We’re approaching serious fairytale territory with this Lenox wedding. This lucky couple enjoyed not only the gorgeous floral and foliage that goes along with a fall wedding but also perfect sunshine during their October wedding weekend. The combination of a beyond elegant setting, amazing details and sweet-as-can-be moments captured by Lisa Rigby Photography is setting the romance bar for another fabulous week here at SMP Massachusetts! See it all in the full gallery!
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The couple wanted to put their fingerprints on this wedding from start to finish. It began with the search for the venue. Growing up in the area, you would think the bride suggested this dramatic location, but it took the groom’s diligence in research to realize this historical cottage had recently been restored after 50 years of vandalism and neglect. The home is still in the Vanderbilt family and became the inspiration for the theme. They wanted an autumn wedding to enjoy the vivid fall foliage, but Mother Nature had other plans in store. The abnormally wet summer and warm autumn that occurred in 2011 muted those colors, but had one very special surprise in store for the bride and groom. October 8, 2011 in Lenox, Massachusetts, was 75 degrees and sunny when it normally averages highs in the 50’s. All of Columbus Day weekend, in fact, felt more like Labor Day weekend. The bride and groom credit that stroke of fortune to the grandparents whom couldn’t be with us in body but definitely were there in spirit.
The estate was rented from Friday morning until Sunday afternoon, and we had our bridal party and close family members stay with us on site. Elm Court is 70,000 square feet, so there was more than enough room to accommodate 30 guests. The rest of the guests either lived locally or rented rooms at local B&Bs. That was also one of the goals of the weekend — to have our guests experience all that Lenox and the Berkshires have to offer.
The bride and groom took weeks of dance lessons to learn the waltz and after all that prep, there was a “wardrobe malfunction” during the dance at the reception. The brooch on her new Manolo’s broke off. That, in retrospect, was the only hiccup the day would bring. The food was excellent thanks to Castle Street Catering, and DJ Kahn set the stage with big band music during cocktail hour-and-a-half, crooners during dinner and dance music late into the night. It was all perfectly captured by Lisa Rigby of Lisa Rigby Photography. It took over a year of planning, one caterer change and interviews with dozens of vendors, but they truly had the wedding of their dreams.
Wedding Photography: Lisa Rigby Photography / Wedding Venue: Elm Court Estate in Lenox, Massachusetts / Floral Design: Fleurtacious Designs / Wedding Coordination: Lynn Wheeler / Catering: Castle Street Café / DJ: Constantine Ptohos a.k.a. DJ Kahn / String Trio: Bel Canto Chamber Players / Rentals: Mahaiwe Tent & Party Rentals / Valet: Abbott’s Limousine & Livery Service / Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero / Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Hair + Makeup: Seven Salon & Spa