A curved aisle lined with goldenrod, sculptural wildflowers, and a relaxed outdoor setting set the tone for this late summer wedding in upstate New York. Held at Hayfield and planned by Chelsea Brooke Events, the day felt effortless yet refined — a natural extension of the Catskills landscape shaped into something unforgettable.
Location: Hayfield, Upstate New York
Style: Natural, minimal, sculptural
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Setting: Outdoor
Season: Summer
Elizabeth and Tom met as students at Georgetown University, but it was a peaceful grassy field near campus that became a meaningful part of their story. Eight years later, Tom brought Elizabeth back to that same spot — now framed by fall foliage and quiet trails — and proposed. “As soon as we got to the clearing, I knew what was happening and teared up,” Elizabeth shared. Their friends Dan and Steph hid nearby with champagne and a camera, capturing the moment on film and Polaroid. Now living in Brooklyn, Elizabeth works as a clean energy lawyer and Tom in AI innovation, but that day in the woods remains one of their most personal memories.
Bridal Morning
Elizabeth got ready with her mom and sisters by her side, sharing a calm morning before the celebrations began. Her hair and makeup were done by Jen da Silva from Dasi Salon, who has been cutting her hair since Elizabeth was twelve. Jen created soft Hollywood curls that somehow held perfectly through the day and night, paired with a makeup look that felt glamorous yet completely natural. “She made me feel like myself — just brighter,” Elizabeth said.
Her dress and veil by Mira Zwillinger, found at Mark Ingram Atelier, felt like wearing a work of art. The dress was delicate, timeless, and slightly whimsical, and the streaming floral appliqués on the veil echoed the wildflowers around Hayfield. Elizabeth carried a relaxed bouquet by Heart & Soil in cheerful yellows and soft neutrals — a mix of larger blooms, greens, and delicate wildflowers that matched the setting perfectly.
Groom's Fashion
Tom wore a custom light gray wool-linen three-piece suit, monogrammed with his initials and the wedding date — a modern, breathable choice that balanced elegance with the natural setting. He paired it with a white shirt, a slim tie, dark brown shoes, and a fresh boutonnière by Heart & Soil, which tied his look back to the wildflower-filled landscape. He never envisioned himself in a tuxedo, and the texture and tone of the suit fit perfectly into the relaxed, outdoorsy spirit of the day.
First Look
Elizabeth and Tom’s first look was the most memorable moment of the day. Their photographer, Elizabeth Grant, and planner, Chelsea Brooke Events, took it into their own hands to explore the area upstate in advance and find the perfect spot. They kept it secret to make the moment day-of even more special. Elizabeth met Tom next to a stream in a field of flowers a short way into a hiking trail near Windham that encapsulates the essence of late summer in upstate New York, filled with goldenrod, punctuated by a covered bridge and surrounded by mountain ridges.
After that, the couple walked into the ceremony space before guests arrived. The wooden benches curved around the aisle in a gentle arc, lined with sculptural floral arrangements in tones of golden yellow, soft cream, and fresh green. The florist used goldenrod and black-eyed susans — Elizabeth’s mom’s favorite flower — to create natural clusters that looked like they were growing from the earth. It was a quiet moment for the couple, made possible by Chelsea’s thoughtful planning and design. Every detail was intentional yet effortless, blending seamlessly into the landscape without ever disappearing into it.
"They kept it secret to make the moment day-of even more special."
Ceremony
Elizabeth and Tom’s ceremony took place in a field at Hayfield, surrounded by hills and open skies. Guests took their seats under white parasols as the couple entered from the barn, with Elizabeth walking alongside her father. The ceremony was officiated by William Stanley, who Tom’s family met during their time living in Uganda. His presence brought personal meaning to the moment, tying their past to their present in a quiet, emotional way.
They included two readings — Love is a Place by E.E. Cummings, read by Elizabeth’s brother Stephen, and No Self, an excerpt from How to Love by Thich Nhat Hanh, read by Tom’s sister Catherine. In a meaningful nod to an African tradition, each set of parents placed a hand on the shoulder of the new family member and offered a blessing. When the ceremony ended, “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty began to play, and the couple walked out hand in hand as guests stood and cheered.
"Elizabeth and Tom chose to end the ceremony with the song Wildflowers by Tom Petty as the guests moved to cocktail hour."
Cocktail Hour
Guests moved from the field into cocktail hour under open skies beside Hayfield’s weathered barn, surrounded by Catskills greenery. Signature drinks were served with edible flowers, and trays of vibrant bites floated through the crowd. The couple’s friends and family mingled with parasols in hand, laughing in clusters across the lawn while music played softly in the background. The stream nearby, string lights overhead, and the relaxed summer light gave the whole scene the feeling of a warm garden party. It was casual, elegant, and full of life — a seamless transition into the evening, thoughtfully designed down to the smallest detail.
"Seeing everyone enjoying the outdoors and getting to know each other made the day feel even brighter."
Decor & Setting
Reception took place on the lawn under soft string lights, with long wooden tables arranged in clean rows across the grass. Gauzy white runners flowed down each table, paired with natural ceramic plates, golden flatware, and crystal glassware that shimmered in the evening sun. The look was minimal yet warm, letting the setting speak for itself. “Chelsea specializes in nature-inspired weddings and was a perfect fit,” shared Elizabeth — and the reception design reflected that perfectly, with every element feeling intentional, balanced, and effortlessly connected to the landscape.
The stationery by The Vintage Inkwell brought in soft, refined details — from table numbers to printed menus — that elevated the tabletop without interrupting the easygoing flow of the day. Spritzes with lemon slices and lavender greeted guests at their seats, while string lights flickered overhead as the sun dropped behind the hills. Chelsea’s design allowed the entire scene to breathe — nothing felt overdone or heavy. It was the kind of setting that looked stunning in photos but felt even better to be in.
Reception
As the sun dipped behind the Catskills, guests gathered at the long tables for an open-air dinner that felt like the heart of the weekend. Plates arrived filled with vibrant seasonal dishes — fresh, rustic, and beautifully plated by Comparti Catering, whose team brought the flavor and creativity of their Brooklyn restaurant, Colonia Verde, to the field. The quality was impressive, especially in such a remote setting. Wine was poured into delicate crystal glasses, and conversations flowed easily as golden hour settled over the valley.
The atmosphere was celebratory but never rushed. Speeches brought laughter and a few quiet tears, and the slow rhythm of the meal gave guests time to soak everything in. The soft clinking of glasses, the sound of toasts echoing across the open field, and the joyful hum of friends and family all added to the immersive feeling — one of connection, beauty, and presence.
"We were laughing so hard we were crying and feeling completely present."
Private Moment
Elizabeth and Tom took a few minutes after dinner to step into the tall grass alone, surrounded by the soft light of golden hour and the quiet hum of the hills. It was a chance to pause, breathe, and just be together — away from the buzz of the crowd but still in the heart of the landscape they chose so intentionally.
Their photographer, Elizabeth Grant, captured the moment in her signature mix of digital, drone, and nostalgic film. Her work framed the couple in movement, light, and genuine emotion — letting their connection shine without ever feeling staged. Every image felt warm, present, and deeply real.
Night Celebration
As evening settled in, guests made their way into the barn where the warm glow of pendant lanterns and hundreds of hand-folded paper cranes created a magical, intimate setting. Lounge areas with velvet and linen seating invited guests to relax between dances, and the wooden interior was filled with conversation, laughter, and the buzz of a celebration continuing late into the night.
The couple’s cake was a two-tiered design finished in smooth white buttercream and decorated with pressed lemon slices and fresh blooms. Once cut, it revealed layers of soft pink filling, served in generous slices alongside other late-night sweets. It sat on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by candlelight and scattered florals, offering a moment of sweetness that felt right at home in the relaxed yet refined barn setting.
Elegant Music Group kept the energy high with a live band performance that had the dance floor packed. Guests flowed between dancing, sipping cocktails, and lounging beneath the crane installation.
As the night drew to a close, Elizabeth changed into a sparkly white mini dress, and the couple stepped out into the dark with sparklers in hand, surrounded by cheers and glowing lights — a send-off as joyful and bright as the entire day.
Advice from the couple:
• Always come back to the reasons that your relationship makes you feel so lucky and let that ground and give you lightness when it comes to things that don’t really matter.
• Take your time all with the moments that weddings give you with family and friends and let the support and love you feel resonate.
• Event planning is a completely new skill for most and exposes you to brilliant artists if you take the time to get to know and appreciate them. Enjoy getting to design something artistic and creative.
• On the day, just let go and have FUN!
PLANNER Chelsea Brooke Events | PHOTOGRAPHER Elizabeth Grant Photography | VENUE Hayfield | FLORIST Heart & Soil Flowers | MUAH The Luminous Bride, Dasi Salon | CATERER Comparti Catering | STATIONERY The Vintage Inkwell | RENTALS Columbia Tent Rentals, Borrowed Blu, BBJ La Tavola, Pearl Events | BAND Elegant Music Group | LIGHTING Sebass Events | HOTEL Wylder Windham | TRANSPORTATION Red Oak Transportation, Empire CLS | WELCOME SIGN Fabric Signage & Wedding Stationery by Jo Crum
