A Whimsical DIY Wedding at the 1850 House Inn in Rosendale, New York

Samantha Margalit (29 and a wedding photographer) and Adam Ferraro (35 and works in hospitality) planned an intimate affair for their late-September wedding with a palette of bright, playful hues and plenty of personalized touches. They headed to Rosendale, New York, 90 miles north of their Manhattan home, to celebrate with their closest family and friends at the 1850 House Inn, a cozy bed-and-breakfast on the town’s main street. “It just seemed to jibe with our vibe,” Samantha says. “It had rooms guests could stay in for the weekend as well as a huge deck overlooking the water. The location seemed picture perfect, and the aesthetic of the house matched the rustic, organic look we were going for.” The serene waters of Roundout Creek were the backdrop for Samantha and Adam’s interfaith “I dos.” A handcrafted wooden chuppah paid tribute to the natural beauty of the setting, while hand-drawn programs added a final personal flourish to the proceedings. The newlyweds kept things low-key for the reception in order to create a relaxed, welcoming feel. Burlap linens bearing gilded mason jars were overflowing with vibrant dahlias, poppies, ranunculus, snapdragons, zinnias and marigolds lined the tables, while brightly lit Edison bulbs hung overhead, adding an element of visual intrigue and whimsy to the expansive reception tent. White balloons trimmed with blush and gold tassels greeted guests as they arrived for the fete, and a photo booth manned by Samantha’s friend and colleague offered a fun way for guests to remember the evening. Continuing the laid-back backyard theme, the couple worked with a local restaurant to create a custom menu with classic barbecue fare and treated guests to a dessert bar dotted with decadent sweet treats such lemon bars, cake pops, cream puffs and cannoli, which guests could take home in personalized takeout boxes. A tip from Samantha: “Make decisions that bring you joy. Try not to focus on what everyone is telling you that you should or shouldn’t do. Focus on each other, and hire vendors you trust so that you don’t worry about having to micromanage.” —Libby MacCarthy