Getting Ready at Crossed Keys Estate: The Playhouse & Pequest Parlor

The morning of Jessica + Patrick’s wedding began in two beautifully distinct spaces at the Crossed Keys Estate, each one designed for the couple to relax and get ready for their big day in comfort. Jessica and her bridal party were the first to arrive at the venue. They headed straight to the Playhouse, a whimsical bridal suite that’s a cross between a whimsical fairytale cottage and a luxury bridal suite. With ivy climbing across the stone exterior, natural wood paneling and floral designs throughout the interior, and sunlight pouring in from the many windows, getting ready in the Playhouse was the perfect soft, romantic start to the day. 

Jessica’s bridesmaids bustled around the space wearing matching pinstripe pajamas with tiny, embroidered bows, while Jessica got ready in a white dressing gown paired with fluffy “Mrs. Geelan” slippers. The team from Something Glam moved seamlessly around the room styling hair and makeup for Jessica, her bridesmaids, and her mom. At one point, Patrick made a quick appearance only to be playfully turned away by the bridesmaids before he could get a glimpse of Jessica. Luckily, the bride-to-be and her mom had already retreated into the Playhouse’s luxury bridal changing room so Jessica could slip into her wedding gown. Once she was dressed, a small knock at the door revealed Jessica’s father. With just one look at his little girl in her wedding dress, Jessica’s father swept her up into a warm hug. 

Meanwhile, over the Pequest Parlor, Patrick’s morning with the guys had a completely different energy. Getting ready in the Pequest Parlor is like having your own on-site apartment with just about every convenience you could think of. With modern furnishings inside, a deck to kick your feet up in the back, and a small golf area just beyond, it was everything the guys could want to start off the morning. Patrick even teed off a few rounds before sitting down to write a letter to Jessica in a small notebook.

A Romantic First Look in the Gardens

While planning their photography timeline, Jessica + Patrick chose to have a first look reveal before their ceremony. This was a chance for them to have a private moment together before getting swept up in the excitement of the day once their guests arrived. 

Jessica found Patrick waiting for her in the gardens just behind the Playhouse. As she made her way across the stone pathway, you could see the excited anticipation in Patrick’s face as he heard her light footsteps approaching. Then, finally, surrounded by flourishing greenery and bright bursts of colorful blooms, the two saw each other for the first time that day in one of the most romantic corners of the estate. After a tight embrace, Jessica and Patrick pulled out matching journals and took a moment to read letters they had written to each other just for this moment. 

With their journals tucked away once more, they walked the estate grounds, meandering the many tree-lined and garden pathways for bride and groom photos. Jessica + Patrick looked as though they had stepped straight out of a classic romance as they strolled hand in hand through the garden and down the sunlit paths. Their portraits blended timeless elegance with a modern editorial feel that felt worthy of any wedding magazine. Some of my favorite shots were taken on the Playhouse balcony where the two leaned into the venue’s Romeo-and-Juliet charm. Afterward, the wedding party joined us on the lawn for portraits before guests arrived and the celebration continued.

Saying “I Do” in the Ceremony Garden of the Crossed Keys Estate

Ceremonies at Crossed Keys Estate take place in their Ceremony Garden. Nestled within the venue’s expansive grounds, this lovely 18^th-century English garden-inspired space is set facing the ivy-covered stone wall of the Playhouse and surrounded by soaring trees and greenery. It’s the perfect, romantic little nook for couples to exchange their vows in. 

Every ceremony at Crossed Keys Estate begins with a serving of light refreshments set up at the entrance to the Ceremony Garden. For Jessica + Patrick’s ceremony, guests helped themselves to cold water, iced tea, or refreshing lemonade before heading to their seats. White rose petals lined the aisle, while tall floral arches overflowing with white roses framed the place where Jessica + Patrick would soon say “I do.”

When the ceremony began, Patrick, followed by one of his groomsmen and officiant of the ceremony, headed up the aisle first. The rest of the wedding party followed until the big reveal of Jessica led by her father. Their ceremony was simple and sweet, made even more personal and touching with Patrick’s long-time friend and groomsman officiating. 

After the ceremony, family portraits took place before Jessica + Patrick stole away for a few more newlywed photos around the grounds. Jessica had specifically requested photos on the estate’s tree swing, which made for playful, joy-filled portraits, before the two headed to the Conservatory to rejoin their guests for cocktail hour.

Cocktail Hour and Reception at the Crossed Keys Estate

While Jessica + Patrick were taking their newlywed portraits, their family and friends enjoyed cocktail hour at the Conservatory. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a pristine white interior, the space was filled with bright, natural light. Guests mingled throughout the room or stepped outside to enjoy fresh air on the patio while sampling an impressive spread of fruit, cheeses, hors d’oeuvres, and chef-attended food stations. Toward the end of the hour, Jessica + Patrick joined their guests to a round of cheers and spent the rest of cocktail hour greeting their loved ones. 

After cocktail hour, guests were ushered into the Farmhouse, the venue’s premier reception area. Soaring 40-foot windows overlooked the estate grounds, blending the beauty of the outdoors with the clean, modern interior. The wedding party made their grand entrance first, followed by Jessica + Patrick, who then went straight into their first dance. Afterward, they headed to their sweetheart table set beneath rose arches centered against the dramatic windows to listen to heartfelt speeches from Jessica’s father, the maid of honor, and best man.

Once dinner and cake cutting had finished, the celebration shifted fully into party mode. Guests could head outside for fresh-rolled cigars and s’mores by the firepit, or stay inside where the dance floor was packed all night. Either way, Jessica + Patrick’s wedding at the Crossed Keys Estate was the kind of joy-filled celebration no one ever wanted to end. But as guests finally started heading home at the very end, the couple had one last fun surprise for them with playful “Happy Meal” style to-go boxes with burgers and fries for a late-night snack. 

It was such an honor to be a small part of Jessice + Patrick’s wedding day. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer for your big day, I’d love to be there for you too!

Hi there! I’m Rachael Crowe of OkCrowe Photography. As a New York City wedding photographer, I’ve shot everything from vibrant rooftop weddings surrounded by the city skyline to lovely weddings in botanical gardens. Whatever your vibe is, I’m here to match it and capture all the details. Whether you’re planning a wedding in the NYC area or across the world, I’d be honored to be there for you. Just head to my contact form to get the conversation started.