A wonderful description of this beautiful wedding from Diana, the bride: My husband and I are longtime urbanites, but both grew up in greener and more wide open spaces. When thinking about the setting for our wedding, we quickly decided we wanted something pastoral, surrounded by the simple beauty of nature. We also knew that we wanted a setting that was cozy, rustic, and inviting – a place where our guests could feel romantic and whimsical, but also entirely laid back and at home. With these things in mind, we started looking for venues with a barn in and around upstate New York – a land with soft mountains, lush foliage, and stunning vistas. It only took one visit for us to fall in love with Stable Gate Winery. As our officiant, a dear friend, would later express during our ceremony: one side is surrounded by wildflower fields – spontaneous and joyful – and another by a vineyard – a place of labor, planning, care, and reward. A partnership should have both of those elements, and as such it was an ideal place to begin and celebrate our marriage.
With the classic, barn venue we were looking for, we also wanted to add some contemporary touches. From day one, I knew I wanted my bridal party to wear fresh flower crowns. However, I thought, “why limit the floral adornment?” My close girlfriends and I have a tradition we’ve titled “LaDay” (pronounced lay-day) where we spend a day together crafting, drinking, and doing a Secret Santa-style gift swap for no occasion other than to celebrate each other and friendship. Creating flower crowns from craft store garlands has been a staple in our LaDay activities, and I figured I could take that model to our wedding. Two of my bridesmaids – also LaDay regulars – and I made flower crowns for the reception, hoping and wishing that guests would embrace the spirit of celebration, whimsy, and flower-child attitude. On top of that, we thought glow sticks and temporary tattoos – custom designed by another dear friend and artist – would only add to the enjoyment and carefree vibes of our guests. Our venue manager started referring to our wedding as a “rustic rave,” which felt was an appropriate harmony of the roots that inspired us and the modern flare that entertains us.
Venue: Stable Gate Winery | Catering: Birch Hill Catering | Florals: Fleurtacious Designs | Hair: Alex Sawyer, Strut Spalontique | Makeup: Ashley Gagnon, Strut Spalontique | DJ: John Martinez, Say I Tru productions | Ceremony Music: William Hackney | Second Photographer: Masha Creative | Dress: Angel gown from BHLDN | Tuxedo: Bonobos | Tie: Bar III | Groom’s Shoes: Rockport Wingtip Oxfords | School Bus Transportation: Brown Coach | Limousine: Today’s Limousine | Ceremony Officiant & Printed Graphic Design: Claire Briguglio