In my book, there’s simply no better time of year than fall. It’s all my favorite things tied up into one season, and this wedding is a celebration of just that. Infused with boho vibes and cozy, autumn moments (think pre-ceremony cider, a darling apple dislay, and the cutest furry “guests” ever) it’s a post best enjoyed with #PSL in hand. Simply Beautiful Events planned, Lacie Hansen photographed, and we’re spending our afternoon in THE VAULT poring through every last bit.
Lauren and James grew up a couple miles away from each other in Rochester, New York and their families summered on the same Lake. Oddly they never crossed paths until the summer of 2008. While spending the summer in Washington D.C., they both attended a small dinner party thrown by a mutual friend. They immediately felt a deep connection as they talked until the early hours of the morning.
As the years past they dated for a time and kept in touch, developing a strong bond, but knew the timing wasn’t right. They were focused on their education, careers and finding their individuality. A couple of years ago their fate put them in the same city, and this time it was different, they both knew their love was meant to be and soon after they were engaged.
They immediately knew the location of the wedding; Miller’s Nursery on Canandaigua Lake was special place to them both. As a young girl Lauren would hike the wooded trails that open into a stunning clearing overlooking the lake. Lauren always dreamt of getting married in the field. Whenever she and James spent time at the Lake, they would hike the hills with their dog, Althea. They would rest at the top overlooking the lake and the place became as special to James as it was to Lauren.
When planning began, they hired Kelli Berg of Simply Beautiful Events, Lauren had a vision of what she desired and collaborated with her to make it all come together. When the wedding day came, as Lauren and James rode up to this special place they were stunned to see the most beautiful place in the world was made even more majestic. Lauren reflected “it was straight out of a fairy tale”. The ceremony was tucked into the walnut grove it had been transformed into a magical secret garden. Guests walked down a hand painted aisle and watched as Lauren and James were married under an arbor hanging with vines, hops, and botanicals. The ceremony was officiated by their close friend and the Bride’s cousin. It was truly the most special and perfect moment of their lives.
As the guests headed up the winding path to the reception tent, they passed goats, vineyards and apple orchards. They walked through the towering barn doors and passed a large fireplace. They stepped out on to a terrace overlooking the scenic lake and extraordinary fall foliage. They sipped on cocktails and prosecco from Lauren’s family’s vineyards in Tuscany, as the beautiful sun was setting the guest were asked to enter into the tent.
Inside the tent guests found trees, long tables covered in rich arrangements, and a thousand candles hanging from the clear tent ceiling. Lauren reflected, “It was like gazing at the beautiful starry night.” Behind the main bar was an 18’ installation of a glowing organic agate. Lauren and James are both art enthusiasts and embellished the walls with works by some of their favorite local artists such as Martine Lepore and Greg Gavin. The art was borrowed by Lauren’s favorite gallery run by a longtime family friend. Scattered throughout were unique pieces that Lauren had carefully hunted through the enormous gallery to find, including a beautiful stuffed peacock from the 1950s and an enormous Bill Stuart statue that reflected their unique taste in art. Every detail was uniquely them.
They both agree the night could not have been any more magical. It was beautiful, completely unique, and most importantly a blast.
Photography: Lacie Hansen | Event Design: Simply Beautiful Events | Event Planning: Simply Beautiful Events | Floral Design: Arenas | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Bakery: Scratch Bake Shop | Invitations: Bella Carta Studio | Bride's Shoes: Rene Caovilla | Catering: Root Catering | Hair And Makeup: Rock Paper Scissors Salon | Lighting: Balloon Effects International | Band: Ebe Amsterdam | Bow Tie: Lanvin | Grooms Attire: Adrian Jules | Venue: Miller's Nursery | Art Work: Artisan Works | Bride's Earrings: Manns Jewelers | Custom Bar: Vicomp | Fur Shawls: Private Owned | Groom's Shoes: Church's | Late Night Snacks: Nick Tahoe's Food Truck | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Lounge Furniture Rentals: Warehouse 127 | Outdoor Landscape: Westside Landscape | Paper Goods: Bella Carta Studio | Reception Dress: Zac Posen | Tables And Chairs: Luxe Event Rentals | Tent/Flooring/Structure: Hank Parker's Tent & Event Rentals
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