Hillary and Colby’s wedding at the Laurelville retreat center was everything you could ever want in a summer wedding with its breathtaking mountain top views, peaceful surroundings, plenty of parking, and lots of seating for even the biggest guest list.
These two like to joke that they met when they were 5 years old at Al's Pub after a conversation when they realized they were both there for the dinner with Barney (the dinosaur from the kids show). In their adult lives, they met through mutual friends. After 5 years of dating, Colby proposed by making a photo video their first date (a pirate game), all the places they had visited, and pictures of all the weddings they had been to together. The last slide said, "Maybe it's time to start planning our own?' Then he got down on one knee and proposed!
I started the day with the girls, much like every wedding, where Hillary was sweet enough to have all of her details ready to go! Her beautiful Badgley Mischka’s gave just the right amount of sparkle next to an incredible summery/fall bouquet by Red Punch designs. Her invite suite, I later learned, was designed and made by her sister Gretchen who is also a graphic designer! With the help of her circuit, the invites were set off by an intricately cut sage green jacket and gold belly band. Shortly after the details were documented and we squished everyone together on the couch for a robe picture, Hillary stepped into her gorgeous Essence of Australia dress. Her sister and mother were close by for the final touches like jewelry and perfume.
When I arrived at the Laurelville Retreat Center, I met up with Colby who was busy pinning the boutineers on the groomsmen. That was definitely a first for me - usually I’m the one that steps in and gets everyone pinned! He also shared with me a very special pair of cufflinks featuring a 16 year old Colby with his mom Wanda who had passed. He said he got them made on Etsy! I was so impressed not only by this sentiment of honoring his mother with his wedding details, but that fact that he even knew what Etsy is!
Soon guests began to arrive on the hay wagon/tractor shuttle, and Hillary walked up the hill with her father to meet her groom! The “aisle” was lined with geometric hanging planters made by the bride’s brother-in-law. The ceremony took place under a wooden geometric arch that the groom made himself! Talk about a talented family! Red Punch Designs took it over the top with TWO mind-blowing flower arrangements on the arch featuring sunflowers, dahlias, roses, thistle, and eucalyptus. It was truly the stuff of bridal magazines! The couple planted and watered a fig tree as a symbol of their growing relationship, and after rings and vows, the two were husband and wife!
We were fortunate enough to have amazing skies, shade, long grasses, and changing leaves for family photos and photos of the bridal party. We finished up at the retreat center with some bride and groom portraits on top of the mountain and by that incredible floral arch.
DiSalvos’s station was just a short drive away, and honestly one of the most unique venues I’ve shot at. The train-station-turned-restaurant was equally romantic and rustic with railroad decor, string lights, and red brick and green architecture. We took some portraits near the tracks at the top of the restaurant, highlighting the old train station awnings, benches, and brick walkways. The wedding decor was just as special with so many hand-made elements that looked very high-end and not DIY at all. Hillary grew the mini white pumpkins in her garden, and the couple made their hexagonal tile seating chart out of copper pipe. All in all, the decor for this late September wedding was a perfect blend of modern minimalist and elegant rustic with geometric metals, beautiful florals, and white pumpkins.
We ended the night with an epic night portraits showcasing HIllary’s second gown, a white sequin flapper style dress, and then later a cozy shot of the two lovers at a private table for two in the cigar bar downstairs. I hope you enjoy the highlights from this beautiful and unique day!
Ceremony: Laurelville Retreat Center
Reception: DiSalvo's Station
Gown: Essence of Australia at Marwin Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Morilee at Marwin Bridal
Tuxes: Cantalamessa Formals
Rings: West Side jewelry
Florals + Decor: Red Punch Design
Cake: Oakmont Bakery
Caterer: DiSalvo's Restaurant
Rentals: Photobrations Photo Mirror
