The Newly-Minted Mr. and Mrs. Van Praagh

Context and History: The Newly-Minted Mr. and Mrs. Van Praagh

This post, written by Chris Abraham, recounts his experience attending the wedding of his dear friend, Anne Brossard, and Ian Van Praagh. Set in Saint James, NY, this blog entry provides a colorful and detailed account of a wedding that Abraham describes as nothing short of extraordinary.

The Who:

• Anne Brossard Van Praagh: The bride, a longtime friend of Chris Abraham. She and Chris both rowed for George Washington University (GWU), and later, in 1996, they backpacked together around the world on round-the-world tickets. After her travels, she attended Columbia University and eventually joined Moody's, where she became a highly respected member of the staff, referred to as a "Goddess" by Abraham.

• Ian Van Praagh: The groom, whom Anne met at a birthday party for Ian. Anne made a romantic move, and the two became a couple. Within 18 months, they were married.

• Chris Abraham: The author, a close friend of the bride. He attended the wedding in a new khaki suit, aiming to honor the occasion by looking "proper and handsome." Abraham also mentions that he burned 12 rolls of Fuji Sensia slide film at the event, a testament to his enthusiasm for capturing the moment.

• Mark Harrison: A companion of Chris Abraham, whose car broke down (referred to as a "Honda POS") before they made their way to the wedding in Chris's Jeep.

• The Harringtons: The hosts who accommodated Chris and Mark during the wedding. They stayed in a yoga studio at the Harringtons’ home in Crane Neck, NY. Mary Harrington is mentioned as a yoga instructor.

The What:

This post centers around the wedding of Anne Brossard and Ian Van Praagh, which was described as "no ordinary wedding" and painted as a picturesque, luxurious event. The celebrations included barbecues, brunches, beach clubs, scenic homes, and the reception at the Van Praagh family’s "compound," which featured immaculate grounds, a rose garden, fine dining, an open bar, and delightful company.

Chris and Mark stayed with the Harringtons, who put them up in a yoga studio, adding some humor to the post as Chris jokes about the awkwardness of sleeping in yoga poses. The event was not only beautiful, but also impeccably coordinated, and even Martha Stewart is mentioned, as Abraham humorously imagines her feeling like an imposter if she were to witness the splendor of the wedding.

The When:

The wedding took place over a weekend, though the exact date is not specified. Abraham begins the post by stating that he arrived home at 4:30 AM the following morning, indicating that the wedding occurred the previous day or weekend.

• 1996: A significant year for Anne and Chris, as they backpacked around the world together, highlighting their long-standing friendship.

The Where:

• Saint James, NY: The wedding took place in this picturesque town, likely in a beautiful, private estate referred to as the "Van Praagh compound."
• Crane Neck, NY: The town where Chris and Mark stayed with the Harringtons during the wedding.

The Why:

Chris attended this wedding to celebrate the union of his close friend, Anne Brossard, with Ian Van Praagh. The friendship between Anne and Chris runs deep, having shared many adventures together, from rowing at GWU to backpacking across the world. Chris’s emotional investment in attending this event is apparent through his fond, detailed descriptions.

The How:

The trip to the wedding was filled with a few bumps in the road, such as Mark’s Honda breaking down and needing to be replaced by Chris's Jeep for the journey. Despite the challenges, the experience was highly positive, with Chris being in awe of the wedding’s grandeur, capturing the event through photography, and reflecting on the close-knit friendships that surrounded the event.

FAQ:

Who is Anne Brossard?
Anne Brossard, now Anne Van Praagh, is the bride in the wedding. She is a former rower from George Washington University and a Columbia graduate who later worked at Moody's. She and Chris Abraham share a close friendship that spans many years and global adventures.

How did Anne and Ian meet?
Anne and Ian met at a birthday party for Ian. After Anne made a romantic move, the couple quickly became close, leading to their marriage 18 months later.

Where was the wedding?
The wedding took place in Saint James, NY, on the Van Praagh family estate, which is described as the "Van Praagh compound."

Who is Mark Harrison?
Mark is a friend of Chris who traveled with him to the wedding. His car, a Honda, broke down before the trip, forcing them to switch to Chris’s Jeep.

Who are the Harringtons?
The Harringtons hosted Chris and Mark during the wedding, and Mary Harrington is specifically mentioned as a yoga instructor who had them sleep on futons in her yoga studio.

Why was the wedding described as extraordinary?
Chris described the wedding as a perfect blend of luxury, beauty, and impeccable coordination, from the scenic location to the perfect weather, beautiful guests, and elegant food and drink.

What was the highlight of the wedding?
The highlight of the wedding was the overall extravagance and perfection of the event, with immaculate grounds, a stunning rose garden, fine dining, and an open bar. The bride, Anne, was radiant, wearing a tiara that Chris notes seemed to be her birthright.

Glossary:

• Fuji Sensia slide film: A type of photographic film known for its fine grain and vibrant colors, often used by photographers for slides and prints.

• Round-the-world tickets: A type of airline ticket that allows travelers to fly to multiple destinations around the world, often used for long-term travel and exploration.

• Jeep: A rugged vehicle used by Chris and Mark to travel to the wedding after Mark’s car broke down.

• Moodys: A credit rating agency where Anne worked. It’s considered a prestigious place of employment, and Anne’s status there earned her the nickname of a "Goddess."

• Yoga studio: The room where Chris and Mark stayed while at the Harrington’s home. Since it is a space typically used for yoga, the accommodations were unconventional for house guests.

This post is a testament to friendship, luxury, and an unforgettable wedding event that Chris cherished deeply.

Places Described in The Newly-Minted Mr. and Mrs. Van Praagh

1. Saint James, NY
   Saint James is a hamlet on the North Shore of Long Island, known for its quiet, suburban atmosphere and proximity to the water. The area is characterized by its beautiful, large homes, often set on sprawling estates. The Van Praagh family’s estate, referred to as the "Van Praagh compound," is likely a private, high-end property featuring immaculate grounds, a rose garden, and a picturesque setting that enhanced the grandeur of the wedding. Saint James itself has a blend of historical homes and modern estates, contributing to a feeling of both tradition and elegance.

2. Crane Neck, NY
   Crane Neck is a peninsula located on the North Shore of Long Island, part of the larger village of Old Field. Known for its upscale residences and secluded beaches, it’s home to many affluent families. The area offers stunning views of Long Island Sound, with rocky shorelines, wooded areas, and private properties that often boast access to quiet beaches. The Harringtons' home, described as a "fly pad," likely refers to a stylish, modern, or architecturally interesting home. Staying in this location would have been peaceful yet luxurious, with quick access to both scenic landscapes and private beach clubs.

3. The Van Praagh Compound
   The Van Praagh family estate is described as a compound, suggesting a large, privately owned property with multiple buildings or sections. The estate features "immaculate grounds" and a "stunning rose garden," indicative of carefully manicured lawns and gardens, likely reflecting the wealth and taste of the family. The compound likely hosted both the ceremony and the reception, offering a beautiful outdoor setting with fine dining, an open bar, and a historical band to entertain guests. Given the context, this estate would evoke the charm of classic Long Island estates—large, elegant homes with carefully curated landscapes, ideal for hosting lavish events.

4. The Harringtons' Home (Yoga Studio)
   The Harringtons’ home, located in Crane Neck, housed Chris and Mark during the wedding. Mary Harrington, a yoga instructor, provided accommodations in her yoga studio. Yoga studios are typically open, minimalist spaces with clean lines, natural light, and possibly hardwood floors. It would have been an unconventional sleeping arrangement for guests, especially on futons. The setting was likely serene, with the simplicity and calm associated with a space dedicated to yoga and mindfulness. The house may also have had a modern design, reflecting Mary’s profession and lifestyle.

5. Various Scenic Beach Clubs and Homes
   Throughout the weekend, guests were entertained with barbecues and brunches at "various scenic beach clubs and homes." Long Island’s North Shore, particularly around the Saint James and Crane Neck areas, is dotted with exclusive beach clubs that offer private access to the Sound, fine dining, and social events for affluent residents and guests. These clubs often feature beachfront views, elegant dining areas, and private cabanas, creating an ideal atmosphere for casual gatherings before and after the wedding. The homes mentioned likely reflect the coastal architecture of the region, with large, spacious interiors, high ceilings, and large windows offering views of the water.

Each of these places conveys a sense of luxury, exclusivity, and understated elegance, fitting for the type of high-society wedding described in Chris Abraham’s post.

People Mentioned in The Newly-Minted Mr. and Mrs. Van Praagh

1. Anne Brossard Van Praagh

   • Background: Anne is a longtime friend of Chris Abraham, having rowed together at George Washington University (GWU). After their college years, they backpacked together around the world in 1996 on round-the-world tickets. This experience of global exploration suggests that Anne is adventurous, open to new experiences, and values deep connections with friends like Chris.
   • Education and Career: After returning from her travels, Anne attended Columbia University, an Ivy League institution, highlighting her academic ambition. Post-graduation, she joined Moody's, a prestigious credit rating agency, where she was successful enough to earn the nickname “Goddess,” reflecting her high standing and possibly a reputation for being both competent and influential in her role.
   • Personality: The fact that Anne "made a play" for Ian at his birthday party suggests that she’s assertive, confident, and direct when it comes to relationships. Her radiant appearance at the wedding and her elegance in wearing a tiara, described as a "birthright," further depict her as someone with poise, grace, and a certain regal presence.

2. Ian Van Praagh

   • Background: Ian is the groom in this story and the new husband of Anne Brossard. Though not much detail is provided about his personal background or profession, his mention at a "birthday party" where he met Anne suggests he likely comes from a similar social background. His family’s wealth or standing is implied by the grandeur of the wedding, held on the expansive Van Praagh family estate.
   • Personality: Given the scale and sophistication of the wedding and the description of his family's "compound," Ian likely comes from a well-established or affluent family. The nature of the wedding, with immaculate grounds, historical elements, and top-tier organization, implies that he and his family value tradition, elegance, and high standards.

3. Chris Abraham (Author)

   • Role: Chris is the author of the post and a central character, reflecting on his experience at the wedding. He holds Anne in very high regard, considering her one of his close friends. He writes with admiration for the couple and an almost nostalgic affection for the adventures he and Anne have shared over the years.
   • Personality: Chris's reflections reveal his deep sense of loyalty and respect for his friends, as well as his attention to detail (both as a guest and a photographer). His wit and humor come through in his writing, especially when describing the yoga studio accommodation or his preparation for the wedding in a khaki suit. His decision to photograph the wedding in detail—using over 12 rolls of film—shows his appreciation for preserving special moments. Chris’s presence at the wedding underscores his role as a valued and involved friend.
4. Mark Harrison
5. • Background: Mark Harrison, who travels with Chris to the wedding, is a friend whose Honda (described as a "POS") breaks down, prompting them to continue the trip in Chris’s Jeep. Not much is revealed about Mark Harrison personally beyond his presence at the wedding and his travel misfortune, but the fact that he accompanies Chris to a significant event like this indicates a close friendship.
   • Personality: His car breaking down and the humorous tone used to describe this incident suggests that Mark Harrison may have a laid-back or easygoing personality, able to roll with the punches despite the inconvenience.

   • Mark Harrison's Role at the Wedding
     Mark Harrison traveled with Chris Abraham to attend the wedding of Anne Brossard and Ian Van Praagh, staying with the Harringtons in Crane Neck, NY.

6. The Harringtons

7. • Mary Harrington: Mary is specifically mentioned as a yoga instructor who hosted Chris and Mark in her home during the wedding weekend. Her profession as a yoga instructor suggests that she values health, wellness, and perhaps a minimalist or mindful lifestyle. The fact that Chris and Mark stayed in her yoga studio shows her willingness to accommodate friends, even in unconventional spaces.
   • Personality: Given her yoga instructor background, Mary likely embodies the qualities associated with yoga: calm, flexibility, and hospitality. Hosting houseguests in her yoga studio speaks to her creative use of space and her generosity.

8. The Van Praagh Family

   • Background: The Van Praagh family, implied to be Ian's relatives, own a large, elegant estate where the wedding took place. Described as a "compound" with immaculate grounds and a stunning rose garden, this family seems to be wealthy and accustomed to hosting high-society events. The family’s taste and resources are evident in the flawless execution of the wedding, from the historic band to the fine dining and open bar featuring craft beers.
   • Personality: While individual family members aren’t discussed in detail, their ability to host such a lavish and well-planned event suggests that they are sophisticated, resourceful, and connected to a certain social class that values tradition, elegance, and community.

9. Martha Stewart (Mentioned)

   • While not a literal attendee at the wedding, Martha Stewart is humorously invoked by Chris to illustrate the level of perfection at the event. Chris writes that Stewart would rush from the event "crying, ashamed that she was in fact a hack and an imposter," emphasizing the superior quality of the wedding. This comparison paints the wedding as so perfect and well-executed that even a lifestyle and hosting icon like Martha Stewart would feel inadequate.

Summary

The people involved in this story come from a high social standing, with backgrounds in prestigious institutions and careers. Anne Brossard Van Praagh stands out as confident, elegant, and accomplished, while Ian Van Praagh is presented as the perfect partner for her in both status and personality. Chris Abraham’s affectionate and humorous storytelling offers a glimpse into his strong friendships, while the supporting characters like Mark and the Harringtons add warmth and a touch of humor to the narrative. The Van Praagh family’s wealth and ability to host a luxurious event reflect their affluence and sophisticated tastes.