In September of 2008, just days after Kelsey started her freshman year at Suffolk University in Boston, she was wandering through the Public Garden with a new classmate when the pair ran into Sean, a junior. "My friend had actually gone to high school with him, so he invited us to a party that night," Kelsey remembers. The couple dated all through college, and ended up moving to New York City together after Kelsey graduated. In September of 2014, Sean took Kelsey back to Boston for a romantic weekend where their relationship began — but he didn't propose! Instead, he waited until they got back to the city, and popped the question outside of their apartment building. "When we got upstairs, our family and closest friends were there for a champagne toast!" says the bride.
They spent a year planning their wedding, choosing the Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm in Holicoing, Pennsylvania, for its close proximity to Kelsey's childhood home. They invited 180 guests to join them at the inn for the weekend of September 26, 2015, hosting everything from the rehearsal dinner to the morning-after brunch on the property. "We felt like we were home for the whole weekend," Kelsey says. The main event was a lush, seasonal affair that highlighted the beauty of the inn with ivory blooms, greenery, and hints of gold. Emily Wren photographed the totally stunning celebration — check it out, below!
Kelsey's bridesmaids (and her mom!) totally sparkled, all wearing silver beaded gowns that popped against the bride's lace wedding dress.
Silver Jimmy Choo wedges and a lace-edged veil complemented Kelsey's lace fit-and-flare wedding dress by Pnina Tornai. The stunning silhouette was complete with a plunging back and was perfect for an evening of dancing. Her bouquet combined dahlias and ranunculus, surrounded with eucalyptus leaves and tied with fabric from the bride's mom's veil.
Sean wore a classic tuxedo with a white ranunculus boutonniere. His pocket square actually belongs to the bride, and was embroidered with her name by her godmother.
"We loved the charm and feel of Bucks County, and knew we wanted to have the entire wedding in one place," says Kelsey of their decision to marry at the Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm. The groomsmen matched Sean in classic tuxedos, while Kelsey's bridesmaids wore white and silver beaded Parker gowns.
Included in the wedding décor was a tandem bicycle, decked out in fresh blooms. "Sean and I used to love renting a tandem bike in Boston while we were in college — we even had gold tandem bikes printed on our cocktail napkins!" Kelsey explains.
The ceremony took place beneath a towering tree, with vintage pews used for the first and last rows of chairs.
The entrance to the aisle was marked with arrangements of dahlias and hydrangeas, studded with stalks of wheat. The flower-covered altar had strips of ivory fabric flowing in the breeze and glass orbs with tiny succulents tucked inside.
The pair had a traditional ceremony, but added a few personal touches. "Sean requested that I walk down the aisle to 'Can't Help Falling in Love,'" says the bride. "And my uncle is the band director at Virginia Military Institute, so he played the trumpet alongside a string quartet. For our recessional, I chose 'All You Need is Love' — I definitely stole that from Love Actually!"
Cocktail hour was on the inn's lawn, where guests were treated to a beer tap wall featuring three of the couple's favorites: Miller Lite (their college beer of choice), Yuengling (from Pennsylvania) and Santaky Light (in honor of their favorite memories on Nantucket).
The escort card display was a lush tray full of succulents, roses, and orchids surrounded by votive candles. Cards were hung from strings and tucked in between the blooms for an organic, natural feel.
Instead of a gift table, guests were encouraged to drop boxes and bags into a handmade wheelbarrow, set alongside potted blooms and an ornate birdcage card holder.
Beneath the tent, farm tables were arranged across the wooden floor. To help blend the reception tent in with the rest of the property, posts were wrapped in greenery and twinkle lights, and white drapery hung from the ceiling added a dose of glam. Round tables were covered with white linens and dressed with centerpieces of hydrangeas, gold-painted seed pods, and eucalyptus leaves.
Other tables featured taller arrangements of hydrangeas, delphinium, and orchids to complement the height of the tent's ceiling. The farm tables were decked out with long, low arrangements of orchids, roses, and greenery, with candles nestled in between.
The main showstopper was the "living chandelier", with hydrangeas, orchids, and astilbe hanging elegantly over the dance floor.
Place settings featured gold-rimmed chargers and menus tucked into napkins alongside sprigs of herbs. At the sweetheart table, an organic arrangement flowed off the edge and an upholstered love seat awaited the newlyweds.
For dinner, guests were served a grilled peach salad and a petite filet with bay scallops. "But the real highlight was the late night snacks! We had mini Philly cheesesteaks because I'm from outside of the city, and mini lobster rolls because Sean is from Connecticut," Kelsey says.
We're totally in love with this cake table, with an elevated glass platform covering a lush display of moss, roses, orchids, and hydrangeas. The cake itself is simply sweet, with all-white frosting and a cluster of fresh white dahlias.
A live band played during the reception, with a DJ taking over for the after-party. "We had wish lanterns and a fire pit with s'mores outside, and it was the perfect 'send off' before heading to the after-party," says Kelsey.
The bride offers up some great dress-shopping advice. "Even if you know you want a fitted dress, try on a ball gown just for fun," she says. "I put on a few, and it actually made me a little less calm — I wasn't as sure as I'd thought about a fitted dress, until I put on The One!"
Venue & Catering: The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm || Wedding Planner: LeeAnn Kalb; Weddings & Events by Janet || Bride's Wedding Dress & Veil: Pnina Tornai || Shoes: Jimmy Choo || Bridesmaids' Dresses: Parker || Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Diana Vincent Jewelry Designs || Bouquets & Cocktail Hour Décor: Newtown Floral Company || Reception Florals: Weddings & Events by Janet || Invitations & Paper Goods: Minted || Cake: The Caketeria || Videographer: Video One Productions || Photographer: Emily Wren Photography
Want more rustic wedding ideas? Then check out another couple's laid-back nuptials in the video below.
Source: This Intimate Celebration at a Pennsylvania Inn Is an Elegant Take on a Fall Wedding
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