Nicky is one of those brides you pray for. She is super easy going & friendly and knew exactly the type of wedding day that would suit her and Mike, as well as their guests. They were planning a laid back, fun day for 250+ of their nearest and dearest. Nicky teaches 8th grade and once summer break started we really started to see all of their wedding day details come together. As Nicky & I reviewed how their day would flow, she had so many great ideas on what she wanted, but was also super receptive to little changes that would make things go more smoothly. She always reacted with a “that’s great, let’s do it” attitude and was able to go with the flow effortlessly.
Nicky & Mike’s wedding was taking place at Camp Marshall in Spencer, MA which holds a special place in their hearts as Mike attended camp there growing up. The rehearsal the Friday night before went very smoothly considering their bridal party was 20 people – kids included! The walk from the barn to the ceremony site down by the lake was filled with laughter and singing and I could tell the next day would be a lot of fun. After the rehearsal everyone enjoyed some food before getting started on decorating the barn.
When my colleague Beki and I arrived early afternoon on Saturday, it was evident that the family & friends who helped with set-up the night prior had made great progress. Tables looked beautiful adorned with ivory tablecloths, burlap table runners and centerpieces from family member Barb, owner of Barb’s Floral Creations. Twinkle lights hung from the ceiling and the walls making the barn sparkle, and a full size mailbox used for cards was a showstopper. As a preview for Fellowship of The King, the Elvis Tribute Band that would be the late night entertainment, a cardboard cutout of Elvis stood waiting for guests to take their picture with him.
Nicky arrived mid-afternoon looking absolutely stunning in her dress from Samila’s Boutique in Seattle. Juliane from JMK Portraits took Nicky and Mike aside for a first look and a few private photos/moments before bridal party and family photos got under way. Guests began arriving shortly before 3:30pm and kept Keelia busy as they enjoyed a drink from the bar and mingling with each other.
As is the way with New England weather, rain storms were popping up so we had to make the call to move the ceremony inside. And it’s a good thing we did – the rain started towards the end of the ceremony which would have had guests very wet as they walked the quarter of a mile back to the barn! It’s always disappointing and never an easy call to make when you have your heart set on something, but as with everything else, Nicky & Mike rolled with the punches with huge smiles on their faces and never missed a beat.
After a short & sweet ceremony officiated by friend (and groomsman!) Matt and with live music from friend Jay, the bridal party made their way outside (despite the rain!) and toasted the newlyweds with champagne. While guests dined on delicious BBQ courtesy of Smokestack Catering, Nicky and Mike made sure to say hello and spend time with each guest. DJ Matty Andrews opened the dance floor shortly thereafter and as Nicky & Mike wanted, the remainder of the night was about pure fun. After a few hours of dancing, and fantastic cupcakes baked by friend Nikki, guests had time to go back to their cabins and get comfortable before returning to the barn for more dancing to the tunes of Fellowship of The King. While we weren’t there to witness it, I’m sure the party went into the wee hours of the morning as guests fed off Nicky & Mike’s energy and love.
Nicky & Mike – we were so happy to be a part of your wedding day! I hope the love & happiness you felt that day remains with you always. xo
Wedding day photos captured by the amazing Juliane from JMK Portraits.