Massachusetts Weddings

Classic, sophisticated and downright amazing – this stunning Boston affair has it ALL.  Gorgeous bridesmaid frocks, sweet college sweethearts, a glorious confetti send-off and one very awesome pair of sparkly Loubs.  Now that’s what I call a serious recipe for fabulous.  And with all of this traditional goodness taking place at the breathtaking Boston Park Plaza Hotel and boasting a gallery filled to the brim with beautiful images by Zev Fisher Photography, we’re in for one VERY lovely Friday.  See it all here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… My husband and I met in college, when we were in the same business class. He proposed about five years later, and I knew right away that I wanted to get married in Boston. In addition to being our home, it’s a gorgeous old city with a lot of charm. Boston was the inspiration for my wedding style. I wanted our wedding to be as timeless as the city I love. Our ceremony was held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston’s South End. The church is a stunning Gothic cathedral and is the largest Catholic church in New England. It was quite a large church for 200 guests! The church was built in the 1800s and does not have air conditioning. Kevin and I provided fans for all of our guests to use during our warm, summer ceremony. One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was when my little sister sang the Ave Maria. My sister has a beautiful voice, and it meant so much to me that she sang at our ceremony. After the ceremony, our guests loaded up onto Boston Trolley Tour buses and were taken to the reception. Our reception was at the Boston Park Plaza. We knew we wanted a hotel wedding to better accommodate our many out of town guests. And I just fell in love with the glamorous Park Plaza ballroom!

Luckily, our wedding turned out to be everything I dreamed it would be. I wanted our wedding to be a true reflection of us as a couple — and it was! Right down to the tables that we named after bands Kevin and I have seen together in concert. All of the details I carefully planned came together beautifully. I owe so much of this to our phenomenal vendors.

What was most unique about our wedding was that it was an international affair. My mother’s side of the family is from Venezuela. My father’s side of the family is from Lebanon. My handsome husband is of Irish descent. Our guests came to Boston from about 17 different states and 10 different countries. We infused our cultures in many different ways. At the entrance to our reception, we framed a sign that said “Welcome” in the languages of all guests in attendance. Our wedding programs were printed in both English and Spanish. We had an Irish bagpiper play for our guests outside the church after the ceremony. Our tablecloths and napkins were spun with gold thread and purchased in Beirut, Lebanon. And we had a surprise Venezuelan salsa band play for an hour of our reception! More than anything, our wedding was just plain fun. And at the end of the reception, we surprised our guests with confetti cannons! 

Wedding Photography: Zev Fisher Photography / Photography Assistant: Gretjen Helene Photography / Wedding Venue: Boston Park Plaza Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts / Floral Design: Dana Markos Events / Wedding Cinematography: McElroy Weddings / Wedding Invitations: Inviting Company / Wedding Cake Montilio’s / DJ: Mike Amado of Entertainment Specialists / Confetti Cannons: Gateway Productions / Lighting: Boston Uplights / Wedding Dress: Amalia Carrara (Eve of Milady) / Reception Dress: Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed) / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Hair + Makeup: Special Event Beauty / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Impression Bridal / Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Consider yourself super lucky if you have a backyard like this next one…or know someone that does and is willing to host your wedding for you! New England Vintage totally transformed this yard into one fabulous vintage chic soiree all while highlighting the gorgeous natural surroundings. The outcome is a visual lesson in perfect harmony and design balance. Philbrick Photography snapped all the pretty, little details and as always, there’s tons more to see in the full gallery!

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From Jillian of New England Vintage… This bride and groom were a dream to work with! They both work in creative fields, live in NYC and have a great, down-to-earth vibe. When they got engaged, they knew they wanted to get married in the serenity and beauty of the groom’s family property on a tidal marsh river in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Creatively, they were open to lots of ideas and they had so many of their own. They wanted to focus on the natural beauty of the marsh but also bring in their their love for nautical, Americana and boho decor. When I first met the bride and groom this is how the bride described the look the wanted: “I am going with a very very neutral pallet.  Creams, grays, nude, sheer and maybe some punch with yellow or metallic. The vibe will be a collage of lovely abstract things in easy shades with an overtone of hippie vibes.” The wedding turned out just like her description!

One of the biggest design elements of the day were the tassels that hung in the tent. The bride and groom made every single one of them! They were hung with vintage sailing rope, and when the wind blew they added such a calming visual and auditory element. The colors were kept pretty neutral with the tables decorated with lace overlays and vintage tea sets as the flower vessels. Together, the three of us went to the flower market on the day before and picked out the flowers. They came out to be kitschy and fun — just what the bride wanted. The lounge tent offered guests a place to go when not dancing, and it was decorated with sheer curtains made to look like a sail in the middle of the tent. They also had great vintage furniture that brought a homey but upscale feel to the outdoor tent. It was a real honor to help bring this wedding to life!

Wedding Photography: Philbrick Photography / Wedding Venue: The Groom’s Family Home in Ipswich, Massachusetts / Styling + Reception Floral Design: New England Vintage / Bouquets + Boutonnieres: The Groom’s Mother / Catering: Seasons to Taste / Decor Rentals: New England Vintage + New England Country Rentals / Tent Rental: Sperry Tents / Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Fillmore

It all started with a chance meeting in London between two seriously adorable ballroom dancers. Dance partners first, bride and groom-to-be next… if that isn’t the beginning of the world’s greatest romance, then I don’t know what is.  And this darling duo’s love story doesn’t end there.  Nope, they they tied the knot in grand MA fashion, with a bundle of DIY details and a classic meets vintage vibe that is all kinds of fabulous.  Kate Preftakes Photography captured all of the lovely and believe me when I tell you, it’s one you won’t soon forget.  See it all here.

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From the Bride… Brad and I met in London in 2007 on a university ballroom dancing team. He’s a scientist from New Hampshire working here; I took a year off my work in journalism in Hong Kong to study for my master’s degree in London. Well, that “year off” turned out to have changed my life. We met, went out dancing, became dance partners, and in 2010, we decided we will be partners in life as well! As soon as we got engaged, people started asking us where the wedding would take place, and we would joke it’s a project that spans three continents. As it turned out, we had two “weddings,” one in New England and another Chinese celebration in Hong Kong, so that we could include as many of our families, friends and traditions as possible. We also had a mini party in London for our friends.

Planning the wedding long-distance was difficult but not impossible. For our US event, the priorities were to keep it small, personal and fuss-free. Budget was also an issue (remember — two weddings!), so I did a lot of DIY, including all the stationery and centerpieces. I spent many, many hours on the internet researching venues, resources and vendors, and on his Christmas break in New Hampshire, Brad and his mom looked around at some venues I shortlisted, eventually choosing Topsfield Commons. It’s not too far from Boston for our international guests, comes with a garden, and most importantly for us, has a beautiful ballroom for dancing!

As for the details of the wedding itself, we both have what you can call “classic” taste (we love a foxtrot to Sinatra), and I envisioned a summer garden ceremony, so I picked a soft dusty rose (my favourite shade) and a muted sage (Brad loves green) as our theme colours. I painted a couple flowering branch motifs with watercolors, scanned them and used them for our DIY invites and ceremony booklets. My bridesmaids lived in different places, and I didn’t want them to have to coordinate their dresses, so I emailed them a colour chart and told them to pick a blush pink dress of their choice — I loved the result. On a holiday in Italy, we discovered some silk ties that exactly matched our green and picked those up for the groomsmen. Brad didn’t tell me he was having a suit made and surprised me on the day when he showed me that his suit and waistcoat were also lined in pink and green! When the day came, the heavens decided to open up for a brief thunderstorm right at the time of our scheduled ceremony, so we had to move indoors. That’s one of our only regrets about the day — but you can’t control the weather, and it’ll be something for us to talk about in the years to come. We are just really thankful we had such a memorable day surrounded by family and friends.

Wedding Photography: Kate Preftakes Photography / Wedding Venue: The Topsfield Commons 1854 in Topsfield, Massachusetts / Bouquets: Kelly Harris / Floral Centerpieces: DIY with Flowers via Fifty Flowers / Wedding Cake: Frederick’s Pastries / Wedding Stationery: DIY / DJ: Move it Music DJ & Lighting / Wedding Dress: Johanna Hehir

What I would give to grow up on a gorgeous farm and later marry in the fields of that gorgeous farm. It’s a dream scenario for most Brides-to-Be and for this couple, a wildly magical reality. Photographed by emilie inc., this fête is taking the idea of a backyard wedding and cranking it up a few notches. It’s elegance in the wilds of Massachusetts and comes complete with a fur baby in a bow-tie. He goes by Paddington and my oh my is he a dapper little pup. See the full day right here.

And topping all those pretty images off, we have a film by Whit Wales Event Filmmaking that is a total must see. It’s apparent from the first few seconds that these two have a whole lot of love between them and by the end of the film, it’s also apparent that they know how to boogie down on the dance floor. A great combo if you ask us!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… After getting my degree in acting from Emerson College, I moved to NYC. Part of the whole “trying to be an actor” gig is working a day job, and one of my temp jobs was at Fordham Law School, where Brett managed the office of student affairs. It was my easiest/best temp job by far, and after a month or so, we started dating and got a Norwich puppy named Paddington. (In hindsight, the joint dog decision was crazy early, but thankfully, it all worked out!) We ended up relocating to New Hampshire so I could pursue my MA in literature at UNH. After a year in New Hampshire, Brett proposed at my family’s home in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. The house is on 115 acres of field and forest and has been in my family since my mom was a little girl. When my grandfather bought the place, it was a ramshackle farmhouse that needed a LOT of TLC. It was originally built in the early 1800s and has been used as a dairy farm and a stagecoach inn throughout the years. For me, it’s the most beautiful place on earth, and Brett (knowing this) proposed to me in a clearing out in one of the back fields where my siblings and I spent hours playing in our beloved fort.

My mother and her two sisters, Linda and Carol, all held their wedding receptions at the house, so I’m definitely following in their footsteps. My parents were married at the same church, and I used the aisle runner my paternal grandmother used for her wedding back in 1951! The flower girls wore dresses cut from the flower girl dresses me, my cousin Kate, and my sister Megan wore as flower girls in my aunt Carol’s wedding. I also used the adorable cake-topper from my maternal grandmother’s wedding.

The day was ridiculously magical, beautiful, fun, and hilarious — and most importantly, it was so US.  My mom (a phenomenal gardener) outdid herself for the wedding, and I’ve never seen the place look more stunning. In every corner was one of her gorgeous arrangements or creations, and my dad also did a fantastic job with the grounds. One of the most memorable moments was escaping the hubbub and spending a few moments alone near the barn. It was just us and the family pets (Torito the miniature donkey and Dillon the horse). Another highlight was my brother’s impromptu (and spectacularly huge!) fireworks show in the back field. The whole evening made us feel so comfortable, so happy and so at home. 

Wedding Photography: emilie inc. / Ceremony: Ashburnham Community Church in Ashburnham, Massachusetts (978-827-5553) / Reception: The Bride’s Family Home in Ashburnham, Massachusetts / Event Planning: Moxie Events / Floral Design: Les Fleurs / Wedding Cinematography: Whit Wales Event Filmmaking / Wedding Invitations: Gus & Ruby Letterpress / Catering: Smoke & Pickles / Wedding Cake: Something Sweet By Michelle / Tent: Sperry Tents / Band: Eye 2 Eye / Lighting: Frost Productions / Wedding Dress: Amsale / Bride’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

I am just wild over this bride’s wheat bouquet.  I love that it has a rustic vibe but looks so modern at the same time.  It is so perfect for a New England, fall wedding especially this one captured by  Anna Sawin Photography.  Every moment she captured is so delightful and every detail this adorable bride and groom created is just darling.  There is so much love and emotion throughout the entire gallery!  See it all here!

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From Anna of Anna Sawin Photography… Stephanie and Ben created a feast for the senses with a glorious outdoor fall wedding filled with beauty and creativity. On that misty mountaintop in Massachusetts, all of us there were reminded that it all comes down to something so simple — two people deeply in love, surrounded by those who know and love them most. With rain most of the night before the wedding and all morning the day of, we prepared for weather at its wettest. But 30 minutes before we arrived, the rain stopped, and a beautiful mist unfurled itself across the valley while we stood on the mountaintop. A teary bride and a choked up groom exchanged tender, heartfelt vows, and then, all smiles, walked hand in hand down the aisle to bagpipe music — fitting for the misty blue and green valleys below.

After a record 35 minutes for family, wedding party and couple portraits including four locations (don’t try this at home, folks — unless your clients are both photographers who scouted the locations in advance and know how to pay attention to fading light!), we arrived at the famed Blue Heron Restaurant. (Last year, it was home to the wedding celebration of Sue Sylvester, a.k.a. Jane Lynch!) The bride and groom danced, dined and were toasted — the room seemed to envelop them in a giant hug.

Wedding Photography: Anna Sawin Photography / Ceremony: Sugarloaf Mountain in Sunderland, Massachusetts / Reception: Blue Heron in Sunderland, Massachusetts / Flowers: DIY by the Bride & Her Mother / Event Design + Planning: DIY by the Bride & Groom / Wedding Invitations, Growler Centerpiece Labels + Other Paper Items: DIY by the Bride & Groom / Officiant: Charlene Martin / Cupcakes: DIY by the Mothers of the Bride & Groom / Cupcake Stand: DIY by the Groom & His Father / Bagpiper: Matt O’Conner / DJ: Rob Alberti / Photo Booth: DIY by the Bride & Groom / Boys’ Handmade Banner: DIY by the Bride / Thumbprint Tree: I Do It Yourself / Ring Bowl: Paloma’s Nest / Mr. & Mrs. Signs: Oh Dier Living / Wedding Dress: J.Crew / Bride’s Shoes: Ralph Lauren / Bride’s Monogrammed Cardigan: J.Crew / Bride’s Veil: A Busy Mother / Bridesmaids’ Clutches: Vanijja

We love singing the praises of a rainy day soiree here on SMP and today’s fabulous Boston affair is certainly no exception.  It’s everything we absolutely ADORE about a drizzly wedding day – seriously romantic, chock-full of candlelight and boasting a whole bundle of uber-fabulous photo ops, umbrellas included.  Kiva Sutton of Annandale Photography snapped all of the beautiful imagery and trust me when I tell you it’s making for one VERY amazing Wednesday.  Click here for more.

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From the Bride… For all the planning you can do for a wedding, you never expect there to be a hurricane (Irene). However with the help of friends, family, and even vendors, we still had a wonderful time. And the fact that a hurricane was there was quite memorable. Thankfully everything was going to be done inside. We had a beautiful ketubah signing, ceremony, and reception surrounded by our closest friends and family. Our families and wedding party were so supportive, and we are grateful to have had them by our side.

We chose the Westin, which is right down the street from where we met at Northeastern University, and it was perfect. It was slightly modern, had floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out to Copley Square and an amazing wedding coordinator, Ted Daniels. If we were to do it all again, we would absolutely need him by our side. He understood what we were going for, supported us and made our lives incredibly easy before and during the wedding. This was a particularly big feat seeing as we had to take away tables (people who couldn’t make it because trains, planes, etc. were cancelled as a result of the hurricane), needed extra nights at the hotel (it was quite difficult to leave on time with a hurricane outside), and even discussed moving up the time of the wedding to try to avoid the worst parts of the hurricane (though we didn’t).

Our photographer, Kiva Sutton of Annandale Photography, was another amazing addition to our team. Many of our plans for photos day of were squashed because of the rain. However Kiva is always up for everything, and I became adamant about going outside. So the Westin gave the bridal party umbrellas and we walked over to the Boston Public Library to take photos (both inside and outside). After taking pictures, Kiva was drenched. Then after the reception, the rain had stopped. So once again, I requested that we go take pictures at the Christian Science Center (at 12:30 a.m.). My sister (the maid of honor), Mark, Kiva and I walked over, and Kiva got some AMAZING shots. Our band, Night Shift, was more than we could have hoped for. We received so many compliments about them. Everyone, from ages 4 to 84, was out on the dance floor. They helped it to make such a fun night!

Photography: Kiva Sutton of Annandale Photography / Wedding Venue: The Westin Copley Place in Boston, Massachusetts / Floral Design: Madison Floral / Wedding Cake: The Icing on the Cake / Wedding Invitations: Martha Stewart Wedding for Crane & Co. via Fairfield Stationers / Band: Night Shift Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Judd Waddell via Allegria Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Nina / Bride’s Hair: Michelle Lee of Salon Eva Michelle / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale via Allegria Bridal / Bridesmaids’ Hair: James Joseph Salon (617-266-7222) / Men’s Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

Blue lovers are about to rejoice (I happen to be one of those lovers). It’s a parade of elegant robin’s egg meets deep ocean blue meets teal cowboy boots set against the backdrop of Highfield Hall and it totally, completely works. kml photography teamed up with Courtney’s Floral Creations and Delicious Desserts to showcase the beauty of Cape Cod and those refined, elegant details that make this New England spot such a gem all while giving this shoot a decided rustic flair. Pretty horses and bridal boots will definitely do that. See more of the shoot right here!

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From Kate of kml photography… This is your not-so-average Cape Cod-style wedding with a pretty palette of off-whites, greens, blues, vintage teal cowboy boots and one giant horse! Our inspiration for the shoot came from the historic Highfield Hall where most of our shoot took place — the robin’s egg blue of the walls in the ballroom, the old books we found along the same color lines, and the vintage cowboy boots that the bride happened to own. We added a touch of modern but classic elegance with the linens, florals, sculpted hairdo and the cake.

Photography: kml photography / Venue: Highfield Hall in Falmouth, Massachusetts / Floral Design: Courtney’s Floral Creations / Wedding Cake + Truffles: Delicious Desserts / Table Linens + Setup: Rentals Unlimited / Wedding Dress: Amsale / Cowboy Boots: Vintage / Hair: Stacey Kuehn / Makeup: Emma Josselyn

Wrapping up the week with a bundle of gorgeous inspiration from the geniuses at EFD Creative — Event Planning & Design sounds like a fabulous plan to me – and this stunning Moroccan styled photo shoot is most certainly delivery the pretty, pretty goods.  A sweet collaboration between some of Boston’s finest vendors and a lesson in all things elegant, the glorious details will leave you swooning for days.  Lucky for us, LifeFusion Photography captured all of the vibrant-hued goodness and we have an entire weekend to soak it all in.  Click here for more.

Click here for the FULL photo shoot!

From Edna of EFD Creative — Event Planning & Design… My inspiration came as I walked through the newly renovated Boston Long Wharf Marriott. I was inspired by all the designs, shapes and colors that helped create the new look. Boston is a world-class city, and with that comes a fusion of cultures from all over the world. As I toured the property, I knew immediately that the Long Wharf Marriott’s international feel would lend perfectly to a modern Moroccan-themed wedding. The Harborview room was a perfect fit for the vision. A large, circular space with floor-to-ceiling windows offered sweeping views of the water. The room’s walls, painted in warm gold tones, could be accented with bright splashes of color to create that uniquely North African color palette that is at once luxurious and exotic. The circular chandelier with crystal-style strings dangling down added in a dramatic, romantic element. With some imagination and a sense of adventure, I sought to create a look of glamour, combined with the sophistication of modern city living.

Marina & Yi Sun of Life Fusion Photography captured the lush and romantic feel of the room. Their sensitivity to shapes and light is shown throughout — from mid-afternoon on, from sunset into evening, they were able to capture the beauty of the day. Starting the vision with a Moroccan style lantern, we continued with linen by Table Toppers. The pattern with the circular designs also echoed the chandelier and incorporated the international feel. Working with Jeri of Jeri Solomon Florals, we embarked upon what felt like a foreign expedition to find the perfect vases to add just the right curves and texture to the table. With final touches by Ellen at Table Artistry, the tablescapes were complete and vibrant. Peterson Party Center’s Mirage chairs and fuchsia cushions added drama to the room, along with white lounge furniture by AFR Furniture Rental. We tossed a few orange and pink cushions into the mix for effect, and you have a modern social area that invites guests to relax, Moroccan-style. When the sun was setting over the city, Paul from Boston Uplights set the mood with lighting that engulfed the room in a warm glow, bringing the room alive with color. Megan of Megan Chapin Calligraphy designed a traditional Moroccan pattern for the escort cards, decorating them with tiny crystals placed carefully within the mosaic to offer touches of sparkle. Jenny of Jenny’s Wedding Cakes continued the same pattern in the wedding cake and added in other design elements from the room decor. Invitations and a menu by Allure Invitations completed the look.

Finally, the wedding wouldn’t be complete without the guests of honor, our stunning couple! With a shimmery upper bodice gown and jewelry from L’elite Bridal Salon for the bride, and a sharp-styled suit by Bonardi’s Formalwear for the groom, the couple was the embodiment of beauty and style. Jackie Norrie of Wedding Tresses was the talent behind the hairstyling and makeup, creating a soft sophistication that complemented the bride. And the shoes, the final element completing the bride’s look, were provided by Shoes to Dye For.

Photography: Marina + Yi Sun of LifeFusion Photography / Venue: Boston Marriott Long Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts / Event Design + Planning: EFD Creative — Event Planning & Design / Floral Design: Jeri of Jeri Solomon Floral Design / Wedding Cake: Jenny of Jenny’s Wedding Cakes / Lighting: Paul of Boston Uplights  / Tablescapes: Ellen of Table Artistry / Linens: Table Toppers of Newton / Chairs, Cushions & Tabletop Rentals: Peterson Party Center / Lounge Furniture: AFR Furniture Rental / Escort Cards: Megan of Megan Chapin Calligraphy / Invitations + Menu: Allure Invitations / Wedding Dress: Kenneth Pool “Alana”  L’elite Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Shoes to Dye For / Hair + Makeup: Jackie Norrie of Wedding Tresses / Groom’s Suit: Bonardi’s Formalwear

There’s nothing quite like a sweet, sweet engagement session to fill your day with happy – and this charming e-shoot is most definitely of the smile-inducing kind.  I’m talking Harvard square, one VERY gorgeous bride and groom-to-be and style for miles… and miles.  Thankfully, Deborah Zoe Photo was on hand to capture all of the magic, including a bundle of uber-heartwarming moments and a sweet stop at the very place this darling duo first met.  See it all here.

Click here for the FULL engagement session!

From Deborah of Deborah Zoe Photo… Nick and Stephanie met in Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Nick was bar tending at Red Line, a local bar, and Stephanie was out with friends. Nick immediately noticed the cute redhead in his bar. It took him all night, but he finally mustered the courage to go up and speak to her. They’ve been together ever since. When it came to picking the location for their engagement session, they knew it had to be the campus of Harvard University and the surrounding Harvard Square. It’s where their love began and where they spent much of their time together when they first started dating. The area has a lot of meaning for the pair! They will be getting married this coming August at the Cambridge Multicultural Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Photography: Deborah Zoe Photo / Location: Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts / Blue Dress: Shoshanna

We have Snap! Photography to thank for giving us our daily dose of lovely this morning, and it’s coming by way of this gorgeous wedding at The Barn at Gibbett Hill. With a classic color palette we never tire of (love the pop of green) and beautiful birch details (how amazing is that birch cake by Konditor Meister?!), this winter wedding is the epitome of winter chic. See it all here!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… It’s funny, the whole birch thing came from Dave — we’re kind of outdoorsy (or I try to keep up with his outdoorsy side anyway) and being that it was winter and the reception is in a barn, we thought it fit! Strangely, one of the only things he had an opinion on was the flowers and he said “I don’t know. I think, like, birch would be fun,” so we took it and went with it! Dave’s dad brews his own beer out of the basement of Dave’s parents house, which was given out at the end of the night of everyone’s way home. He was so psyched to be showcasing his special home brew for the wedding, and we were proud to showcase it. We also gave out Vermont maple syrup as a favor. Dave’s sister Amy’s boyfriend has acres and acres of land in Vermont that he does maple sugaring on, so we thought that it make that a perfect favor with our rustic theme.

As much as you’ll laugh, I was never a beer drinker in college or even after, but Dave is QUITE the beer connoisseur, so naturally , when we started dating I had to up the ante. Now we together have more favorite beers than I would have ever dreamed, hence us naming all of our tables after our most favorite beers. Dave has been an insane Bruins fan since he was in diapers, so last year, the winning of the Stanley Cup was more than he ever could have dreamed. So a special appearance by Rene Rancourt as a surprise wedding gift from me to him was an obvious choice.

Like I said, we really tried to play the birch theme up. We had flower pots with our initials inside of a heart carved into them that we did ourselves (it was a theme with our save the dates and invitations) that also went on the tags on the maple syrup favors. And with the beer theme, each table card had a bottle cap of one of our favorite beers on them — we had this jar in our apartment that we would toss beer caps into every time we opened one, and one we day said, “What are we going to do with all of these?” After we got engaged, we came up with a way to use them!

Wedding Photography: Snap! Photography / Wedding Venue: The Barn at Gibbett Hill in Groton, Massachusetts / Floral Design: B&G Sawin Florist / Cinematography: Ready Set Film / Wedding Cake: Konditor Meister / Programs: DIY with Materials from Paper Source / Trolley: A Limo Affair / Photo Booth: The Original PhotoLounge by Snap! / Entertainment: Rene Rancourt from the Boston Bruins Singing the National Anthem / DJ: NuImage Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Vineyard Collection for Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed) / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Sung

There is just something oh so magical about a coastal New England wedding, and Martha’s Vineyard is as magical as they come. The shingled cottages, sweet salt air, overflowing hydrangeas, and the feeling that time stands still lures people year after year to get married on this gorgeous shoreline. David Welch Photography captured every pretty moment of this magical Martha’s Vineyard affair, so be sure to soak it all in by spending some time in the full gallery of images!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Joe and I met in college during my freshman and his junior year. Initially, we both played hard to get, but eventually couldn’t resist each other any longer and fell in love. Martha’s Vineyard has always been a very special place in my heart. I have spent summers going there with my family ever since I was born and have always dreamed of getting married there. Joe immediately understood the luster of the island as well, and a couple of summers later, he proposed to me on the vineyard with a perfect sunset at Menemsha beach in the background. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect proposal.

We knew we wanted a wedding that encompassed the beauty and soul of the island so that all of our friends and family could experience it. This led us to choosing The Mayhew House as our venue, which sits up on a hill overlooking an inlet filled with sailboats and a 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. The minute we saw the view, we were sold. The house displays the classic shingle-style vineyard architecture and has the beautiful rock walls on the grounds that you see all over the island. It personified that New England theme, which was a must. We wanted an outdoor ceremony to take advantage of the view and a reception under a big white tent.  Knowing this, and due to the small, close-knit group of island vendors, it was pretty easy to find exactly what we needed, and everyone we worked with was amazing.

Our vision was to have a casual yet elegant wedding with a sense of that rustic, oh-so-chic island charm. One of our themes was a hydrangea, which is one of my favorite flowers. For our color palette, we wanted a light gray and ivory to be our base colors, but incorporated a hydrangea green and purple as accent colors. We wanted it to feel intimate and personal, and so with the help of friends and family, we did a lot of the planning on our own. One DIY project was our table cards, which were pictures of Joe and me at our favorite spots all over the island. Also, my father and a close family friend baked sugar cookies in the shape of the island and decorated them with our names for every place setting. These were a huge hit as a late night snack as well as the Chilmark Chocolates we had put into goody bags for all of the guests. Our officiant was a very close family friend, who did any amazing job creating a unique and magical ceremony where Joe and I read our own vows. We both were so happy with the way everything came together. Thanks specially to lots of help and ideas from Style Me Pretty. :) The wedding captured our style and personalities, and I wouldn’t have changed anything. It was a perfect day and, through all of the details, represented the true love we share for one another.

Wedding Photography: David Welch Photography / Wedding Venue: The Mayhew House in Chilmark, Massachusetts / Floral Design: Louise Sweet of Flowers on the Vineyard / Catering: Tea Lane Caterers / Rentals: Seaside Celebrations / Band: Jerry Bennett Entertainment / Chocolates: Chilmark Chocolates (508-645-3013) / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade / Bride’s Sash: Nordstrom / Hair + Makeup: Wavelengths Salon and Day Spa / Hair Accessory: Untamed Petals / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Melissa Sweet / Men’s Suits: Jos. A. Bank

When you pair a seriously stylish Bride, Longwood Events and the beautiful venue that is State Room – you are bound to get a wedding that will wow. And this wedding WOWS. From the gorgeous couple to the gorgeous views and all the details in between – Relive Photography captured all the details planned to perfection by this gorgeous new Mrs. which makes for a gallery that could not be more beautiful.

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From Taylor of Longwood Events… Kristin and Scott were married at The State Room in downtown Boston this past September. Every detail of the day was designed and executed by the beautiful bride. She had a hand in the invitation suite, all of the decor, even the custom cookie favors, and no detail was left behind. The ceremony was an intimate candlelit service for fifty close friends and family. The beautiful music selections and heartfelt vows left not a dry eye in the crowd. The space was transformed with vibrant yellow kissing ball chair decor and a rustic ceremony arch with a stunning view of the city of Boston as the backdrop.

Working with Kristin and Scott over the year to plan their wedding showed us what an amazing couple they were. They incorporated their love of tapas into a customized menu for their guests that lent itself well to the rustic dinner party theme. The layout of long communal tables was a wonderful use of the modern space and gave them the intimate feel they were looking for. Her florals carried through her vintage theme with simple, tailored bouquets and various sizes of milk glass centerpieces on the guest tables. The entire day was a wonderful celebration of a beautiful couple!

Wedding Photography: Relive Photography / Wedding Venue + Catering: State Room via Longwood Events in Boston, Massachusetts / Floral Design + Decor: Michele Bernard / Accommodations: Ames Hotel / Wedding Dress: J.Crew

A good Nantucket wedding; there’s nothing quite like it. It’s a coming together of New England prep and nautical musings that make for really fantastic beach weddings. Brea McDonald Photography knows full well how lovely Nantucket can be and she has the images to prove it. Held at Jetties Beach, this is a tented seaside affair with the perfect details and florals crafted by Soiree Floral and planned by Unique Nantucket . You can see it all in one pretty spot right here.

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From Brea of Brea McDonald Photography… Kristen and Eric were all about celebrating with family and friends for their Nantucket nuptials. With a long history of family time on the island, they always knew this would be their place to marry! To honor Kristen’s father who passed away on 9/11, florist Dawn Kelly from Soiree Floral included a photo in the bridal bouquet and Kristen’s sister’s bouquets. Bright bold colors, a custom made guest book made of oars and a seashell sign were all part of their personal touches.

Wedding Photography: Brea McDonald Photography / Ceremony: First Congregational Church in Nantucket, Massachusetts / Reception: Jetties Beach in Nantucket, Massachusetts / Floral + Event Design: Dawn Kelly of Soiree Floral / Event Planning: Unique Nantucket / Catering: Nantucket Catering Company / Tent: Sperry Tent via Nantucket Tents / Linens + Rentals: Placesetters, Inc. / Menus, Escort Cards + Table Cards: Nico and Lala / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Swoon via Bella Bridesmaid / Flower Girls’ Dresses: Annie Girl

There’s just nothing sweeter than a darling homegrown affair and these adorable lovebirds have DIY down to a science… from those charming centerpieces to that stunning birch arbor to the sweet pennant flags, there’s not a moment of handcrafted goodness that won’t seriously tug at your heart strings.  All captured in brilliant images by Chattman Photography and set against a breathtaking Plainfield Pond backdrop, you’ll need your entire Thursday to take it all in.  Click here for more.

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And a can’t miss highlight reel of the day…

From the Bride… Both Sean and I have similar taste and agreed on a relaxed, rustic country chic style. We decided on having our wedding at my parents place in Plainfield, Massachusetts. This is very sacred place in my family that has been in my mom’s family since the 1930s. Two small rustic cabins used to sit on the property, where I have many summer memories with my family. The two cabins were in rough shape and when my parents moved out to New England from Oregon, they had the plan to make this place their retirement spot and a nice place for family and friends to always visit. During all of 2010 and part of 2011, construction was going on, and it finished up beautifully.

Since we both love doing crafts, making many of the pieces for our wedding felt very satisfying. Sean built this beautiful birch arbor from fallen birch pieces on our property in Plainfield. We bought 15 vases, one for each table, and Sean made these gorgeous birch vases. He also whipped up two perfect birch flower girl baskets. There is a running joke in our family that he was the Martha Stewart of the woods! I used burlap for table runners and we placed mason jars, mugs and local Vermont maple syrups at each seat for gifts. My dad showcased his home-brewing skills, and it was a major hit with our family and friends. A friend and I made a bundle of signs from salvaged wood and we staggered them around the property. Our plates on the table have an awesome story behind them. A year before our wedding, Sean was browsing the free section on Craigslist and stumbled upon an ad for a load of collected vintage plates used at a wedding. We emailed as fast as we could, but there had been many replies to this ad, all from couples planning their weddings! The person who wrote the ad decided to have us all communicate and figure out a way that each couple could use them and pass them on. We were the last couple in the line up, and we used those plates, plus I collected around 40 of them from many trips to second hand stores. They looked amazing on the tables with all the different designs and colors, it really added to the vintage flair we wanted. Since then, we have already passed those plates on to another couple the same way we came across them!

Planning our ceremony was the most important part to us, so we added many personal touches, and it ended up being very heartfelt. Our friend from Vermont who is an Interfaith Minister performed our ceremony. It was perfect because she knows us so well. Her husband is a musician and sang “Today” by Josh Radin as I walked down the aisle. We used a mix of chairs and hay bales for seating. We stood in front of the arbor and looked out on the Plainfield Pond. Sean’s older brother did a reading from the Velveteen Rabbit. Sean and I both wrote our vows to each other. Once we were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, we skipped down the aisle as our guests tossed petals and sang “One Love” by Bob Marley. We proceeded down to the edge of the pond to greet our family and friends in a receiving line who had traveled from all over to be with us. The best part of our receiving line was a bowl of river rocks we had gathered from the Green River in Vermont that we live near — people gave us their wish and tossed a river rock into our beloved Plainfield pond. All the hard work Sean and I put into creating our special day was worth it. We both are blessed with supportive and creative families. Everything down from our wedding website, save the dates, invitations and ceremony were carefully and thoughtfully planned with all our hearts. It was gratifying and fulfilling to see it come into play so beautifully for a memory that will always be in our hearts.

Wedding Photography: Chattman Photography / Wedding Venue: The Bride’s Family Residence in Plainfield, Massachusetts / Floral Design: Deer Ridge Family Farm in Guilford, Vermont / Catering: Bounti-Fare Restaurant & Catering / Pies: Just Pies / Pie Topper: Red Light Studio / Programs + Flower Petal Bags: Event 123 / Wedding Cinematography: J.J. Degen, The Bride’s Cousin / Band: Jazzberry Jam / Rentals: Classical Tents / Pre-Wedding Photos Location: The Porches Inn / Pennant Flags: DIY by the Groom’s Mother, Step-Mother + Sister / Birch Arbor, Vases + Flower Girl Baskets: DIY by the Groom / Beer: Home-Brewed by the Bride’s Father / Signs: DIY / Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel “Kennedy” via Sewly Yours (The Bride’s Dress is Available on PreownedWeddingDresses.com) / Bride’s Headpiece: Little Honey Pies / Bride’s Robe: Plum Pretty Sugar / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Bride’s + Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Seychelles Footwear / Flower Girls’ Dresses: J.Crew Kids / Groom’s Suit: J.Crew / Groom’s Ring: Fabuluster / Groomsmen’s Suspenders: Urban Outfitters / Men’s Shoes: TOMS / Dog Bow Tie: Bigpaw Collars

I know summer is just around the corner and I should be longing for days spent lounging on the beach, but once I laid my eyes on this breathtaking Springfield soiree by Studio SMC Photography, I couldn’t possibly think of anything, but my favorite season – Fall.  Yep, with the changing leaves and warm hues as their backdrop, this adorable duo tied the knot in one seriously stunning affair… and from that gorgeous gown to the cozy vibe, I simply can’t get enough.  Click here for more.

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From the Bride… I was never one of those women who start planning their weddings when they were little girls. So when Dave and I got engaged, we were very overwhelmed with planning a wedding from scratch! We both grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, and recently had purchased a home there, so we knew we wanted the wedding to take place in Western Massachusetts. Thankfully we were able to start planning the ceremony since I’ve always wanted to get married in my alma mater’s chapel in South Hadley (Yay for Mount Holyoke College!). As for the reception, we fell in love with the Barney Carriage House in Forest Park. The space is lovely and the tent was exactly what we were looking for! We were so happy to have the party in Springfield.

Dave and I are both close to our large families, so we knew from the beginning that we would have a decent-sized party. We’re both pretty laid-back, geeky types, so we wanted to have a fun, bright, crafty feel. I’ve always been crafty, so I knew there would be a lot of homemade details. I had a lot of fun collecting inspiration and seeing it all come to life! I spend a lot of time knitting, so knitting a wedding shawl was one of my top priorities. Having an heirloom that I actually wore all night is one of my proudest accomplishments. It was easy to incorporate our colors of red, yellow, and orange throughout the details. I loved picking out all the different fabrics for the escort cards and table covers. Dave made the cornhole sets that were used during cocktail hour and the reception. We picked up the cornhole bags in our wedding colors on a road trip to Kentucky we took three weeks before the wedding! I never felt that strongly about flowers, so I collected a couple of inspiration pictures of the flowers I liked to give to my friend and florist, Kae. She knocked it out of the park and gave us my dream flowers. I was worried about dress shopping since I’m plus-sized but I’m happy to report I had nothing but great experiences in all the local bridal shops. I wasn’t sure about wearing a strapless dress, but my Sophia Tolli gown fit me like a glove and I felt fabulous wearing it. My jewelry was custom-made by Roxy’s Jewelery using pearls my grandparents had given me over the years, in hopes of giving me a pearl necklace for my wedding. Sandra of Studio SMC Photography captured all the details and moments of our wedding perfectly with her wonderful eye.

Our ceremony was a reflection of our relationship and our personalities. I walked down the aisle to the “Princess Bride” theme and our Justice of the Peace opened the ceremony with a perfect imitation of the “mawage” speech from the movie. We both have Celtic backgrounds, so we felt strongly that a hand-fasting was the best representation of tying the knot and getting married. After the ceremony, we had a receiving line, per the suggestion of our photographer, Sandra. It was wonderful to be greeted by our closest friends and family, surrounded by all the love. I can’t imagine starting our marriage any other way. The rest of of day was pretty near perfect, as well. I can’t imagine a more perfect day.

Wedding Photography: Studio SMC Photography / Wedding Ceremony: Abbey Chapel at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts / Wedding Reception: The Carriage House at the Barney Estate in Springfield, Massachusetts / Floral Design: Edge Floral Design / Cupcakes: Gregory’s Pastry Shop (413-586-9900) / Wedding Invitations: Paradise Copies / Tree Guest Print: Lovliday / Wedding Dress: Sophia Tolli via Pearl Bridal Boutique / Hair: Salon Karma / Makeup: Makeup Artistry by Liz / Jewelry + Hair Accessories: Roxy’s Jewelry Boutique / Shawl + Parasol Cover: Knitted by the Bride / Bridesmaids dresses: Alfred Sung / Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse / Cufflinks: Squishy Sushi / Bride’s Shoes: Payless

We are just cookoo for this Cape Cod wedding by Cape Cod Celebrations!  I am totally on team navy blue and hot pink and this gorgeous fête puts the two together in the most perfect way.  It is classic and elegant and full of so much style and the cutest, personal details.  GH Kim Photography delivered the dreamiest of images and we’ve filled the gallery with them so head over there now!

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From Jamie of Cape Cod Celebrations… Ben and Judy are a fabulous couple who live in Southie and needed someone to execute their well thought-out wedding in Chatham last August. Judy was a huge DIY bride, and all of her ideas were beautiful, perfectly executed and brilliant. I wish I could hire her, but her career as a doctor has her hooked! As you can see from the photos, the wedding was picture perfect. Judy did everything from the signs hanging at the ceremony and props for the photo shoot, to the beautiful pink candy bar, pennant, guest book and luggage tag escort cards in sand-filled suitcases. She even had us string cafe lighting from the gazebo bar to the main beach house, which was such a wonderful touch after sunset. We had a perfect day for their beautiful outdoor beach wedding!

Wedding Photography: GH Kim Photography / Ceremony: South Lawn at Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, Massachusetts / Reception: Beach House Grill at Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, Massachusetts / Wedding Coordination: Cape Cod Celebrations / Event Design: The Bride / Floral Design: The Tangled Web / Wedding Invitations: Paper Source / Wedding Cake: Chatham Bars Inn / Music: The Studio C Band / Signs, Props, Candy Bar, Pennant, Guest Book + Escort Cards: DIY by the Bride / Wedding Dress: Martina Liana / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Hair + Makeup: Charlotte Phinney

We’re approaching serious fairytale territory with this Lenox wedding.  This lucky couple enjoyed not only the gorgeous floral and foliage that goes along with a fall wedding but also perfect sunshine during their October wedding weekend.  The combination of a beyond elegant setting, amazing details and sweet-as-can-be moments captured by Lisa Rigby Photography is setting the romance bar for another fabulous week here at SMP Massachusetts!  See it all in the full gallery!

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The couple wanted to put their fingerprints on this wedding from start to finish. It began with the search for the venue. Growing up in the area, you would think the bride suggested this dramatic location, but it took the groom’s diligence in research to realize this historical cottage had recently been restored after 50 years of vandalism and neglect. The home is still in the Vanderbilt family and became the inspiration for the theme. They wanted an autumn wedding to enjoy the vivid fall foliage, but Mother Nature had other plans in store. The abnormally wet summer and warm autumn that occurred in 2011 muted those colors, but had one very special surprise in store for the bride and groom. October 8, 2011 in Lenox, Massachusetts, was 75 degrees and sunny when it normally averages highs in the 50’s. All of Columbus Day weekend, in fact, felt more like Labor Day weekend. The bride and groom credit that stroke of fortune to the grandparents whom couldn’t be with us in body but definitely were there in spirit.

The estate was rented from Friday morning until Sunday afternoon, and we had our bridal party and close family members stay with us on site. Elm Court is 70,000 square feet, so there was more than enough room to accommodate 30 guests. The rest of the guests either lived locally or rented rooms at local B&Bs. That was also one of the goals of the weekend — to have our guests experience all that Lenox and the Berkshires have to offer.

The bride and groom took weeks of dance lessons to learn the waltz and after all that prep, there was a “wardrobe malfunction” during the dance at the reception. The brooch on her new Manolo’s broke off. That, in retrospect, was the only hiccup the day would bring. The food was excellent thanks to Castle Street Catering, and DJ Kahn set the stage with big band music during cocktail hour-and-a-half, crooners during dinner and dance music late into the night. It was all perfectly captured by Lisa Rigby of Lisa Rigby Photography. It took over a year of planning, one caterer change and interviews with dozens of vendors, but they truly had the wedding of their dreams.

Wedding Photography: Lisa Rigby Photography / Wedding Venue: Elm Court Estate in Lenox, Massachusetts / Floral Design: Fleurtacious Designs / Wedding Coordination: Lynn Wheeler /  Catering: Castle Street Café / DJ: Constantine Ptohos a.k.a. DJ Kahn / String Trio: Bel Canto Chamber Players / Rentals: Mahaiwe Tent & Party Rentals / Valet: Abbott’s Limousine & Livery Service / Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero / Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Hair + Makeup: Seven Salon & Spa

This darling duo may have planned on bright blue skies for their big day, but when the rain came a knockin’, they didn’t let it dampen the festivities ONE BIT.  Instead, they moved their glamorous garden party inside – and wowed their guests with a fabulous intimate setting, vibrant florals by Christine’s Cottage Florist and stunning purple and pink hues.  Lucky for us, Kelly Dillon Photography was on hand to capture every last ounce of lovely, because soaking in all of this pretty is the perfect Wednesday treat.  Click here for more.

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From the Bride… What was most important to Kevin and me for our wedding day was for our guests to have fun. For us, that meant lots of food, drinks and dancing. We kept the centerpieces simple — garden flowers. I had collected (with the help of my sister) over 100 vases from Goodwills in Boston and Cambridge and thrift stores in Brooklyn, New York. I had also stained wooden block numbers purchased at Michaels for our table numbers. Cupcakes are my favorite, and we had our favorite flavors for our guests to enjoy: almond cake with Nutella frosting and chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. We used manzanita branches to display our guests’ escort cards and turned them into wishing trees for our guests to leave marriage advice for us. We both love candy and chocolate, so it only seemed right to have an all-you-can-eat candy bar for our guests to enjoy.

I wanted a pop of colors against the black and white attire so we chose bright pinks and purples, mostly because I had found a beautiful fuchsia bouquet of orchids that had long goose feathers that I fell in love with. (My florist, Renee Balmelli, did an AMAZING job of duplicating the arrangement.) Plus the bouquet just happened to match the Louboutins I had also fallen in love with. The bridesmaids’ purple Betsy Johnson shoes were pretty and fun, just like the girls themselves! They chose their own black dresses to wear because I didn’t want them to spend money on a dress they would never wear again. Kevin chose simple, black tuxes with skinny black ties from J.Crew for himself and the groomsmen.

Although we hadn’t planned for Hurricane Irene to move our outdoor garden wedding inside, it was cozy and intimate, and I wouldn’t change a thing about the night!

Wedding Photography: Kelly Dillon Photography / Wedding Venue: Saphire Estate in Sharon, Massachusetts / Floral Design: Renee Balmelli of Christine’s Cottage Florist / Wedding Cake + Cupcakes: Louise Bryden / DJ: ProMusic Productions / Table Numbers: DIY with Materials from Michaels / Vases: Vintage / Wedding Dress: Mikaella Bridal via Camilla’s Bridal / Veil: Fascinating Creations / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin “Elizabeth” via Saks Fifth Avenue / Bride’s Bracelet: Erickson Beamon “Gold Digger” Cuff / Bride’s Earrings: Armory Antiques / Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Betsey Johnson / Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

I absolutely ADORE a sweet, sweet love story, so it’s no surprise that I am seriously smitten with this darling duo and their fairytale-come-true romance.  Yep, after dating at the age of sixteen, these two cuties reconnected FOURTEEN YEARS LATER and the result was PURE MAGIC – a meant-to-be winter wedding, dreamy rustic DIY details and a plethora of beautiful images captured by Ruth Eileen Photography.  This, my friends, is what I call a FABULOUS Monday.  Join me in the gallery for more.

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From the Bride… Keith and I met back when we were 16 at a Phish concert on November 29, 1997. We started dating immediately after for a few months. We broke up and went our separate ways for 14 years. We met back up on January 25, 2011. We had a three-hour-long dinner and have been together ever since. On October 1, 2011, we got engaged at Apple Crest Farm among the apple trees. Three weeks later, we decided that we wanted a winter wedding, and we didn’t want to wait a year. It seemed fitting for us to get married in January because it marked a year almost to the date that we reconnected. We both liked the idea of being dressed up and everyone in their elegant fur coats and fancy scarves. We decided to have our wedding ceremony at The First Parish Church of Groton. Groton is where Keith first asked me to be his girlfriend 14 years ago. And the church is where the funeral service was held for Keith’s father a little over a year-and-a-half ago. We knew he would be with us in spirit anywhere, but there seemed to be more of a direct connection at the church. Also, the church has a Paul Revere bell that is rung at funerals and weddings. It is a beautiful thing, and we liked the idea of ringing the bell in honor of our union. Nothing was added at the church — we kept it beautiful and simple. The Barn at Gibbet Hill, only two minutes down the road from the church, was the best option for our reception. The only Saturday available in January was January 14, 2012. So January 14th it became. We didn’t really have a specific theme, but I guess overall, it was a rustic winter white wedding with a few twists.

The Barn at Gibbet Hill is a gorgeous space all on its own. The exposed beams and old wood that was incorporated into the renovation make it a warm, inviting space filled with great energy. The twinkle of the lights from the lights along the banisters and the chandeliers made the space even more magical, so I really only added a few things. We created all our own centerpieces. We wanted to give the idea of snow without being too literal, so we found organic and other funky objects that were white, silver or off-white and filled large glass vases with them. The vases we got at various Christmas Tree Shops and all the fillers were found either from there or various HomeGoods stores. My mom found a few objects at antique shops, but the majority were found at the two other stores. Then we added a few candles and a printed out of a number on a card with a variety of objects, placed them a black easel, and voila!

We both like antiques and trinkets, so our favors and name tags were skeleton keys (replicas found on eBay) on shipping tags with the Richard Bach quote, “A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks.” On that same table, I hand-painted a piece of Cape Cod fencing with the soulmate quote. Keith and I both love music. Because we met at a concert, our music selection for the day was very important to us. We were introduced with the Phish song “Wilson,” which is our last name, and the song we danced to was called “Brand New Start” by Little Joy, which really sums up how we feel about our life together. At the present table, I also hand-painted song lyrics on records from a thrift shop with a record player and glass vase for cards.  The guest were encouraged to sign a book of love song records, again found at a thrift shop, with metallic paint pens. I found the record book and thought it would be a different idea for a guest book.

Wedding Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography / Wedding Ceremony: First Parish Church of Groton in Groton, Massachusetts / Wedding Reception: The Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton, Massachusetts / Floral Design: Lavender / Wedding Coordination: Carolyn Hilton of The Barn at Gibbet Hill / Wedding Cinematography: Robert W. Dreissig of Playback, Inc. / Wedding Invitations + Programs: DIY by the Bride / Centerpieces: DIY / Most Centerpiece Materials: Christmas Tree Shops + HomeGoods / Wedding Cake: Konditor Meister / DJ: Seth Isaacs / Skeleton Key Favors: eBay / Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet “Uma” for Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed) / Bride’s Jacket: Vintage / Bride’s Shoes: Audrey Brooke / Bride’s Pearl Necklace: A Gift from the Groom’s Parents / Bride’s Earrings: From the Groom’s Great-Grandmother / Groom’s Attire: John Varvatos / Rings: Anderson’s Jewelers

I’ve looked at this pretty little garden party, as seen through the lens of Shannon Grant Photography, over and over and STILL can’t believe the new Mr. & Mrs. planned the entire soiree in six weeks. Yes six weeks. It doesn’t seem possible because every thoughtful detail couldn’t be more perfectly placed and the entire affair couldn’t be more lovely, but this it’s oh so possible and oh so pretty – and you can see it all in the full gallery of images!

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From the Bride… We planned our wedding in six weeks, so the main goal was “just get it done!” But really we were going for a casual elegance. Neither one of us wanted anything stuffy, and we liked the idea of a cocktail party rather than a sit down dinner. We had someone playing old standards on the grand piano while people mingled. It was also only about 50 people so we chose a old Victorian house, now a B&B with an open floor plan, great food and cupcakes. We cared most about injecting things that were “us.” He’s a kung fu instructor and I’m an animator, so there were cartoon ninja and geisha on our invites, the wine was a vendor I particularly liked, etc., just little things that made us happy. I made memorial candles for our family members who are no longer with us. I printed out the names of each couple and a little saying or prayer or poem that was specific to them. My friend from college made our guest book by hand and it was beautiful (and a ton of work!!). My niece who has an AMAZING voice and stage presence sang, accompanied by a piano, for our first dance.

We didn’t mean to make everyone cry, yet the tears we’re flowing, all day. Happy, sentimental tears. It started at the ceremony. I walked out to “Song Birds.” I was doing OK until the flute started playing the melody, then I felt my father’s arm tense up as we started down the aisle. I looked to my soon-to-be husband and was touched that he was crying. When I got up to the altar, I was shocked to see, his groomsmen, all three big, burly, rough and tumble guys were crying — not just teary, we’re talking over flow down the cheeks. I looked to our friend who was officiating, and even he was crying. I could hear a ripple of sniffs out in the pews. It was very touching and meant so much to us that people were genuinely just happy for us. It turned out to be a theme throughout the day, with toasts from our parents and friends, with the dance with my father, and Ben’s sister standing in for their mom who passed many years ago. She was there though, smiling on her kids. It was a day filled with sincere wishes and warmth.

We tried to make the day a celebration, and with such a quick turn around, it forced us to evaluate what mattered to us and what didn’t. (Yes, it is possible to have a beautiful wedding in six weeks with lots of help.) We didn’t seek to please anyone, we just did what we thought was worth the investment. Great space, good music, great food, beautiful pictures, and most importantly, being surrounded by the people who helped make us who we are. It really was the best start of a new chapter anyone could hope for.

Wedding Photography: Shannon Grant Photography / Wedding Venue: Taylor House Bed and Breakfast in Boston, Massachusetts / Floral Design: Henry Schmidt of Weston Nurseries / Catering: D’Lish Intimate Catering / Pianist: Thomas Hojnacki of Berklee College of Music / Guest Singer: Natasha Ostapovicz (The Bride’s Niece) / Wedding Dress: Nordstrom / Hair + Makeup: Hilary Warner / Suits: Men’s Wearhouse