A Love Grows in Brooklyn...

NY Times, June 14, 2009

2009-06-15T14:04:00.004-04:00

Robin Zakoura, Frank Ozmun
Published: June 12, 2009

Robin Leigh Zakoura and Frank Edward Ozmun were married Saturday evening at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, the restaurant on the Rockefeller family’s Pocantico Hills estate in Tarrytown, N.Y. Rabbi Ari Fridkis officiated.

Ms. Zakoura, 34, is keeping her name. She is a senior manager responsible for training employees at Bumble & Bumble, the salon and hair-care products division of Estée Lauder in New York. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin. She is a daughter of Harriet and Mike Zakoura of Leawood, Kan.

Mr. Ozmun, 42, manages a team of graphic designers at the Wal-Mart apparel design office in New York. He is the son of Sheral and Grover Ozmun of Norman, Okla.

To see the actual link, go HERE.

Time to Disco

2009-06-10T14:41:00.000-04:00

See you in T-Town!

Hollyweird

2009-06-07T13:36:00.004-04:00

Last night we wanted to rent a light, funny movie and Frank kindly suggested Bride Wars. Lucky for him, he fell asleep 20 minutes in, because it would be generous to give that movie a half star. I'd be lying if I said my feathers were never ruffled during this planning process, but Kate and Anne make Bridezillas look collected. Unfortunately, there might be a sequal because at the end of the film, *spoiler alert* they are both pregnant and due on the SAME day. OMG, EEEEK!!!!

Extra cheese, hold the stripper

2009-06-06T19:35:00.002-04:00

I'm posting some photos from my bachelorette party last weekend. Pam planned a fantastic evening with my favorites - friends, food and wine. Luckily, there was no hunk-o-mania involved, just some harmless props and a bridal cap that Pam pawned off, err, gave to me.

Single Digits

2009-06-05T13:32:00.002-04:00

sniffles + wedding anticipation = no sleep
oh my gosh, one week!

Not Cute

2009-06-04T12:38:00.005-04:00

I've come down with a nasty cold and have stayed home from work 2 days now. Frank had to twist my arm to stay home - for some reason I put more emphasis on work and this dang conference call to Singapore than my health a week before my wedding. I either have a really strong work ethic or am just plain nuts. Anyway, I am resting, watching reruns of Roseanne and occasionally blogging for my entertainment. Okay, gotta go sniff some nasal spray (like I said, not cute).

Seriously

2009-06-03T18:24:00.003-04:00

I came across this amazing photograph of a hotel in Sorrento. I want to go to Italy for this hotel room alone! Frank, we have lots of exploring to do - are you ready for the adventure? I know you are.

The "First" Date

2009-06-03T18:11:00.007-04:00

I love that the Obamas dined at Blue Hill before attending a Broadway Show last weekend. Out of all the restaurants in New York! I'm sure they were fist-bumping after that meal, because the food is gooood. We went to Blue Hill over Memorial Day Weekend to plan our menu and we are so excited. It's very unusual to discuss the menu only a few weeks before a wedding, but that is because Blue Hill is so seasonal. According to Ilene who just ate there, asparagus is VARY in!

2 Years Ago...

2009-05-29T11:48:00.005-04:00

Frank and I met. Our dating anniversary is soon to be replaced by a new one.

Paint the (Tarry) Town Magenta

2009-05-27T19:28:00.002-04:00

2 ½ weeks. I repeat, 2 ½ weeks.

Beep beep

2009-05-26T14:35:00.012-04:00

After the wedding, we will continue the celebration at the Castle on the Hudson bar. We will provide transportation from Blue Hill to the Castle, which will make a final stop at the Doubletree (in case you want to retire). Therefore, we suggest taking a taxi to the wedding and riding the shuttle back. In layman's terms: there will be good wine.

If you don't have a car during the weekend, taxis are inexpensive and accessible (see below for numbers). Taxis will also be waiting at the train stations, if you are traveling by MetroNorth. If we can help you coordinate additional transportation, please let us know.

Sleepy Hollow Taxi 914.366.8294
United Taxi 914.631.2920
National Taxi 914.366.0202
White Plains Airport Taxi 914.333.1111 (Approx $40 between Tarrytown and White Plains Airport)

Laurie and Dan

2009-05-12T14:35:00.005-04:00

We just returned from Laurie and Dan's wedding in Indianapolis. They are such a beautiful and happy couple and it was wonderful to share in their celebration. It made us even more excited for our own upcoming nuptials. Although my attention was focused on Laurie and Dan, as a future bride, I couldn't help but eye the escort cards and note the passed hors d'oeuvres. Not to mention 3 little words: Dairy Queen Blizzard.

Dan Barber's Checklist

2009-05-06T09:53:00.004-04:00

 Be on Time Magazine's Most Influential People of 2009 List
 Receive the James Beard Foundation’s outstanding chef award
 Create Frank and Robin's wedding reception meal

I'm shakin' my maracas

2009-05-05T10:38:00.009-04:00

Oh yes I am. I'm so over the swine flu (I mean, H1N1) - and here's hoping it will be over soon since Frank and I are going to Zihuatanejo in 6 weeks. ¡ay Dios mío! Mexico, you're getting such a bad rap, but we still love ya. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Missing B

2009-05-02T14:32:00.004-04:00

I'm a little blog happy at the moment, if you couldn't tell. I am loving the GG marathons on TV right now in rememberance of Bea Arthur. Such a good show. What about the finale when Dorothy marries Leslie Nielsen? I haven't seen such fine acting since Airplane II. Can we talk about her dress? I know it was 1992, but still. Miss you Bea!

May Day

2009-05-01T07:43:00.004-04:00

May Day is synonymous with International Workers' Day, but I see it as a spring celebration, as it falls halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice. May is a good month - it is also the month before we get married. We're getting married next month! This photo is a nod to this beautiful season, as well as my future husband, who has been dilligently making our backyard beautiful.

Our Story (as told to the NY Times)

2009-04-30T13:58:00.007-04:00

Hmm, do you think that little paper on 42nd street will choose us for their wedding section? Cross your fingers that our mugs will be in the NY Times on June 14. I submitted 2 photos - one is slightly blury (snapped by a Miami bartender), but has perfectly aligned eyebrows, as per the requirements. The other one is laid back Cali style. I mean, we're no Michelle Rosen and David Zornitsky, but we're cool. Here is our story:

Frank Ozmun and Robin Zakoura are Midwest natives who have lived in New York for 10 and 12 years respectively. They met online - on the Jewish dating website, JDate. When she joined JDate, Robin never anticipated meeting a non-Jew who she would eventually marry.

Robin noticed Frank online first. She was drawn to his profile simply because he seemed like a nice guy. It was straight forward and authentic – lacking the generic descriptions that dominated most profiles: “I am just as comfortable going to the bars as I am watching a movie at home.” The only questionable description was his religion, which was “I’ll tell you later.” Robin made a mental note to ask him about this.

Frank discovered the website, while helping his friend Gabe jazz up his JDate profile (Gabe would later meet his wife on JDate, and in time become Frank’s Best Man). Frank was a member of several other dating websites, but in an attempt to diversify his online portfolio, he signed up for JDate. Not only did he find the women on JDate attractive and interesting, he had an equal enthusiasm for the website’s interface and format. “It’s so much easier to use than Match,” he declared.

Six months and many bad dates later, Frank found himself extremely frustrated. One night, at home after an unsuccessful date, he shouted, “Where is she?” The next day, Robin emailed him.

Frank and Robin immediately clicked. Their first phone conversation lasted 45 minutes, where they spoke about their jobs, their hobbies and Eames Furniture. Robin commented on the rare breed of Jews in Oklahoma, which was how she discovered Frank was not Jewish. “Well, I was going to tell you about that…” Frank began. Instead of being bothered, Robin reveled in the irony and made a date to meet Frank the following week at Otto, the West Village Italian Restaurant.

When they toasted their wine at Otto, there was an undeniable correlation between the clink of the glasses and the spark in their eyes. “Now THAT was a toast,” Robin declared. As any savvy online dater would do, Robin had arranged for her friends visiting from San Francisco to meet her there for dinner. Since the date was going so well, Robin extended the dinner invitation to Frank, which he politely declined. Although disappointed to see him leave, she understood why he declined; he too was a savvy dater.

At their fourth meeting - a BBQ on Robin’s roof deck – Frank’s feelings for Robin were solidified. When he saw Robin holding her friend’s baby, a calm wave came over him; this is really going to be something. A little more than a year later, Frank proposed to Robin at the Bridge Café, the city’s oldest surviving tavern, directly across the water from their home in Brooklyn Heights.

Frank and Robin will marry on June 13 at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, a working farm and restaurant presided over by chef and partner Dan Barber. The ceremony will take place steps away from their organic garden and well treated animals. Immediately following the ceremony will be a cocktail reception on the restaurant’s patio and dinner in their private dining room.

Robin first dined at the restaurant with her family on Fathers Day in 2006. At that meal, a year before she would meet Frank, Robin told her parents that she wanted to get married there. Months before they got engaged, Frank and Robin had dinner at Blue Hill where Robin confessed her wedding wishes. Between bites of his beet burger, Frank echoed her feelings, saying that he couldn’t have picked a better place.

Inspiration

2009-04-20T23:15:00.009-04:00

Over the past several months, I've cruised wedding and design blogs for wedding inspiration and am blown away by how MUCH is out there. Creativity, inspiration and beauty x infinity. I'm posting a few images that I just came across. You got to love the '60s wedding in Big Sur! Enjoy.

12 Restaurants That Matter

2009-04-04T10:49:00.004-04:00

Blue Hill at Stone Barns is featured in Saveur Magazine's April issue. They have been highlighted a lot recently - a few months ago, Blue Hill was the location of a Top Chef competition. Looks like we knew about the perfect spot after all. Happy Spring!

Practice

2009-03-26T20:05:00.002-04:00

The very spot where we will marry. Just picture trees in bloom.

Giddy for Ramekins

2009-03-26T19:41:00.006-04:00

I am posting some photos from my shower, held March 14 at the Burgundy Wine Company. It was such a special and memorable day. Thank you to Rachel, the phenomenal event planner, maid of honor and my sister for putting together the best shower I could have ever asked for. Emily's creative touches were everywhere - from the cupcakes (um, wow) to the invites (adorable). And to Kari who was there in spirit, for the attendee gifts. There was so much love (and wine) in that room. My heart is full!!!

T Minus 3 Months

2009-03-13T13:11:00.008-04:00

3 months from today Frank and I do the dos! We can't wait to be married and celebrate, but I think I'll take my champs in a glass. I can't speak for Frank. JK.

Registry

2009-02-17T13:33:00.010-05:00

Our tableware is Nicole Farhi Home, which can be found at 202 in Manhattan's Chelsea Market. Although their registry is not online, they will work with you over the phone (646.638.0115) or in person. We selected tableware in a variety of beautiful, bright colors, including the blue plates featured in the above photo.

Williams-Sonoma offers gourmet cookware and products that extend to every room of the house.

ABC Carpet and Home, a New York establishment since 1897, aims to 'offer cause related product through beauty, experience and magic, in order to guide you to creatively express your individuality, values and to actualize home as a sacred space.' Gift certificates can be purchased through this website.

Sur La Table first opened in Seattle's Pike Place Market selling hard to find kitchenware from France. They've since expanded to stores around the US.

Stache

2009-02-11T14:43:00.002-05:00

Hmmm...are mustaches the new trendy wedding prop? I keep seeing these hairy novelties on wedding blogs and magazines, and I can't quite figure out the draw. Although we won't be riding the stache trend, I couldn't help posting these adorable mustached tamarins. Who doesn't love a tamarin? See you in June...I'll be the one in the white dress and groucho glasses.

Timing + Directions for the Weekend

2009-01-21T13:39:00.011-05:00

FRIDAY NIGHT:
Welcome BBQ
Castle on the Hudson
400 Benedict Avenue, Tarrytown
6pm
Directions found on website or Mapquest

SATURDAY NIGHT:
Wedding and Reception
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills
6:30pm (arrival begins at 6pm)
Directions found on website or Mapquest

*The celebration continues at the Castle on the Hudson bar at 11:30pm (there will be a shuttle from Blue Hill to the Castle)

Save the Dates

2009-01-14T12:57:00.002-05:00

I am so happy - I mailed the 'save the dates' this morning. It was exciting to put them in the mailbox - it made it feel real. The cards and invitations are being designed by the talented Suzanne Jennerich, a colleague of Frank's. Suzanne, who splits her time between Hamburg, Germany and Rio, has a swimwear line called Mooca. I just might have to buy one for the 'moon in Mexico!

A message from the Bride

2009-01-06T17:45:00.004-05:00

I'm getting married THIS year. I'm so excited to marry Frank!

Local Haunts

2009-01-02T15:20:00.012-05:00

Places we've dined and loved:
(1) The Red Hat in Irvington. Directly on the Hudson River; patio dining in the summer! Delicious New American food with plenty of options.
(2) Equus (at the Castle on the Hudson) in Tarrytown. An award winning restaurant where you will have an impressive dining experience.

Other places of note:
(1) Mima Vinoteca in Irvington. Italian kitchen and wine bar, cozy and intimate.
(2) One in Irvington. Seasonally inspired New American cuisine with extensive raw bar.
(3) Chiboust in Tarrytown. Intimate, elegant bistro offering French-Mediterranean cuisine.

Accomodations

2009-01-02T15:05:00.016-05:00

We have rooms blocked out at 2 hotels at reduced rates:
(1) Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown. $149 / night. To guarantee this rate, reserve your room by May 8 by phone (800.222.TREE) or online. Be sure to mention the code ZOW (if you're booking online, type the code in the 'group or convention code' field). If the rate isn't coming up, please call Erica Ynoa directly at 914.631.5700.
(2) The Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown. For a really a special experience, stay here! The rate is $315 - which is guaranteed through May 13. Although pricier than the Doubletree - there are many benefits to staying here (besides the fact that it is amazing). The Friday night dinner will take place here, as well as the post wedding gathering. The B&G will also be staying here.
(3) Tarrytown House in Tarrytown. We do not have rooms blocked out here, but this is a great place to stay - with the price point between the Doubletree and the Castle.

A word of wisdom

2008-12-19T12:25:00.006-05:00

This time of year can get a little kooky - so we wish you a happy holiday season and remind you to keep calm and carry on. We are headed up to Tarrytown on Monday for a wedding research / R&R combo. We are staying at the Castle on the Hudson, which should be lovely. Fit for a king and queen of course. Cheers!

It's snowing in New York,

2008-12-06T22:40:00.008-05:00

OU is winning, we're in love and we ALMOST don't notice our obnoxious upstairs neighbors. Oy Vey! says Franko. You may have noticed that the blogging is in a holding pattern - not because we're lazy, but the holidays a'cometh, etc, et. al. Not that anyone is a dedicated reader - Mom? Bob Stoops? Our save the date AKA "safe the date" is in the works. Suzanne - friend + Illustrator from Germany, is working on it via Brazil. And Rabbi Fridkis is ready to bless. What's next? The colors of course: crimson and cream!

For the early planners....

2008-11-11T10:06:00.002-05:00

Here is some general information about the weekend:

Both the rehearsal dinner on Friday (sans rehearsing) and wedding will take place in the lower Hudson Valley. There are many quaint and beautiful towns there - with options of staying in luxury hotels, mid-range hotels and b&bs. Once we do more research, we'll be able to reccomend specific towns and hotels.

If you want to stay in Manhattan (for part or the entire time), that is also an option. You can get to the events by car or the metro north railroad (a 40 min ride from Grand Central). A car service back to the city after the wedding probably isn't too expensive.

In additon to the standard airports - Laguardia, JFK and Newark (NJ), consider flying into the Westchester County Airport in White Plains. If it's a good fare and you're staying up there, it's the way to go.

The Place

2008-11-08T22:32:00.001-05:00

Our ceremony and reception will take place at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. We couldn't have dreamed of a more beautiful and appropriate spot to start our lives together. Blue Hill is located 30 miles north of New York City in Pocantico Hills - northeast of Sleepy Hollow and southwest of Pleasantville. Originally settled by the Wecquaesgeek Tribes, the area of Pocantico means 'running between two hills' (hence our blog address). In addition to the restaurant where we will celebrate our wedding, the Rockefeller Estate includes an agricultural center, cafe and many well treated cows and lamb. For a sneak peak, go to bluehillfarm.com.

We Did It!

2008-11-02T16:06:00.001-05:00

Save the Date:

June 13th, 2009

Blue Hill at Stone Barns

Pocantico Hills, NY