When paper lanterns are used to their advantage, they can be stunning, and this bride knew what she was doing with those lanterns. Hanging like happy little clouds over the entire reception, they set the tone for beautiful charm, and the wedding quickly followed suit. After perusing Bia Sampaio Photography‘s images from the day, I can say with confidence, this wedding had beautiful charm popping out of every nook and cranny.
From the beautiful bride… Since the day Satchel popped the question, I had been scouring the internet, magazines, and wedding shows looking for inspiration. Being from New Jersey, I knew that I did not want the “typical” Jersey wedding. I hate ballrooms, carpet, giant drapes, and giant poufy dresses. I wanted to bring a little bit of the southern charm that I love here in North Carolina to New Jersey. I decided I wanted a “country chic” wedding…and it’s just what I got!
After searching for the perfect rustic venue, I discovered I didn’t need to look any further than Crossed Keys Inn in Andover, NJ. It was perfect! From the gorgeous tent, fire pit, and corn field, I knew I was in heaven. The amazing dynamic duo of Jessica and Katherine made the entire process SO easy. They even had the fabulous farm house tables made.
Our color scheme was navy and peach. I wanted the tent to feel like you were walking into a North Carolina venue complete with mason jars and tree stump slice centerpieces. I have been a huge Etsy fan for years, but I would not have been able to have all the personal touches without that amazing community of talented people. The men’s ties, the monogrammed cake topper, cake server and bride and groom forks, bride and groom chair signs, here come the bride sign, bridal gown hanger, bridal chevron monogrammed clutch, vintage card box and my bridal garter set, all came from Etsy! We found little chalk board signs to place in front of each pie, and personalized the navy chevron candy bags with peach labels my mom made. It was all the personal touches that made the day so special.
I think the most amazing little touch was personalized mason jars! Instead of a regular old seating chart I created a little rustic moment in the tent where people found a mason jar with their name and table number written on chalkboard labels. Old painted windows hung in the background courtesy of friends of mine in NC, the old card box and bunting sign, all made the mason jar table really fabulous.
The flowers were one of my favorite things. I asked for peaches, cream and white, but the most unique item I wanted dispersed thorough the wedding was raw cotton. Satchel grew up in Georgia, so I wanted the raw cotton to be like a nod to his southern roots. Cotton was interspersed throughout the centerpieces and Satchel’s boutonniere was even a little bloom of raw cotton.
At my church, St. Peter’s in Essex Fells, NJ, each pew had candelabra with a small arrangement, garland was strung across the back, and the giant floral arrangements up at the alter and at the steps were perfect lovely peach flowers. The best part were our S and L moss letters out front of the church. They later were transported back to Crossed Keys to be placed in front of the DJ booth.
Photography: Sampaio/Walz Photography | Church: St Peter's Episcopal Church | Reception Venue: Crossed Keys Estate | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Caterer: Crossed Keys Estate | DJ: SCE Event Group | Bride's dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Floral: Event Designs by Katherine