The Vision

A Celebration of Travel, Taste, and Time Together

Elevated and relaxed in equal measure. Food that speaks for itself—simple ingredients treated with intention and respect. The warmth of a good meal shared with people who matter. Menu inspired by Suzannah and Maurice's love of global flavors and their belief that the best food needs very little embellishment.

What's In Season

May — Late Spring

A moment of transition in the Hudson Valley. Stone fruit emerging, berries at their peak, spring vegetables still tender and sweet. A season of brightness and renewal—the perfect backdrop for a celebration.

About Russell & Essential Herbs

Led by intuition. Rooted in place.

Russell's cooking style balances simple, complex, and unexpected flavor combinations using the freshest local ingredients sourced within 250 miles of Brooklyn. He believes food is a vessel—accessible to all, with the potential to elevate the simple human experience of breaking bread together into something transcendent. Featured in Bon Appétit, WSJ, Vogue, Eater, and the New York Times.

The Venue

Windrift — A Hudson Valley Sanctuary

An intimate retreat at 256 Smith Rd, West Coxsackie, NY 12192, with sweeping grounds and a design sensibility that honors simplicity and light. Ceremony by the house. Dinner near the pavilion. A space that feels like home, elevated.

Menu

Global. Intentional. Ingredient-Forward.

Wine & Bar Program

Simple. Supportive. Not the Focus.

The wine and bar program is thoughtful and intentional. Russell coordinates all service pacing and wine/cocktail integration with courses.

Dietary Accommodations

Fully inclusive

Menu naturally accommodates gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian guests. All accommodations receive equal care and portion consideration—never an afterthought. Couple has guest list with specific allergies (nut allergies noted); Russell will coordinate all details at Menu Kickoff.

Staffing & Responsibilities

What EH Handles

Investment

Saturday Wedding Package

Sourcing Philosophy

Seasonal. Ethical. Direct.

All produce sourced within 250 miles of Brooklyn and the Hudson Valley at peak season. Russell maintains direct relationships with growers and seafood suppliers, ensuring ingredients arrive days before the event. For Suzannah and Maurice's celebration, proximity to the Hudson Valley allows leverage of local farms and fishers—the meal will taste of place and season, reflecting both families' values around food, ingredients, and sustainability.

Outside of Scope

Partners & Vendors

Essential Herbs handles all food, beverage, and hospitality service. The following are outside our scope and handled by the couple, their planner, or approved vendors: Photography + Video, Floral + Décor, Music + Entertainment, Attire + Beauty, Invitations + Stationery, Officiant, Transportation, Guest Favors + Gifts, Venue coordination (Windrift & Pocketbook Factory). Wedding planner (if desired) for month-of and day-of coordination. Friday rehearsal dinner (Pocketbook Factory).

Next Steps