I don’t know what it is about you Massachusetts brides, but you really have beautiful barn weddings down to an absolute science. I suspect some hip, secret wedding society, but until I have further proof, I’ll just have to believe that know one knows how to barn bash better than you. Proving my point whole-heartedly? This gorgeous Peabody affair, which happens to be the perfect mix of sweet rustic details and Fall-inspired pretty, all wrapped up in one stunning Brooksby Farm setting. See every last moment captured by Nathan Oldham in the full gallery.
And enjoy even more of this pretty, pretty affair from McElroy Weddings…
From the Bride… When I began my search for a venue, I found myself drawn to the rustic feel of barn weddings. Many online blogs I read featured barn weddings where brides were able to take the natural feel of the barn and add their own touches of style and sophistication. I wanted an enjoyable event that didn’t break the bank and where guests could feel relaxed without the pressures that come with formal or lavish wedding venues. Smith Barn fit exactly what my fiancé and I had in mind. Set on a hill looking out over the North Shore area, Smith Barn was originally build in 1903 to store apples from the surrounding orchards at Brooksby Farm.
The day of the wedding was the warmest day of October. The red barn stood out as a beautiful contrast against the green of the surrounding orchards. Guests could casually mingle in and out of the barn and enjoy the beauty both inside and out. The interior of the barn included white lights wrapped around all wood beams and posts. I used burlap runners on every table and integrated burlap into table number signs as well as name tags. The florist was able to take my ideas and create beautiful wildflower arrangements of sunflowers and purple aster in a variety of containers ranging from rusted milk pitchers to tin cans. A trunk was used to collect cards and wedding pictures of parents and grandparents were interspersed throughout the gift tables. The cake was made by a teenager from my church who is an aspiring baker. She used two styrofoam layers for the bottom and a small cake on top. We put straw like material around the layers and two wedding birds on top. Guests enjoyed home made caramel apples to take home. A corner was designated for a DIY photo booth complete with a glittery backdrop and a box of funny masks and props. As the night progressed and dancing was in full swing, the cool air outside was a much needed reprise from the crowded dance floor. It was a joyful day of celebrating with friends and family in a simple and serene surrounding.
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Photography: Nathan Oldham Photography | Wedding Venue: Brooksby Farm in Peabody, Massachusetts | Cinematography: McElroy Weddings | Event Planning: North Shore Weddings by Ana | Floral Design: Flowers & More | Catering: Cloverleaf Catering | Wedding Cake: Sweet Obsessions | Ceremony Music: Intermezzo Chamber Players | DJ: Perfect Sounds DJ | Wedding Invitations: DIY | Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal | Bride’s Shoes: Anthropologie