Romantic Rustic Pastel Vineyard Wedding in Massachusetts

Oh I am just loving this pretty as a picture wedding today. It’s divine from beginning to end.

Emily and Elizabeth were married at Willow Spring Vineyards in Massachusetts on a mid summers day. They wanted an outdoor wedding and their ceremony was clearly the most important part of their wedding celebrations. There were strikingly beautiful blooms throughout, rustic signage and the most gorgeous dresses too. Oh so wonderful.

Many thanks to Wonderbliss Wedding Photography for sharing these lovely shots with us.

FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHER | Emily and Elizabeth were married at Willow Spring Vineyards in Haverhill, Massachusetts on the eve of the Summer Solstice. At the outdoor ceremony words were read from the Book of Ruth and Henry David Thoreau, as well as a powerfully moving reading of the Massachusetts Ruling by the Supreme Judicial Court, written by Chief Justice Margaret Marshall. This reading ended up being particularly fitting given that the Supreme Court repealed key parts of DOMA just a few days after the wedding. I’ve included the words below:

“Marriage is a vital social institution. The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support; it brings stability to our society. For those who choose to marry, and for their children, marriage provides an abundance of legal, financial, and social benefits. In return it imposes weighty legal, financial, and social obligations…. Without question, civil marriage enhances the “welfare of the community.” It is a “social institution of the highest importance.”

Marriage also bestows enormous private and social advantages on those who choose to marry. Civil marriage is at once a deeply personal commitment to another human being and a highly public celebration of the ideals of mutuality, companionship, intimacy, fidelity, and family…. Because it fulfills yearnings for security, safe haven, and connection that express our common humanity, civil marriage is an esteemed institution, and the decision whether and whom to marry is among life’s momentous acts of self-definition.”

Katie Rocheford of Sweet Annie Floral Design created wildflower-inspired bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony decor for the event. The brides both wore white, but in their own style, and they carried matching romantic bouquets of lavender, white, and pink. Reception tables were adorned with flowers arranged in mismatched vintage vessels and handcrafted table numbers made from wine bottles. A favorite detail was the beautiful ceremony installation of hanging flowers.

After dinner, Emily and Elizabeth’s guests enjoyed assorted pies for dessert and danced the night away in the Willow Spring Vineyards rustic reception space. In lieu of a first dance, the brides learned how to play both the guitar and the harmonica so they could surprise their guests at the reception by singing a duet to the tune of “All I Want is You” by Barry Louis Polisar.

THE VISION | We wanted something that represented our love of nature and connection to family. We are avid runners, and love going on long runs and hikes. We wanted something that was relaxed but also communicated how important and special this day was for us. It meant so much for us to be able to get married amidst the support of our family and friends and we wanted the wedding atmosphere to provide a sweet and simple backdrop. We wanted an outdoor wedding in a peaceful, pastoral atmosphere. We also had one of our first and favourite dates at a winery. When we found Willow Springs Vineyard, we knew the minute we arrived that it was the place we would get married.

We ended up going with an earthy, rustic style that felt natural for us and not too over the top. For us the ceremony was one of the most important part and we didn’t want that to be overshadowed.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS | Emily: The most important moment of the day for me was without a doubt the ceremony. There were so many meaningful things present in the ceremony: our spirituality, our family, and our friends, all played important parts. I felt surrounded by people who love and care about us, but my main focus was on Liz. Just prior to the ceremony we told each other, “if we get nervous, just focus on each other,” and that’s exactly what I did. At times it felt like we were the only two people there.

Elizabeth: The ceremony was my favourite, and there were many moments that will always stand out to me. We had a touching moment in the vineyard right before the wedding procession… both of us standing with our parents and seeing everyone waiting for us and feeling their love. There was nothing like it. Another highlight was right at the conclusion of our ceremony when Emily took a selfie of us with all of our guests behind us… it was so fun and so touching all at once. We also did a receiving line and it was wonderful to have a “mini-moment” with each guest. I felt so connected to Emily and everyone who was there celebrating with us.

ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES | Do a little bit at a time. Share the to-do list… enjoy the process of planning! Don’t feel pressured to do something you don’t want to do. People who “do weddings” have an idea of how it should go, but if you want to do something a little bit different – it’s OK. Let the wedding showcase who you are and what you value. Whether you’re spiritual, religious, or neither, don’t skimp on the ceremony. It’s where the “wedding” happens. The public commitment to the person you’ve chosen to spend your life with should be allotted sufficient time and should be truly representative of you as a couple.

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE | There were a few elements that were most important to us when selecting vendors. We wanted to make sure that our guests enjoyed good food and that we had beautiful photos to remember the day. We were THRILLED with our photographer, Wonderbliss. Working with Cara was so seamless. She was so thoughtful and responsive.

We loved working with Two Chefs. Alison – our contact through Two Chefs – was super and gave us great ideas for our menu. We received so many compliments about the food. We also enjoyed working with our florist, and the arrangements she created were a beautiful touch. She was wonderful and easy to work with and her flowers were the first things noticed by guests coming into the venue.

Planner/Venue | Willow Spring Vineyards

Photographer | Cara Brostrom, Wonderbliss Wedding Photography

Caterer/ Dessert Pies | Two Chefs are Better than One

Florist | Katie Rocheford

Dress | Nordstrom and BHLDN

Band/DJ | Self. iPod. AV equipment by Jack Oliva

Hair/Makeup | Dally’s Hair Salon, Newburyport, MA

Ahh just wonderful. Thanks so much to Emily and Elizabeth for sharing their lovely wedding with us xo Lou