In a wooded glade, stately pines tower over a spirited woman and a gentle man, and a little boy with fiery hair.
They gather under these venerable giants to declare their love for each other and permanently plant roots as a family of three.
Appy and Eric have been together for years, but made it official last fall in a civil ceremony and this August in a magical gathering in the forest at Burlap and Bells. Finn — Appy’s adorable boy with ginger hair — was happy to see his mom marry the man he had already decided was his dad.
Tiki torches and hundreds of hydrangeas lined the aisle and adorned an arbor of branches at the front of the gathering space. Treated to champagne upon their arrival, guests carried glasses as they walked along a narrow path to the ceremony, their steps muted by a thick carpet of pine needles dropped over hundreds of years. Rustic benches welcomed them, situated perfectly among the tall trunks. What a beautiful and serene setting for a wedding.
From the Wooded Ceremony to the Party!
After the ceremony, everyone headed to the reception that was ablaze under a canopy of Edison lights. The rustic chic vibe included sturdy farm tables flanked by a kaleidoscope of wooden chairs, as wells as sparkling purple agates, hollow copper tetrahedrons, sweet little succulents and myriad custom flatware, dishes and goblets. Candles, lace and greens pulled all the tables together, bringing the outdoors inside. And to top it all off, Willow Designs of Lake Geneva, which created the beautiful design along with Appy’s mom Joanne, installed large green and floral hoops like chandeliers through the barn’s ceiling.
Even though we were miles from civilization, Enos Farms catering delivered a meal fit for an upscale urban eatery: two starters of a fresh greens salad and an unbelievably gorgeous and delicious beet and cauliflower salad followed by main courses of rare prime rib, poached white fish and a decadent creamy layered potato dish. Not only was the food incredible, but the service was top notch with attention to guests as if we were dining in a high-end steakhouse.
Our Drone Gets the Shot
After touching toasts from Appy’s father Edgar (which ended with a shot for every guest!!), as well as matron of honor Katie and best man Dylan, the Bluewater Kings band took the stage and brought nearly every guest to the dance floor. There’s nothing like a live band to get everyone into the party spirit, and BWKs knows how to deliver it! We loved our drone work at the height of the dancing, pulling away from the reception, a tiny dot of twinkling light encircled by acres and acres of dark forest.
That’s how Appy and Eric have carved out their lives together: a tight-knit circle of light against the darkness. So sweet. So magical.
We hope you enjoy this little Sneak Peek of Appy and Eric’s beautiful woodland wedding and we wish the newlyweds all the best!
Cheers, Cindy
The Team
Wedding Videography: Sweet Pea Cinema
Photographer: Narrowleaf Photography
Ceremony & Reception venue: Burlap & Bells
Band: Bluewater Kings
Florist/decor: Willow Design and Appy’s mom Joanne
Caterer: Enos Farms