Set amidst the lush gardens of M&D Farm in Westerlo, New York, this wedding created a unique aesthetic, giving the couple’s favorite novel a modern and elegant twist. From the ethereal bridal gown and groom’s dashing tuxedo to the heartfelt vows shared in front of the closest friends and family, every detail contributed to the day’s enchanting fantasy.
Location: Westerlo, New York, USA
Style: Classic, chic, garden-meets-speakeasy
Time of planning: 10 months
Number of guests: 75
Setting: Garden
Season: Summer
Taylor and Ian met 8 years ago on Tinder and have stayed together ever since. Ian had dreamt of proposing to Taylor during their trip to Tokyo to visit his family, but the pandemic delayed the cherished plans. Nevertheless, the dreamy event came true as soon as international travel was possible again. Ian finally proposed to Taylor at the top of the Shibuya Sky, surrounded by beloved family members.
Bride's Fashion
Before the long-awaited ceremony, Taylor enjoyed moments of precious calmness. The bride spent her morning at The Marker Hotel surrounded by dearest friends and family members, who helped her through the important getting-ready process. Taylor has always expressed herself through fashion, so choosing her bridal look was especially exciting. She had tried various dresses before finding the right one. Considering the advice of a close friend, the bride went with the stunning Danielle Frankel gown, exquisitely crafted from luminous pearly silks with intricate floral lace detailing on both the bodice and sleeves. The dress manifested Taylor’s desired aesthetic — a fusion of romantic vintage with clean, contemporary elegance.
"I loved my dress. It was feminine, sexy, and romantic, but with a touch of melancholy that just called out to me."
To complete her bridal look, Taylor selected a pair of elegant Sandy Liang heels in champagne satin with a bow detail that added playful charm to her attire. The wedding glam team from Pre-Dame Beauty achieved the bride’s desired look, which was subtle, dreamy, and fresh-faced. With rosy cheeks, neutral eyeshadow and lipstick, and ’90s-inspired twisted curls, Taylor embodied a romantic novel heroine while feeling comfortable and beautiful throughout the celebration.
For pre-ceremony photos, the bride chose Jennifer Behr pearl drop earrings with satin bows — a delicate yet striking accent against her dark, voluminous curls. During the ceremony, she wore opal studs inherited from her late grandmother. As a final touch, she wore Eau Rose perfume by Diptyque, a gift from her groom.
Meanwhile, Taylor’s bridesmaids wore light floral dresses in pastel pinks and blues, following the wedding venue’s color palette. Together with the bride, they explored the sunlit lush gardens with flowers in hand.
Groom's Fashion
Ian opted for a classy, James Bond edge look. He paired the poised traditional black tux from Proper Cloth with a cummerbund. Ian’s black shoes were from To Boot New York, while his cufflinks held special memories, just like Taylors opal studs, as they once belonged to his grandfather. The groom chose a pocket square boutonniere, which not only added the modern twist to his look, but also tied it together with the floral decorations of the ceremony.
First Look
Taylor and Ian took some time away from the celebration buzz and last-minute preparations for their first look. The couple shared this charming and exciting moment with the photographer Chrysa Leigh, who managed to masterfully capture the magic of the couple’s first encounter on the wedding day. Her photography style went hand-in-hand with the wedding aesthetic and the couple’s personalities, as she brought the cinematic inspiration to life.
"Seeing her for the first time in her dress is a moment I’ll never forget!"
With the photographer’s guidance, Taylor and Ian had genuine fun, entering the world of fantasies and frolicking around the fields. Chrysa Leigh was unafraid to experiment and opted for lively and dynamic photography instead of more traditional poses and frames. Her spontaneous approach has brought the desired playfulness, leaving the couple and their guests head-over-heels with visuals.
"Chrysa, our rockstar of a photographer, really helped make sure that Ian and I took some time just for the two of us. It left us with so many precious memories and photos we’ll be able to share with our family for years to come."
Wedding Location
Inspired by the 2005 movie adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ the couple wanted their venue and decorative choices to follow the romantic aesthetic. The ceremony’s venue, M&D Farm, has instantly grasped the couple’s attention. Taylor and Ian loved the “intimate, whimsical gardens infused with that old-world, European charm.” The couple decided to add subtle pops of color with the help of Poet Floral, which complemented the eye-catching lushness of the venue.
"We asked for something artistic, organic, and moody, focusing on pale blush and lavender tones with pops of deep purple and blue."
Ceremony
The ceremony space was set against the untamed backdrop of blooming greenery, and the purple hues of the flowers on the altar captured all the attention. The couple stood in front of it, beaming with happiness and excitement, as the close circle of guests admired their beauty from the audience.
"Ian and I are typically more reserved, which is why we wanted to take the opportunity to challenge ourselves and be vulnerable, letting our love shine in front of all our closest family and friends."
Taylor and Ian exchanged vows with Ian’s longtime friend Peter officiating, who had known him since grade school. The presence of a close friend calmed down the nerves and allowed the couple to be authentic and vulnerable with each other. After a moment of silent admiration, the audience erupted with applause and congratulations. It became one of their special day’s most touching and unforgettable moments.
"I spent weeks carefully crafting every word to make sure I captured everything I wanted to say to Taylor, knowing that our love went beyond anything that could fit on a page."
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, it was time for the cocktail hour amidst blooming gardens. Once again, the couple did not miss the chance to add their personal touch, creating a unique menu of cocktails named after their memorable places.
"The San Diego, a spicy margarita representing Taylor’s hometown. The New York, a dirty martini for the city where we met and fell in love. And lastly, The Tokyo, a Japanese highball for the city where we got engaged."
Reception
As the sun began to set, everyone was welcomed at the long wooden tables under a sailcloth tent with twinkling fairy lights. Custom matchbooks, candles, crystal-clear glasses, and flower bouquets contributed to the magical atmosphere of the reception. It was the moment to be present and take in the emotions from the ceremony. Taylor and Ian could finally relax, enjoying the comforting company of their family and friends.
"Our loved ones made us feel so special, seen, and cared for and that meant the world to us."
Party
After the reception, it was finally time to let loose. The upbeat soundtrack for the party was in the hands of DJ Dash; he played a mix of both Talor and Ian’s favorite 90s hits and ATL-inspired rap tracks. Buzzing with excitement and joy, the couple and their guests danced through the night.
"People may say it's just a big party, but it's so much more than that. It's a day that will stay with you and your loved ones forever, creating memories you'll cherish for a lifetime. Looking back, I wouldn't change a single moment."
Advice from the couple:
- Take time for yourselves, and try not to feel too pressured to please everyone else. Remember, all the time, money, and effort you’re putting in is ultimately for the two of you! Be fully present with each other and with those who genuinely love and support you.
PHOTOGRAPHER Chrysa Leigh Photography | GETTING READY VENUE The Marker Hotel | WEDDING VENUE M&D FARM | COORDINATOR M&D weddings | MUAH Pre-Dame Beauty | FLORIST Poet Floral | CATERING Mazzone Hospitality | DRESS Danielle Frankel | SHOES Sandy Liang | EARRINGS Jennifer Behr | WEDDING BANDS David Yurman | TUX Proper Cloth | SIGNAGE Holly Winnie Design Co. | BRIDE Taylor | GROOM Ian
