One of my very first posts, “Taking the Leap“, was about 2012, the year of the weddings. With five unique weddings on our calendar this year, we were looking forward to a season of food, fun & family. Last night’s nuptials were held at the Smith Barn at Brooksby Farm.  The invitation had read: “Please come and enjoy a celebration of love, friendship, laughter and friends”, and the evening did not disappoint. A tranquil country setting, surrounded by orchards and vineyards, where 200+ family and friends spent the night dining and dancing under the stars in this sooo romantic setting. 

The bride and groom braved the elements and decided to hold the ceremony outdoors in the garden, under threats of torrential downpours and high 80’s temps in the forecast. Just as the guests were taking their seats, the cloudy sky cleared to blue, a sure sign of a bright future for the newlyweds, yes?

The reception was held inside the Smith Barn, an antique two-story structure built in 1904. Simply rustic, with a balcony looking over the dance floor, where we were able to get a bird’s eye view of the bride and groom’s  first dance as husband and wife. 

A few of my favorite unique touches for the affair:

Mason jar centerpieces, decorated with burlap and designed by Parker Florist  of Wakefield, added splashes of color in hues of purple, yellow and green. Perfectly casual country alongside the table markers, empty wine bottles with a stenciled number, the corks having served as the place cards. With 24 tables, that was a lot of wine to drink…gotta take one for the team, as they say. Cute!

The aisle markers, hung on shepherd’s hooks in the garden. Burlap cones filled with summer flowers. So country pretty!

The Wedding Tree. Upon entering the venue, we grabbed our place markers, but then were asked to add our thumb prints and signatures to a lovely hand-painted poster to create a lasting “wedding tree” momento for the bride and groom. (wipes were provided to remove the ink from our thumbs : )

Hanging pots of flowers from the beams. Since the venue is constructed of unvarnished, unpainted beams, walls and floor, it was up to the wedding planners to add a splash of color wherever possible. The rows of hanging flower baskets added a softer touch to the beams surrounding the dance floor.

Twinkle lights. No matter what the venue, these little lights always cast a warm glow, especially after the sun set and the moon emerged over the vineyards. And it got me to thinking, I have a barn…and twinkle lights. And I like to dance. Perhaps a new business venture?

Ice Cream Bar!! In lieu of the tradional wedding cake, an ice cream bar was offered as dessert. Vanilla ice cream with a choice of toppings including oreos, hot fudge, sprinkles, strawberries, whipped cream and a cherry on top : ) A very cool way to end the evening.

School Bus Rock. The night at Smith Barn ending, the bridal party and their guests who were staying at a local hotel were treated to the ultimate mode of transportation- the big yellow school bus! Packed to capacity, we overheard the cheering and chanting as they rode off into the night.

Congrats to the newlyweds!! May you have a long life of love, happiness and sunshine. Now I could use some coffee and an Advil…. Susan