It was love at first sight for Molly and Rich, and when they began planning their big day, they knew they wanted to create a wedding that reflected their strong family ties and love of the outdoors. Their wedding contained so many beautiful, nature-inspired and handmade details to truly make it their own. Molly’s bouquet, made by A Garden Party, featured purple haze roses, green hydrangea, purple vanda orchids, dusty miller, freesia, and succulents that were handpicked from her mother’s garden. Her bouquet was tied with a handkerchief from her mother’s wedding and Rich’s great-grandmother, signifying two families becoming one. Instead of a Unity Candle they did a tree planting ceremony, and their guests showered them with herbs which guests were able to mix themselves according to their wedding wishes. Read below for many more wonderful details!
From the Bride
The Location:
We knew we wanted an outdoor wedding, but we also knew it would be hot with the July sun beating down. We decided to compromise and have the ceremony and cocktail hour outside and reception indoors. We picked Running Deer Golf Club for our venue because of Rich’s passion for golf, the great reviews, and country setting. We couldn’t be happier with our selection. We received endless compliments about how great the food was and how professional the wait staff were. They made our day seamless.
The Floral:
When it came to decor A Garden Party helped tie everything together with burlap overlays and wooden accent pieces. They even incorporated hens and chicks from my mom’s garden. My bouquet was tied with a handkerchief from my mom’s wedding and Rich’s great-grandmother, signifying two families becoming one. When I arrived at the venue, I was blown away by how beautiful everything was from the centerpieces to the moss “A” at our head table. No detail was overlooked. Even the flowers on the cake looked perfect.
Incorporating Family Heirlooms:
Being a detail-oriented person myself I really enjoyed finding all the right containers and finishing touches with my mom. Based on my passion for quilt-making, we asked guests to sign a quilt square that I can use to construct a quilt instead of a guest book. We also had a Mixing Station with a variety of herbs that had different meanings (love, energy, etc.) that guests could mix together and use to shower Rich and I once we were pronounced husband and wife. The spoons used at the mixing station had been in the family for over 100 years. The forks used during our cake cutting were from the same set of silverware, but my Mom had “Mr.” and “Mrs.” engraved in each.
The Ceremony:
In place of a unity candle, we had a tree planting ceremony. Rich and I spread soil on the tree, while our parents watered it showing their support. Amazingly enough the gardenia tree is still alive and well in our apartment! One of Rich’s favorite parts was our “just married” golf cart provided by Running Deer. We were able to use it to get around the grounds for pictures during the cocktail hour.
The Reception:
Inside the reception guests were greeted by Polaroid pictures of all our family dogs hung by twine from an antique window pain. These served as escort cards and had matching pictures placed at each table. Given our passion for animals, Rich and I decided to provide a pet friend lapel pin and donate a “pound to the pound” for each guest. The entryway also had an Advice Table where guests were able to write down advice for the honeymoon and our 1, 5, and 10 year anniversaries. It was really nice being able to read all the honeymoon advice and wishes and I am definitely looking forward to seeing what people have written for our anniversary.
The Photography:
With all the details and special moments at hand, I was so happy to have Tina Jay Photography there to capture it all. The two photographers were able to catch all the important moments of our day without ever being intrusive and became family friends before the night was over. One of the photographers even wiped down my sweating legs during pictures! Now that is dedication! About half way through the night, they gave us some of the best advice. They told us to stop running around and take 2 minutes to sit back and take in the scene. We did just that and are so happy that we did. The memories of our family and friends laughing and enjoying themselves in the name of love will last a lifetime.
Photography: Tina Jay Photography / Florist: A Garden Party / Venue: Running Deer Golf Club, Pittsgrove, NJ / Bride’s Gown: Mikaella Bridal / Bridesmaid Dresses: The Dessy Group, After Six / Salon: Blu Salon and Spa / Bakery: The Sweet Life Bakery / Variety of Antiques: Royal Port Antiques / Officiant: Blissful Ceremonies / Videographer: Stomping Bread Productions / DJ+ Ceremony Music: Tristate Professionals and Jonathon Ashe / Programs + Herb Mixing Station + Advice Table + Antique Window Pane for Escort Pictures: DIY