Harvest Weddings
What is it about an old barn? Whether restored to like-new condition or majestically weathered by time and the elements, there is something about a barn that speaks to us. Here in New York State, we are blessed with an abundance of barns, from well-preserved examples of early Dutch-American architecture to structures that have seen better days. No matter what their condition, barns are a romantic reminder of the state's agricultural heritage. And with their soaring ceilings, high rafters, and colorful, weathered boards that let in shafts of light just so, barns are truly the cathedrals of the countryside. Why not exchange the classic white wedding tent for an old barn - and create a harvest-themed wedding as unique as your chosen site?
Barns are history, and people feel that. Even for city dwellers living far from the rhythms of rural life, the sweet scent of hay in a barn can trigger a deep sentimental association, re-establishing a sense of being connected to the earth. Who, after all, doesn't yearn for a simpler time, when the sun and the seasons - not cell phones and email - dictated the pace of daily life?
Of course, there's no reason that a barn wedding has to mean "roughing it." In fact, says wedding planner Lisa Light, barns lend themselves perfectly to a theme of "rustic elegance." While those attracted to a barn wedding tend to forgo a fussy approach - big tin buckets of fall flowers make more sense than orchids - they can be quite elegant, says Light. With more sophisticated décopy;cor, a barn can make a romantic and stylish setting for a formal, black-tie reception dinner. At one such recent wedding, Light reports, the groom "delivered" his gift for his bride - a red sports car - by driving it right through the barn doors!
A barn wedding also presents a unique opportunity to embrace New York State's still-vibrant agricultural tradition. Working farms abound - and eating local is becoming a passion. All across the state, farmers and growers are producing some of the best food in the country, proving that those black-and-white cows, cornfields, and pumpkin patches are more than just stage dressing for a rural movie set. What better way to honor and appreciate New York State's authentic rural and agricultural character than by planning a menu based on the bounty of the land?
From high-quality meats to artisan breads and cheeses to a plethora of organic and heirloom fruits and vegetables, the array of fresh, wholesome, and delicious food that's produced here in New York State is dazzling. Shopping locally makes a difference that you can really taste - it means food that hasn't come out of a box, or traveled farther to get to the table than your guests have, and bursts with the flavors of the season you choose to be married in. And it comes with the added bonus of knowing that the meal you serve guests was grown on small farms that still look like farms, and helps support vibrant rural communities. Purchasing locally grown food keeps the farmers working the landscape, preserving the natural beauty that you and your guests have come to be a part of.
A great way to get acquainted with the local culinary possibilities is to visit one of the weekend farmers' markets that take place across the state, usually from mid-May to late October. The Farmers' Market Federation of New York is a great source of information - visit their website (nyfarmersmarket.com) for a listing of farmers' markets in counties throughout the state. And talk with your caterer - many are quite passionate about cooking local, committed to supporting the local foodscape, and well connected to the sources of high-quality food products.
But the regional bounty goes beyond food. There's hardly a better time than the fall harvest season to bring local color and natural decorative elements into your overall wedding design scheme. Late-season local sunflowers lend a glow to autumnal bouquets, and fall produce such as pumpkins, squash, and apples make colorful, sculptural additions to your tables - and anywhere else you can think of putting them. Add some hay bales, dried cornhusks, and perhaps a scarecrow or an old tractor - and don't forget a splash of festive fall leaves from right outside the barn door! Harvest time in New York State offers riches for the eye and the palate alike. We hope you'll be inspired by the earthy and elegant ideas in these pages.
