The Venue

Stissing House, located in the town of Pine Plains, New York, offered a charming and refined setting for Blair + Iman’s rehearsal dinner. For Blair, who grew up just a short distance from the venue, the Stissing House felt like the perfect place to host the couple’s welcome dinner. This historic, 19th-century inn exudes warmth and character, with its exposed wooden beams, cozy fireplace, and intimate dining rooms. Surrounded by scenic views of the Catskill Mountains and the rolling Hudson Valley, it provides a perfect blend of casual elegance and natural beauty. The Stissing House’s with locally sourced cuisine and a thoughtful wine list was the perfect setting to start off the wedding weekend. Stissing House’s timeless charm and attentive service made it an ideal venue for a memorable evening before the big day for Blair, Iman and their nearest and dearest!

Cocktail Hour

Guests entered Stissing House where they mingled and explored a variety of artfully crafted food experiences. Stissing House served bone broth over an open fire, ladling the rich liquid into cups and garnishing them with fresh herbs. Peanuts were presented in bowls throughout, inviting guests to help themselves. A punch bowl filled with a delightful concoction was served alongside a selection of salty snacks—chips, peanuts, and crackers—thoughtfully arranged in baskets for easy access throughout cocktail hour. Passed canapés were enjoyed, while a stunning cheese display, complete with candles nestled in cheese wheels, added both flavor and ambiance to the scene.

Dinner

Guests were escorted upstairs for dinner, where they were greeted by a breathtaking display of flowers provided by Saipua. The vibrant blooms, including dahlias in shades of pink and orange, were thoughtfully arranged in bud vases of various sizes, echoing the colors of a painting in the entryway. These floral arrangements adorned Stissing House’s stunning wooden furniture, complemented by oatmeal-colored linens that draped the tables. Soft candlelight flickered across the room, adding a warm glow to the elegant atmosphere.

The upstairs dinner area featured more impressive food displays, with fresh lettuce and fennel creatively incorporated into the presentation. The cocktail napkins and matchbooks, each adorned with the couple's signature fig branding, designed by Emily Baird Design, added a personal touch to the evening. Every detail, from the florals to the small branding elements, came together to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Welcome Bags

As the evening drew to a close and guests began to leave the Stissing House, they were gifted with a thoughtful token of appreciation. On their way out, each guest was offered a welcome bag, carefully curated to reflect Blair and Iman’s personal tastes. The bags were filled with a selection of the couple's favorite snacks—treats that held special meaning for them and perfectly captured the spirit of the evening. From artisanal chocolates to savory bites, the snacks were both a delicious and thoughtful gesture, allowing guests to carry a little piece of the evening home with them.

The bags themselves were just as thoughtfully designed. Adorned with custom branding by Emily Baird Design, each one featured the couple's signature fig motif, which had been elegantly incorporated throughout the event. The fig branding, delicate yet striking, tied together the evening’s aesthetic, offering a subtle but meaningful nod to the couple’s personal style.