This couple, who’s meet cute happened on a soccer field, envisioned a butterfly garden come to life for their wedding day. And they totally nailed it. From the Liz Martinez wedding gown to the greenery infused invitations by Bella Figura and a whole grip of pretty florals by A Garden Party, this is such a beautiful rendition of a garden affair. See the full celebration unfold through the crazy beautiful images captured by Rachel Pearlman.
From photographer Rachel Pearlman… Rachel and Max’s story is the stuff that modern-day fairytales are made of; they played on the same soccer team in Brooklyn and were just friends until Max won over Rachel with his charm and humor in just a few short months.
Together, they quickly became dog parents to black lab Murphy (who was the official ring bearer at the wedding) and decided that an outdoor, Summer wedding in Bucks County would be the perfect way to celebrate their new union. When asked about planning their wedding, it was important to Max that their beloved dog, Murph, was involved in portraits. After all, he is family!
For Rachel, she wanted her wedding to feel like a butterfly garden come to life. Her bespoke Liz Martinez gown featured dozens of hand crafted butterflies and her bouquet featured three butterfly pins (something old, something new, something blue).
Aldie Mansion was built in the 1920s as a private residence, and now is preserved by the Heritage Conservatory of Bucks County. The estate’s 100 year old Oak served as the backdrop for their nondenominational ceremony. As guests entered, they were greeted with fresh cucumber water. Cascading florals of pinks, creme and greenery covered the trunk and limbs of the tree.
Inside the reception space, guests were able to seat themselves – acrylic seating charts by House of Catherine read ‘seat yo’self’ – a nod to the couples’ wit and laid back energy. Brian Fitzgerald played during cocktail hour overlooking the lawn as guests enjoyed treats like watermelon bites and mini burgers with shoestring fries. After dinner, Rachel and Max cut their cake – a traditional NY Cheesecake with fresh raspberries.
From A Garden Party… When I met with Rachel and Max at the venue for their final walk through of the space, it was clear that they wanted to really highlight the outdoor experience for their guests. Upon arriving to the ceremony, guests were greeted by the extravagant floral display on the patio fountain, featuring lilies, ivy, water oak, smilax, roses and snapdragons.
The magnificent old oak tree was a natural focal point on it’s own, but begged me to add the floral garland creeping up the massive trunk and branch. The ceremony aisle was lined with floral arrangements to echo the tree garland and to create more visual impact. A modern seating chart made by House of Catherine was displayed on a greenery lined easel in front of a charming brick wall of the mansion.
The garden vibe was brought into the reception with floral arrangements composed in rusty iron garden urns, mixed with candles and monobotanical clusters on the other tables. The classic collection of roses, peonies, orchids, hydrangea, calla lilies, freesia and sweet pea took a more modern twist with the addition of textural clematis, herbs and vines.
Rachel & Max knew they wanted a garden inspired night to remember, and we were honored to bring that to life. Rachel and Max live in New York City and honeymooned in Iceland. Max is a digital product designer and Rachel currently works for Canada Goose.
Photographer: Rachel Pearlman Photography | Cinematography: Tweed Weddings | Floral Design: A Garden Party | Wedding Dress: Liz Martinez (by Kinsley James) | Invitations: Bella Figura | Ceremony: Jeffery Miller Catering | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Makeup: Kendall Griffith | Hair: Rebekah Sattler | Calligraphy: House of Catherine | Calligraphy: House Of Catherine | DJ: Beat Train Productions | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Officiant: Journeys from the heart | Bridal Boutique: SPINA