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Real Weddings

A Formal, Whimsical Garden Wedding

By
Kim Forrest
Photo By
Grazier Photography
Published on January 23, 2011
For their elegant wedding, high school sweethearts create a New England-style take on A Midsummer Night's Dream.
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Wedding Dress

Vows Bridal Outlet

Hair

Neil Gannon

Ceremony and Reception Site

The Crane Estate

Flowers

Faxon Green Elegant Floral & Event Design

Bridesmaid Dresses

AriaDress

Stationer

Bella Figura

Calligraphy

Jan Boyd Calligraphy

Ceremony Music

International String Trio

Caterer

The Catered Affair

Reception Music

Night Rhythm

Photo Booth

Luxebooth

Photographer

Grazier Photography

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"Nick and I wanted our wedding to have a formal yet whimsical feel—something along the lines of A Midsummer Night's Dream—plus lots of local and organic elements," says Emily. She wore a Romona Keveza gown from Vows Bridal Outlet in Watertown.

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Her hair, by Neil Gannon, featured a ribbon headband and vintage brooch.

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Sarracenia, calla lilies, veronica, and freesia bridesmaid bouquets. Floral design by Faxon Green Elegant Floral & Event Design.

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The wedding took place at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich.

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The ceremony was held on the estate's formal lawn.

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The couple's 180 guests were given programs by Bella Figura.

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Afterwards, guests convened on the patio for cocktails.

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At the tented reception, guests were directed to their tables by escort cards resting on a bed of moss; Bella Figura designed the cards, and the calligraphy was by Jan Boyd Calligraphy.

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The tables were decorated with a variety of centerpieces, created using locally sourced flowers and plants.

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"Nick and I visited the Boston Flower Market with our florist, and were drawn to really unique elements like onions, artichokes, and cabbages, all of which we used in the décor," says Emily. Dinner featured tamarind-glazed organic chicken and grilled filet of beef with red wine sauce from The Catered Affair.

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The wedding cake, also by The Catered Affair, was accompanied by a dessert buffet featuring cheesecake lollipops, parfaits, and other treats was also on offer.

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The couple performed their first dance to "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison. Music was provided by the band Night Rhythm; guests spent the evening dancing to pop and rock tunes and taking snapshots in a photo booth from Luxebooth. In lieu of giving traditional favors, the couple made donations to four of their favorite charities. To close the evening, the band played "Domino" by Van Morrison. "Nick and I busted out some swing moves we'd learned," says Emily. "It was excellent."

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TOPICS:

Real BridesReal GroomsBostonPreppyGreengarden weddingsoutdoor weddings
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