Peggy Ann McDonnell, an agent for photographers and directors at Apostrophe Reps, and Christopher Dylan Taylor-Shaut, a two-time Emmy Award-winning sports television producer, met at Parkside Lounge in the Lower East Side, where a mutual friend was DJ-ing. He convinced her to come with him to The Abbey in Brooklyn to meet up with his friend…who never showed. “Chris showed me how to shoot pool and kissed me on the pool table. He then took me on a proper date the next week,” says Peggy. After six years of dating, he proposed in the mountains of Vermont while on a walk with their dog, Ruby.
For their second date, the couple went to their favorite restaurant, Marlow & Sons, in Williamsburg, so Peggy phoned them up to see if she could rent out the space for their big day. It was unavailable, but they reached out to mention that they had opened an event space in Red Hook, called The Castle. “We got a tour that week, LOVED the space and location, and knew the food would be incredible, so we booked a date,” explains Peggy.
She found her Monique Lhuillier “Holden” gown in a bridal boutique in Florida, while she was on a family trip, so her mom, aunt, and step-dad were all there to fall in love with it too. To pair with her dress, she wanted tall and strappy heels, and chose the perfect Jacquemus ones. “I wore them until midnight, just before the after-party,” the bride says. As for her something borrowed, her mother-in-law lent her diamond necklace to wear. The groom looked handsome in a Ralph Lauren Purple Label tuxedo with a shawl collar.
The two met their guests at The Castle for their ceremony. Chris then Peggy walked down the aisle to “Otis” by The Durutti Column, and their officiant began the service. The two exchanged heartfelt vows and recessed to “I’d Rather Be With You” by Bootsy Collins.
While a playlist that Chris had made for the cocktail hour played, the sun was beaming, as guests sipped two signature cocktails: a spicy Paloma and a Contratto Spritz. The newlyweds ducked off to take some gorgeous photos, and they returned to cheers from family and friends.
For dinner, everyone moved to the back of the space for a family-style dinner at two long tables. And for entertainment, two friends switched off DJ-ing, playing old school and disco. Peggy and Chris had their first dance to “Baby” by Ariel Pink.
As the reception ended, the after-party started at a bar down the street, which they stayed at until closing. The new Mr. and Mrs. went back to The Beekman and watched the sun rise from their terrace.
