weekend of events. Originally, the rehearsal dinner was meant to unfold in the Rose Garden, but with drizzle in the forecast we moved indoors to the Antler Room at The Lodge. Far from a compromise, the glowing fireplace, dark wood interiors, and inviting lounge seating gave the evening a warm, intimate quality. We styled the long farm tables with simple blue runners and clusters of wildflowers from AP Bio in lavender and cool-toned bud vases, striking a balance between relaxed and refined.

The dinner for 40 soon expanded into a lively welcome party for 180 guests. What originally began a cocktail party with dessert and drinks quickly grew into robust spread during planning, with added passed hors d’oeuvres and a pizza station ensuring that no one went hungry. Guests were cared for at every turn, from the moment they arrived to the final farewell brunch.

Wedding Day

The dogwood at Valley Rock Inn was absolutely stunning in May! One of my favourite trees. Danielle wore a gown by Mira Zwillinger and carried a lush bouquet with smaller textures, wildflowers and an asymmetric feel. In lieu of a traditional flower boutonniere, Eric wore a brooch, a striking and modern detail that gave his look a personal edge.

Ceremony on the South Lawn

On Saturday, guests gathered on the South Lawn for the wedding ceremony. The couple’s larger guest count meant this was the most natural location, and to account for the uncertain weather forecast we activated the rain plan: a clear tent from Greenwich Tent Company that sheltered the space while still allowing views of the gardens and sky. Anticipating a cool breeze, we placed baskets of soft blankets at the entrance so guests could keep warm—a thoughtful touch that reflected a care for comfort.

AP Bio designed an organic, asymmetrical chuppah that felt alive with movement and colour. Using the family tallit as a canopy added deep personal meaning, while the floral palette brought in a sense of brightness and joy—lush blooms in smaller textures, layered together in a slightly untamed style. The same flowers lined the aisle in staggered groupings, later repurposed around the reception band stage. Music from a pianist of the Dane Wright Band carried through the tent. Together, the setting, music, and design framed a Jewish ceremony that felt both heartfelt and unforgettable.

Cocktail Hour & Escort Cards

Thankfully the skies stayed clear for cocktail hour (an Etsy witch may or may not have been involved), allowing guests to enjoy the Rose Garden and Shade Garden in full. Moscow Mules and Smoky Palomas were passed alongside a mezze station and a variety of canapés: ahi tuna on crispy rice, lamb chops, mini lobster rolls, and more. The gardens buzzed with conversation as guests explored the escort card installation: a rose trellis hung with personalized cards. Each card included a photo of the guest, an idea Danielle and Eric had spent countless hours preparing. The display became a moment of delight and recognition—guests stopped to find their own photo, then lingered to admire those of friends and family. It wasn’t just functional; it was interactive, personal, and celebratory all at once.

Dinner & Dancing

Dinner took place under a large clear-top tent on the main lawn. We selected a neutral textured dinner linen so the flowers could take centre stage. AP Bio designed arrangements of varying heights and textures in a joyful palette, scattered across the tables with just enough negative space to leave room for the family-style platters to come. The menu reflected Valley Rock’s farm-driven ethos: grilled romaine with tomato confit, braised short ribs with horseradish gremolata, and halibut with preserved tomato relish, all accompanied by seasonal vegetables and crispy potatoes with roasted garlic aioli. The menus designed by Swell Press had each guest name tied around the menu with orange string. Each guest was served a plated slice of Lulu’s organic carrot cake layered with vanilla bean cream cheese, while the tables were dotted with miniature chocolate ganache and custard tarts.

The Dane Wright Band kept the dance floor packed from the very first song. Danielle had arranged one especially poignant surprise: she asked the band to play the mother–son dance song that her brother never had at his own wedding due to weather complications. When the music began, both her brother and mother were overcome—it was a moment of thoughtfulness that touched everyone present. The rest of the night was filled with energy and celebration, the tent glowing with light and music.

After Party & Farewell

The festivities shifted to the Cantina Porch for the after party. A new spread of food appeared—sliders, falafel wraps, chicken tenders, and fries—fueling late-night revelry. Due to the venue’s midnight sound ordinance, we brought in a silent DJ, handing out light-up headphones so guests could keep dancing long past midnight. The sight of a crowd moving in unison, some singing aloud while others laughed at the silence when their headphones slipped off, made for one of the most memorable scenes of the weekend. Before leaving, each guest received an XL cookie favour, a sweet reminder of a wedding that balanced hospitality, joy, and style in equal measure.

On Sunday morning, the celebration closed with a farewell brunch, giving Danielle and Eric one last opportunity to spend time with their guests. Les Loups documented the weekend with their signature editorial eye, while Candi Project captured the atmosphere on film. From the cozy rehearsal dinner to the glowing tented reception and the playful after party, every moment was preserved with artistry.

“Words cannot express how incredible Tzo Ai is as a wedding planner and as someone we wanted along with us for the exciting experience of planning a wedding. She kept us on track at each stage of the wedding planning process connecting us to the most amazing vendors so we wouldn’t need to stress about whether we were on top of everything. She is extremely detail oriented providing us with the perfect checklists for the planning process and for the weekend of our wedding. But also, she has such beautiful taste and helps create such beautiful weddings. On the weekend of our wedding, Tzo Ai and her team were so on top of every detail ensuring we wouldn’t have to stress about anything — from keeping the schedule on track to wrangling our families for photos to handling all last minute weather-related changes. Our wedding was perfect! Not only that, but she is an absolute joy to be around which made the wedding planning process not only not stressful but also enjoyable. We are so appreciative of everything she has done for us and we could not recommend her and her team more for planning a wedding!”

— Danielle and Eric

M+K at Valley Rock Inn

E+J at Chelsea Square

E+M at New York Historical

A Spring Valley Rock Inn Wedding - Danielle and Eric