I knew I liked Denise & Andrew right off when there were hugs all around at our initial meeting. They are one of the kindest couples I have ever had the opportunity to work with and I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with them to make sure their wedding day was perfect.
Denise is super organized and detailed oriented. I always appreciate when a bride proactively sends along updates during the planning process and Denise kept me in the loop every step of the way.
On the morning of the wedding, Denise and her bridal party arrived early to Doris’s Cottage at The Barn at Bradstreet Farm to have their hair and makeup done. When I arrived mid-afternoon, Denise was having her make-up perfected and was about to slip into one of the most gorgeous wedding gowns I have ever seen (she found ‘the one’ at Tulle Bridal in Andover, MA). The lace back with the buttons was to die for. Adele and Laura wore long lavender dresses which complimented Denise’s dress perfectly.
After spending the morning relaxing and getting ready at the Garrison Inn in Newburyport, MA, Andrew and his groomsmen arrived shortly before 4pm in great spirits. Once they were outfitted with their boutonnieres, Rachel & Tina from Rachel Rodgers Photography took Andrew & Denise into a beautiful flower garden (complete with an arbor!) for their first look. I could feel the love radiating off of them and their smiles said it all – this was going to be the best day.
Guests began arriving around 5pm (most thanks to R.C. Herrmann Bus Co.) and got to enjoy the property. The farm animals (especially Hank & Petunia!) got lots of love as we escorted guests around to the back of the barn for the ceremony. Beach Plum Flower Shop had done an amazing job adding to the already beautiful space – urns with white & purple flowers stood under the arbor while other florals provided a wow factor atop wine barrels.
With music playing from DJ Mike from Curtis Knight Entertainment, Denise, escorted by her father Stephen, took her final walk as a single lady down the barn stairs. Friend Matt Pados officiated the ceremony and made sure that love and laughter were front and center. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one with goosebumps when Denise & Andrew shared their first kiss, and I certainly wasn’t the only one cheering as they were pronounced husband and wife!
During cocktail hour, guests mingled outside while they enjoyed a drink from the bar (run by the always amazing Premier Bar Service) and dined on appetizers from Wooden Spoon Catering Company. Rachel and Tina took full advantage of the beautiful grounds for bridal party & family photos.
The barn glowed as guests made their way inside for the reception. Twinkle lights were draped throughout the room, giving the space a magical feel. Following Denise & Andrew’s first dance, toasts from Denise’s Dad, Matt, and Adele had the crowd simultaneously laughing out loud and wiping tears from their eyes. As dinner wound down, DJ Mike invited Denise and Andrew to share dances with their parents. Immediately thereafter, guests flooded the dance floor and kept it rocking throughout the entire evening. A highlight was when DJ Mike played a song from Andrew’s band – the crowd went wild!! Guests rarely left the dance floor – only occasionally to enjoy dessert: the cake (which was a showstopper!) from Jenny’s Wedding Cakes and a make your own cheesecake bar! The end of the night found guests leaving the property chatting about what a great wedding it had been with huge smiles on their faces.
Denise & Andrew – I was so honored to be a part of your special day. I know the joy, laughter and love I saw that day was only a small glimpse of what your life will look like. Wishing you the best always. xo
The stunning photos below were taken by the incomparable Rachel at Rachel Rodgers Photography.