We think it is so important for couples to know, trust, like, and connect with the wedding professionals they choose. That’s why we are featuring our very own wedding coordinator, Helene, on this month’s blog!
She is most likely the first person you will meet from our friendly staff when you visit for a tour, and the person you will work closest with for your wedding plans at the Preston Barn. We asked Helene some questions that will help you get to know her and our venue a little better!
Pictured: Helene on the left with Groom and Bride, Ethan and Lauren.
Q: What is your experience in the Wedding Industry and what led you to the Preston Barn? How long have you been with the Preston Barn?
A: I have been in the hospitality and catering industry for over the past 30 years. I had my start in the Art of Food Presentation, serving and customer services working for my older brother’s catering company as I studied for nursing school. Although I was a nurse for several years, I never left the hospitality industry. After the birth of my third child, I decided to work full time as a professional Maitre D’. My experience starting as a dishwasher, line cook, server to high-end private catering sets me apart as my current role as an event planner. After years of offering the highest levels of catering and event planning in Westchester, Greenwich, and NYC, I have greatly enjoyed mixing my talent in the past three years at Preston Barn with our amazing staff. Having the right team was very important for me and I found it at the Preston Barn.
Q: What are your main jobs/focuses on the Wedding Day?
A: I currently oversee all elements of planning your big day at the Preston Barn and Old Drover’s Inn. I am available every step of the way; from individualized tours of the venue and grounds, personalize your wedding package, and help you navigate all aspects of your wedding day. From the early stages of suggesting your décor, communicating between client, vendors, and waitstaff to lining up your family and friends to walk down the aisle, I am there for you every step of the way to turn your dreams into your perfect event.
Q: Who is the ideal client(s) for a Preston Barn wedding?
A: I am not a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all event planner! My ideal clients are unique, excited, and looking for a modern, rustic, and/or industrial aesthetics. Our location 90 minutes outside of New York City is a perfect mid-point location for families traveling near and far. We attract couples looking for an elegant rustic barn wedding, a full-service venue to make a weekend of memories with their closest loved ones.
Q: What is your favorite thing about the barn or the property? Most unique?
A: My favorite thing about the barn is our ambiance. From our dimmable, sleek Edison bulb lighting throughout our air-conditioned barn, to our garden string lights illuminating our permanent outdoor tent and patio. In the evening the barn is full of a warm, sexy glow of the string lights, while the 5 barn doors are open letting in soft moonlight, it is just magical! The most unique aspect of our events is after parties in our Tap Room. The Taproom is located in the lower level of the Inn and dates back to 1750 as one of NY’s firsts taverns. It very much reminds me of speak-easy! Its capacity is 50 VIP guests, a gorgeous full bar, cozy booths and tables, and a working fireplace.
Q: When giving tours to couples, what are some of the things or details that stand out for them the most?
A: The manicured grounds.
The instant charm and history of our properties, especially its extensive wood and stonework. Our owner maintained as much of the original building materials he could, some of the wood in the barn is over 100 years old!
Custom farm tables 9 feet long by 42” wide (Pinterest swoon worthy!)
Our consistency in design, copper trimming inside and out of the barn as well as restored industrial lighting and furniture.
Our Private ceremony area, nestled in the wooden corner of the property, with its back drop of a stone wall and tall green trees. *Fall colors are amazing!
Our Inn and all of its allure of the old wide, squeaky floorboards, hand-painted murals, beautiful antiques with modernized comfort. Think Hudson Valley charm with all modern amenities, each room has its own personality (and bathroom!)
Q: Can you tell us about a unique or crazy wedding story from your time at The Preston Barn?
A: In September 2019 a freak storm came through our part of the county and 30 miles of power supply was out for 5 days. On day 4, we had the family arrive to stay at the Inn and Carriage House (across the street). Day 5 was the wedding. Of course, you would think that we would have to cancel the wedding, BUT not at all. We have a full generator that powered the Barn and Inn, without a light flickering, no loss of refrigeration or AC! For those in the Carriage House, we provide free shuttles to one of our other lodgings with a full working generator, 10 minutes away. The day of the wedding, no guest was any the wiser that the area was powerless. Just before the cake cutting ceremony, all power in the area was restored—but the guests were not aware, the event was seamless and a wedding memory was made!
Q: Tell us something you did that was above and beyond for a couple?
A: I have secretly assisted a couple with distracting an “obligated to invite guest” to helping put a fallen wedding cake back together, a guest bumped it while dancing. My goal is to keep the event running smoothly and provide you with the peace of mind that all is taken care of behind the scenes. I have come up with hand gestures with brides to signal everything from refreshing her drink, to locating and gathering a groom’s party! Couples are thrilled and the guests are unaware of my undercover abilities to distract guests, move a group, and keep the party going!
Q: What is your favorite moment of a wedding day as a coordinator? What about as a guest?
A: My favorite part of the wedding day is watching the groom’s expression when he watches the bride walk down the aisle. Most people have their eyes on the bride, but the groom's face tells it all! Regardless of how many weddings and events. I help make it to the finish line, your expressions are always the best part of an event.
Q: If your family and friends were asked to describe you in 3 words, what would they be?
A: Welcoming, Intuitive and Dedicated
Q: What are your favorites from the menu (apps, entrees, cocktails…)?
Passed Hors d ’Oeuvre:
Truffled Mac & Cheese, Rare Beef sirloin/pumpernickel toast/Herb Aioli
Station:
Hudson Valley Harvest Table (local cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, vegetables, dips, condiments, bread and crisps
Entree
Lager Braised Beef Short Ribs/Crispy onion
Roasted Mushroom Risotto/Parmesan Sweet Pea
Chicken Saltimbaocca/prosciutto/provolone/capers
Dessert
All of them! The station displays are great as the visional element to the yummy items.
Signature Cocktail
Smoke in the Valley bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch, Apple cider and cinnamon
Lynchburg Lemonade, bourbon, triple sec. and lemon
Q: Anything else you’d like to say to the venue hunters reading this right now?
A: The Covid pandemic has affected all of us, including myself and moving my daughter’s wedding out another year. Enjoy your time together and the wedding planning process. I am here to help you with the entire process, details large and small. I will be able to help answer the questions that you didn’t realize you had, including budgeting, traditions, and up and coming trends. I try my best to answer all questions within 24 hours.
To me it is not just another wedding, it is Your Wedding!
And that’s all she wrote (literally)! If you want to see more of what our past couples had to say about Helene and their experience at the The Preston Barn, check out our testimonials page!