There is something so effortless, yet so downright beautiful about this wedding that I simply don’t even know where to begin gushing. The gorgeous hilltop views of the Fruitlands Museum are surely breathtaking, the Bride’s sweet style and perfect ringlets are totally envy-worthy and that reception will make your heart sing. But it’s the little looks these two lovebirds share that really stop make me swoon, and thanks to Samantha Melanson we can get lost in all of those sweet moments here.
From The Bride…Erik and I met for the first time the summer after I graduated high school. After spending an afternoon together at the town pool where I was lifeguarding, I ran home and told my mother I had met the man I was going to spend my life with. In hinds sight, I am grateful their was another life guard on duty, because I was overtly preoccupied with the young gentleman next to me. Life took us different paths after that summer, but seven years later I stood before Erik and vowed my love and commitment to him.
With our friends and family joining us from across the country (and the world!) we knew we wanted our wedding to be a unforgettable celebration. Our venue, Fruitlands Museum, was the perfect place for it. Since I was out of state throughout much of the planning process, it was my fiance who visited Fruitlands first. I distinctly remember him calling me and saying “Trust me, you’ll love it”. And right he was. The grounds and view were incredible. When we saw the old oak tree atop the hill of the outdoor ceremony spot, we decided to take the chance of an outdoor wedding in June in New England. Undoubtedly it rained every day the week before our wedding. During our rehearsal we were sloshing through muddy grass but come our wedding day, there was not a cloud in the sky. It was beautiful.
I wanted the flowers and decor to compliment the natural beauty and essence of the venue. Weeks leading up to the wedding, my mother and I collected an assortment of vases, pitchers, and milk crates for the arrangements. Les Fleurs created stunning pieces with a variety of flowers and greenery to create the natural look we were after. I loved how the contrasting textures of the centerpieces came together.
By far my favorite moment was exchanging the vows we had written for one another. I was so overwhelmed by the words my husband used to express his love. There was not a dry eye among us! Another special detail was that the gentleman who sang our first dance song had also sang for my father and mother-in-laws first dance thirty years ago. It was such a generous and unique gift. While the night was a great celebration of our love, I am often reminded it is a thing to be celebrated each day.
Photography: Samantha Melanson Photography | Florist: Les Fleurs | Wedding Dress: Jim Hjelm | Bakery: Konditor Meister | Invitations: Lemon and Lavender | Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Fireside Catering | Band: Downtown Fever - Emerald City Management | Groom's Attire: Vera Wang | Groomsmen Attire: Vera Wang | Wedding Venue: Fruitlands Museum | Bridal Boutique: Exquisite Bride | Wedding Rings: Jewelry Exchange