“Happily we bask in this warm September sun which illuminates all creatures.” — Henry David Thoreau
The changing sun, long shadows and that last burst of color from Mother Nature….Autumn is near…..
In a picturesque New England backdrop on a mid-September weekend, it was the ideal setting of autumnal colors beginning to make their colors known. And the idealistic farm and forest-lined roads of New Hampshire made this wedding weekend, one to be styled within an apple orchard — all the more lovely…..
Lisa and Jeff are most certainly the ones to get married amongst the beauty of Nature on the cusp of seasonal change, amongst an apple orchard no less. I have known the bride the last 16 years, since our first months attending university. Young ladies who would remain friends to our now adult years, being a part and helping creating such a special moment in each other’s lives. It really was an honor to have planned, designed, styled and created all the floral magic for Lisa’s wedding, all created with an amazing team of beautiful vendors.
With so much natural space around us, blooming late summer/early autumn flowers, the September apples, the first of the season ready to be picked but held off to create such stunning and romantic bridal portraits. The all white barn-inspired space space that would hold welcomes, dinner and the much anticipated dancing; was a blank slate ready to be transformed into whatever each special couple desires. The gold modern sleek chandeliers, such a pretty sight when dimmed against the twinkling candlelight, especially as this golden September sun set, and the energy livened up.
We worked extremely close for the year leading up to this special day, between tailoring florals and tablescapes to their unique vision, or helping guide them and the pieces they wanted to make themselves. Lisa was always that fellow nature and gardening aficionado, the DIY project-doer friend — so her wedding was the perfect occasion for us to blend skills, ideas and work together on these special projects. With a vision for a modern classic nature loving affair with clean lush white florals; I think we certainly achieved the look perfect for their cool vibes. Not hard to do in such a beautiful location. And with the gorgeous Kay Cushman photographing, it was simply too difficult to choose only a few stunners to feature here.
So enjoy a beautiful walk back a year ago, amongst the apple orchards to Lisa and Jeff’s wedding at The Greenery…..
GETTING READY
Lisa and Jeff both showed off their personal style through their gorgeous and cool looks — Lisa her feathers and silk while getting ready, to her delicate lace and billowy white floral bouquet. Then there was Jeff’s cool Louboutin shoes, textured blue suit jacket, and of course their best furry friend all dapper in a suit all ready to walk his parents down the altar…..
THE CEREMONY
When in season at the apple orchard and the golden early autumn sun is glowing just right, one naturally gets married with this picturesque sight as your backdrop. A dear friend of theirs even generously went through proper ordaining certification courses, to marry them on this memorable day.
THE ORCHARD
My love is like the life of an apple tree. It started off small, like a seed and as the seed grows so will our love.
With time, love, patience and nurturing our love will grow to the point where my branches, like arms, will reach out to you. And as our love grows, so will our passion and you will come to my body like a honey bee comes to the blossoms. Till one day this tree will bear fruit, like our love may bear children. Until that time, take this love and cherish it just like the seed of life. Waiting for the time it may bear fruit… — unknown
THE RECEPTION
Give me modern natural elements, and the lushness of clean classic greens cascading as if overgrown naturally onto the long guest tables that twinkle more as night fades…..
Wooden tables and chairs lined up alongside one another, were organically draped with bundles of fresh greenery. It was a a subtle not meant to be a subtle statement welcome for guests as the first statement of the room. Understated beauty.
Once sitting, one would be able to hone in on the individual gold flatware, custom name place cards made by the bride’s mother and the lush depth created by numerous greenery. With couple’s love of greenery, we opted to use five qualities of eucalyptus along with California olive branch, ruscus and lemon leaf. And just where the candlelight would be its brightest, we nestled in blooms like the bride’s favorite white flowers; spray roses, garden roses, ranunculus and peonies.
Lisa and Jeff’s sweetheart table design was all about reusing how best we could from the ceremony, and brought in the wooden square arbor draped in green and white florals, as well as the two large flower arrangements now placed in front of their wood table. With hints of candlelight, how simply perfect set in front of those grand windows with an ever-changing natural backdrop as the sun continued to set and the romantic candlelight worked its lighting magic.
As designers we are always met with different budgetary needs, and our goal is to always work within those limits to both create designs that represent the quality of your aesthetic as well as uphold whichever detailed event style our clientele want. As a way to save some costs with flowers, and in a way that would serve a double purpose while be cost effective. Dreamery Events doesn’t work with faux plastic florals all too often, but in our situation and decor needs, renting a few elements from Wedding Flower for Rent was such a great source to pull out specific floral wishes the bride had. And we made it happen beautifully for her.
With several vendors that rent out high quality faux floral creations, one does not have to feel contradictory because of the environment since it will be reused. And when it comes to elements of decor or installations that are not within continuous eye sight or closeness to guest or focal points, then I saw say “GO ahead and save yourself money by renting creations! When decorating the arbor and then the sweetheart table, these large scale white floral creations even fooled beautiful Kay when photographing them, not realizing they weren’t actually real. Once dinner was served that display and table were placed off to the side to widen the dancefloor, so it was certainly a wise choice to go with this decor option.
BRIDAL PORTRAITS
As guests continued to mingled outside the garden space and patio, savoring Kitchen to Aisle’s delicious bites with Granite Socialites and their Mobile Bar’s, refreshing drinks — Lisa, Jeff and their Bridal Party snuck away to catch the softest romantic golden hour photographs. Kay really is such a talent capturing these moments beautifully.
THE GREENERY DETAILS
The Greenery …. As guests walked from the ceremony back to the barn space, with the longer cocktail hour they had plenty of carefree time to catch up with old friends over good food and drinks, play a round of cornhole. Or maybe even some jumbo Connect-4, a nod to the couple’s love for this game and the custom piece they had built, that now calls their yard/game space home.
It may not have been the driving factor, but it was certainly a bonus that The Greenery being at McKenzie’s Farm sells their seasonal fan favorite, Apple Cider Donuts. We of course displayed these autumn treats and served everyone late-night. Which came along with cheeseburger sliders and mini servings of fries, a much needed refuel for many guests who since dinner and hadn’t left the dancefloor, including Lisa and Jeff!
DINNER & DANCING…
This was certainly the wedding for dance lovers and those who simply do not like to sit at wedding celebrations. The bride had a special surprise for all; an outfit change that would sparkle and shimmer the rest of the night away. As the cake gathered to be cut, we slipped away draping Lisa in her late-night sparkle beauty and delighted everyone with a stunning grand re-entrance. A signal to all guests, if it wasn’t already clear, they wanted to make sure they were all having fun and celebrating the rest of this special night well, better together…..
Styling, Design, Planning + Florals :: Dreamery Events || Photography + Videography :: Kay Cushman || Venue :: The Greenery at McKenzie’s Farm || Catering :: Kitchen to Aisle Catering || Bartending + Mobile Bar :: Granite Socialites || Entertainment :: Epic Events DJ || Rentals :: Lake Region Tent Event Rentals + Showcase Event Rentals || MUAH :: Katie Walsh Glam || Ceremony/Sweetheart Table Flowers :: Wedding Flowers for Rent || Dog Services :: Pawfect for You || Stationery :: Minted ||
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