Aemilia Madden and Dylan Reitz-Cruz's Hudson Valley Backyard Wedding

Aemilia Madden, a freelance fashion journalist and brand consultant, and Dylan Reitz-Cruz, an artist and visual designer, crafted a deeply personal and intimate wedding in the picturesque Hudson Valley. Their love story began in 2022 on the dating app Hinge, sparked by Aemilia's profile seeking a partner with "good taste in snacks and hikes." Dylan's witty response about "bad taste in hikes" led to a connection, further solidified by shared interests in author Michael Pollan and the podcast 99% Invisible. Their second date, a romantic picnic in Greenwood Cemetery, a place of nostalgic significance for Aemilia, set the tone for their relationship. The proposal unfolded in June 2025 during a scenic camping trip in the Adirondacks, culminating in a charming candlelight dinner by the campfire, complete with vintage decor and homemade deep-dish pizza.

For their special day, held on June 20, the couple opted for a hands-on approach, planning and designing everything themselves for an intimate ceremony in Dylan’s parents' backyard. Weeks prior, they legally married at City Hall. Aemilia's wedding attire was a reflection of her unique style, featuring a Kamparett dress, Prounis earrings, Alaia wedges, and a distinctive antique wax flower crown. Dylan complemented her in a green Paul Smith suit, Bode shirt, and green Aime Leon Dore derby shoes, embodying the verdant, summery aesthetic of their chosen setting. Their ceremony, officiated by Dylan's best friend, was held under a pear tree, with personalized vows centered around the theme of "making your own luck." The evening transitioned into a vibrant celebration with pizza, wine, a first dance to “This Will Be Our Year” by The Zombies, and an eclectic mix of bachata and nostalgic "middle school dance music," all capped off by a surprise fireworks display from Dylan's father, making for an unforgettable night that lasted until the early hours.

The Journey to "I Do": From Hinge to Hudson Valley

Aemilia Madden, a freelance fashion journalist, and Dylan Reitz-Cruz, an artist, began their romantic journey in 2022 after connecting on Hinge. Their shared love for snacks, hikes, author Michael Pollan, and the podcast 99% Invisible quickly forged a bond. A memorable second date, a picnic in Greenwood Cemetery, solidified their connection and hinted at Dylan's deep understanding of Aemilia. The engagement took place in June 2025 during an Adirondacks camping trip, where Dylan orchestrated a picturesque proposal on a private rock outcropping, followed by a romantic campfire dinner with vintage touches.

Their initial meeting on Hinge in 2022 blossomed into a deep connection, demonstrating how shared simple pleasures like a good snack and a scenic hike can lay the foundation for a lasting relationship. Aemilia's early childhood experiences, having attended preschool adjacent to Oakland's Mountain View Cemetery and frequently walking through it, resonated deeply with Dylan's thoughtful planning of their second date in Greenwood Cemetery. This gesture, described by Aemilia as Dylan knowing her "shockingly well," was a significant moment in their courtship. The proposal in June 2025 in the Adirondacks was equally meaningful, featuring a surprise picnic with a vintage tablecloth, candle, and champagne, followed by a delicious deep-dish pizza cooked over a campfire. The subsequent visit to Hemlock Neversink, complete with a hike and spa treatments, and a celebratory dinner with Dylan's family, added layers of joy and intimacy to their engagement story, reflecting their adventurous spirits and appreciation for personal, thoughtful gestures.

Crafting a Celebratory, Personal Wedding Experience

For their wedding, Aemilia and Dylan, both with creative backgrounds, envisioned a celebration filled with personal touches. They planned an intimate backyard wedding at Dylan’s parents’ Hudson Valley home, taking charge of all the details, from design to vendor outreach. Aemilia wore a sleek Kamparett dress, accented with Prounis earrings, Alaia wedges, and a unique antique wax flower crown. Dylan chose a green Paul Smith suit, Bode shirt, and green Aime Leon Dore derby shoes. The ceremony, set under a pear tree, featured heartfelt, self-written vows, and the reception included pizza, wine, and a lively dance party, culminating in a surprise fireworks display.

The couple's artistic backgrounds played a crucial role in shaping their wedding vision, with Aemilia's expertise as a freelance fashion and lifestyle journalist and Dylan's skills as an artist and visual designer at David Yurman ensuring every detail was thoughtfully curated. Their choice of an intimate backyard setting in the Hudson Valley underscored their desire for a deeply personal and comfortable atmosphere. Aemilia's distinct bridal ensemble, particularly the antique wax flower crown, reflected her wish for something unique and meaningful, drawing inspiration from historical pieces. Dylan's green suit and floral shirt were a deliberate nod to the lush, summery surroundings of their chosen venue, creating a harmonious aesthetic. The ceremony itself was a reflection of their shared values, with self-penned vows emphasizing the theme of "making your own luck," a sentiment made particularly poignant by Aemilia's inclusion of a quote from a Knicks coach in honor of Dylan's fandom. The celebration transitioned seamlessly from heartfelt vows to a joyous reception, featuring a menu of delicious pizzas, carefully selected wines, and a vibrant dance floor where guests moved to a mix of bachata and nostalgic tunes. The unexpected fireworks display orchestrated by Dylan's father added a magical touch, leaving everyone with lasting memories of a truly unique and personal celebration.