A Look Back | Summer Rustic Elegance Wedding | The Kelley Farm

Photographer: Andie Avery Photography // Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs // Videographer: Northwest Wedding Films // Venue: The Kelley Farm // Flowers: Jordan Moll // Caterer: Gallucci’s Catering // DJ: Dubreezy Entertainment // Photobooth: Shutter Bus Co. // Dessert: Legendary Doughnuts // Rentals: American Party Place + Cort Party Rentals + The Meaningful Details + Vintage Ambiance // Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige from Laineemeg // Chalkboards: Painted Pallet Designs // Transportation: British Motor Coach

How many couples can say they fell in love their senior year and actually married their high school sweetheart? Well for Jordyn + Gavin that was exactly the case. In fact, these two each knew from early on in their relationship one day they would get married.

When we first met Jordyn and her parents, I immediately felt a deep connection to this Kindergarten teacher. She was so poised and knew exactly what she liked and didn’t like, which meant for a great start to our relationship.

To top it off I was so thrilled to learn who they booked as their wedding photographer. I have been a total fangirl of Andie Avery for the past year. On the wedding day, I was so nervous to meet her. It was like meeting a rock star and I tried to keep it cool around her but I failed miserably.

One of my personal highlights yet very emotional was when I was entrusted with the couple’s vows and wrote them in their vow book. Truth be told I learned my lesson. I need to read through them before writing them down because these vows were so beautiful and got me very emotional.

The other was when we were doing bridal party photos when all of a sudden I heard Jordyn scream saying there was a mouse stuck in her dress. In reality, it was a very very large bug that took a liking to her stunning dress and held on for dear life.

Sadly, the bride’s grandmother passed away shortly before the wedding but Jordyn knew she wanted to make sure she was still included and well represented. We decided to dedicate her ceremony seat complete with her photo and a beautiful floral bouquet.

There were so many fun details about this wedding from the doughnut wall to all the incredible signage to a rocking dance party!

I just love this couple so much and we text regularly, which reminds me: Jordyn we need another dinner and/or drinks date!

The Rehearsal Dinner

Weddings are a day that a lot of people dream about but before the wedding can happen there needs to be a rehearsal dinner. After all practice makes perfect, but many people do not want to spend some of their wedding budget on a big rehearsal dinner. Here are some tips to having a special rehearsal dinner without breaking the bank.

1.)   Having a barbecue or a family member make the food at a nearby relative’s house is a good way for everyone to be able to mingle and have fun while avoiding the costs of restaurants.

2.)   If you want to keep the rehearsal dinner small, try having the rehearsal dinner two days before the wedding, that way only the wedding party and a few close relatives will attend instead of all the out of town guests.

3.)   On the contrary though, if you want to have more time with out of town guests then inviting them to the rehearsal dinner is a great way to get to spend a little extra time with them.

4.)   A great option for cheaper entertainment at a rehearsal dinner is a video or slide show of home movies and pictures of the bride and groom growing up!

Just remember that the wedding is all about the bride and groom and have fun with every aspect of it. The rehearsal dinner should not be stressful so make it as enjoyable and fun as possible!

The perfect wedding beverage guide!

Whether alcoholic or virgin, everyone likes a good cocktail—or mocktail—at a wedding. There are too many drink ideas to choose from, so today we’ll just highlight a few that might tickle your fancy.

1.      Rosé. Yes, wine is the universal classic crowd-pleaser at seemingly every wedding/event and there’s nothing wrong with that. I fully support this universal ideal. However, if you want to keep that traditional easy-drinking beverage on the table with a twist of distinct taste, we say: go for the rosé. It can be dry, sweet, or you can find a perfect balance of the two; whatever you want. It’s pink, always fairly light, airy and easy to drink. This is ideal for a warm summer wedding but ultimately can be sipped and enjoyed at any time of year. It adds a little color to the dinner table, too!

Photo by Shane Macomber

2.     Lemonade. Continuing the list with another summery drink, lemonade is always a good idea. Its versatility is a life saver, as is the short amount of time it takes to make a good batch. You can leave it a virgin beverage or add a little something to give it a kick. The great thing about lemonade is you can take any fruit and herb flavor you love and find a killer recipe. Depending on what you decide, multiple spirits can be used for multiple flavor combinations and BOOM, you have a signature cocktail resulting in a distinctive celebration.

Photo by Van Wyhe Photography

3.   Hot chocolate. Are you planning on winter nuptials? Perhaps within a snowcapped oasis in the mountains? Hot cocoa, spiked with a little Baileys, peppermint Schnapps or left alcohol free is always an excellent drink to serve in this type of weather. Keeping everyone warm and toasty, it will also keep the celebration going. A warm drink is comforting in cold weather, and can give your dinner a cozy, intimate feel. Also a drink that is just as delicious without any booze in it.

Hot Chocolate Bar. Photo by Corliss Photography

4.     Hot toddies. If you’re looking to add a little spice to your day via beverage, look no further than the always luscious and simple hot toddy. A classic amongst the holiday pick-me-ups, there’s no reason it can’t be incorporated into your event if said event is also taking place around the holidays. We recommend you go this route if you’re having a smaller gathering, as it can be difficult to keep the toddies hot and the prep takes some time.

These are only a snippet of the choices you have when it comes to introducing your signature cocktail. Since there are so many options, we recommend you take a flip through a cocktail book to give you an idea for a classic recipe or how to give it your own twist by adding something different. Cold or hot, you can’t go wrong! Cheers!