There’s something magical about a Seminary Hill wedding. Nestled in the Catskills with rolling hills and endless skies, it’s a venue that feels both grand and intimate. Francesca and Ryan chose this stunning orchard and cidery as the backdrop for their big day. And it couldn’t have suited them better. Francesca, a talented hairstylist with an eye for beauty, and Ryan, a dedicated firefighter, brought their worlds together in a day that was heartfelt, stylish, and full of joy. Their sweet pup Millie even made a cameo (floral collar and all). From laughter and champagne in the morning, to a dance floor that stayed packed all night, this Seminary Hill wedding was unforgettable.
As their full-service planners, my team and I had the joy of being with Francesca and Ryan every step of the way. From helping them find their dream vendors to designing every detail of the weekend. We also assisted with setup for their rehearsal dinner the night before, creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere that set the tone for an unforgettable celebration.
Hi, I’m Kayce, the founder and lead planner behind KR Occasions. My team and I love working with couples to design weddings that feel effortless, meaningful, and completely true to them. Whether it’s weaving in personal details or curating spaces that feel warm and welcoming, our goal is always to make sure your wedding tells your story.
If you’re dreaming about your own Seminary Hill wedding, I’d love to help capture and design every detail to make it as personal and special as this one. Take a look at my service packages and contact me today. Let’s bring your vision to life together!
Getting Ready at Seminary Hill
The morning buzzed with anticipation as Francesca and her bridesmaids gathered in the bridal suite. The atmosphere was relaxed but full of excitement (champagne in hand, of course). The bridesmaids, dressed in chic sage green satin pajamas, laughed and helped Francesca prep for the day ahead.
Francesca looked radiant even before she slipped into her gown. Her wedding dress was a timeless off-the-shoulder design with a fitted bodice and a dramatic train. She paired it perfectly with a lace-trimmed veil that added just the right touch of romance. Her Dolce Vita satin heels with knotted bows were simple yet chic, reflecting her understated but elegant style.
Meanwhile, Ryan got ready with his groomsmen. His cobalt-blue suit and boutonnière of peach and cream blooms stood out beautifully against the rustic wooden interiors of Seminary Hill. An ivory tie and pocket square, along with polished brown leather shoes, pulled the look together.
One of the most emotional moments of the morning was Francesca’s first look with her father. It was a pause in the whirlwind of the day, and when he turned to see her in her gown, his eyes filled with pride. It was a reminder of how weddings aren’t just about two people coming together, they’re also about families, memories, and the bonds that shape us.
A Heartfelt First Look in the Hudson Valley
Before the ceremony, Francesca and Ryan shared a private first look on a grassy hillside with the Hudson Valley stretching out behind them.
Ryan stood waiting in his cobalt suit, boutonnière of soft peach and cream pinned to his lapel. Francesca approached in her off-the-shoulder gown, her train trailing across the grass, hair swept into a chic low bun. Francesca’s bouquet, filled with pastel roses, delphinium, peach ranunculus, and lavender accents, tied in perfectly with the landscape. Ryan’s boutonnière echoed the same palette, softening the bold blue of his jacket.
The moment they saw each other, their faces said everything. Ryan’s awe and Francesca’s joy were palpable, and as they held hands.
Then came Millie! Their dog joined in for portraits, wearing a floral collar that matched Francesca’s bouquet. The family portraits with her added such warmth and personality to the day.
Saying “I Do” at Seminary Hill
Guests entered the Seminary Hill ceremony space through a rustic wooden gate. We set up a wine barrel nearby that held a basket of leafy green fans that read “We do – Thank you for celebrating with us”. It was a thoughtful way to keep everyone cool in the sunshine.
The altar was a striking triangular wooden arch. Florals in pastel peach, lavender, and soft blue cascaded down each side. Two abundant floral clusters at the aisle entrance mirrored the design, tying everything together. Rows of black benches created an understated, modern look that let the flowers and the view shine.
With the rolling hills as their backdrop, Francesca and Ryan exchanged vows in a ceremony that was heartfelt, simple, and full of love.
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Wedding Portraits with Breathtaking Hudson Valley Views
After the ceremony, portraits captured the natural beauty of Seminary Hill. Francesca’s bouquet popped against her sleek gown with its flowing train. Ryan’s cobalt suit and ivory tie complemented the colors beautifully.
The wedding party portraits were full of personality. The groomsmen, in cobalt suits with peach and coral boutonnieres, stood confidently alongside the bridesmaids in sage green gowns. Francesca’s maid of honor wore a floral-printed dress that added subtle variety. Each bridesmaid carried a bouquet that matched the bride’s.
The combination of elegant attire, lush florals, and the sweeping countryside backdrop made these portraits feel both grand and personal.
Cocktail Hour Fun and Relaxed Vibes
Cocktail hour at Seminary Hill is always something special, and we made the most of the space. Outside, lawn games like cornhole and giant Connect Four gave guests the chance to play and mingle while soaking in the views. Adirondack chairs circled a firepit, creating a cozy, communal feel.
Inside, the bar became a design highlight with its light blue hexagon tile and modern pendant lights. We worked with the talented team at Floral Cottage to style the long wooden tables with mason jars of wildflower-style arrangements. The look blended rustic and modern seamlessly. Guests enjoyed artfully arranged charcuterie boards with cheeses, meats, spreads, and rustic grains that looked (and tasted) incredible.
One of the sweetest touches? A custom bar sign featuring their dog Millie, titled “Millie’s Bar – Drinks on Me!”. It was colorful, playful, and such a reflection of who they are as a couple.
Tented Reception at Seminary Hill
The tented reception carried the same thoughtful, rustic-meets-romantic vibe. Guests found their seats at a creative one-of-a-kind escort display designed with help from my team at KR Occasions. We worked alongside the florist to style glass wine bottles (provided by us) with handwritten table numbers tied around the necks. Inside each bottle we added blooms like peach roses or lavender delphinium, and soft greenery.
A lush floral arrangement anchored the table, set against sweeping Hudson Valley views. Next to it, a wooden sign displayed their love story timeline from their first date, to the proposal, to this very day. A detail that drew smiles from every guest who stopped to read it.
Nearby, the guestbook station invited everyone to sign wooden hearts and drop them into a heart-shaped acrylic frame, creating a keepsake Francesca and Ryan can treasure forever.
Under the sailcloth tent, the farm tables were lined with sage gauze runners, bud vases of colorful blooms, and tall white taper candles in glass holders. Wooden cross-back chairs and neutral place settings completed the look. The sweetheart table overflowed with cascading florals in peach, lavender, and blue, creating a dramatic centerpiece for Francesca and Ryan.
Dessert was sweet and stylish: rustic wooden stands held mini berry tarts topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, accented with flowers. Guests could also step outside to enjoy the cigar bar, styled with wooden crates and custom matchboxes. Wedding favors (small clear boxes tied with twine and filled with delicate white flower keepsakes) were displayed nearby, a thoughtful gift for loved ones.
As the night went on, the dance floor came alive. Francesca and Ryan’s first dance was romantic and full of smiles, and soon after, everyone joined in. It’s safe to say they got their wish for a packed dance floor and plenty of laughter!
A Seminary Hill Wedding to Remember
Francesca and Ryan’s Seminary Hill wedding was everything they had hoped for. Romantic, personal, and full of joy. From getting ready with their loved ones, to a heartfelt first look, to vows under the open sky, and finally a dance-filled reception, their story unfolded beautifully at this Hudson Valley gem.
Planning and designing weddings like Francesca and Ryan’s is what I love most. Especially when I get to bring so many personal touches to life! If you’re planning your own Seminary Hill wedding (or anywhere in Hudson Valley & Catskills), and want a day that feels just as thoughtful and unforgettable, I’d love to connect with you and make it happen.
Vendor Team
Wedding Planner: KR Occasions
Venue/Catering: Seminary Hill
Photography: Megan & Kenneth
Dessert: Cuppie Cake Desserts
Rehearsal Dinner: Rent E-Vent & Stuf’d Food Truck
Entertainment: DJ Flow
Florals: Floral Cottage
Rentals & Decor: Callabonation Productions
Transportation: Rolling V
Accommodations: Villa Roma
