“We can remember the morning Beth & Jim came over to meet us for the first time. The energy that walked through the door was contagious and as they told us about their dream farm wedding that was starting to be planned – we couldn’t help but count down the days along with them until we’d be on the top of Summit hill, photographing their day. Our excitement grew when we met up for their engagement session that we completed in their West Side Neighborhood and then caught a sunset on Squaw Island Park. We couldn’t wait for their wedding, and then finally, it arrived. They involved as many local vendors and friends in the process as they could (including live music, bar-tending, makeup and set up: all completed by friends). Perhaps our favorite moment was after they were wed, they had a big parade down the hill with live music & singing echoing through the trees. This wedding and working with Jim & Beth was a dream for us.” – Shaw Photography Co.
What is your favorite wedding day memory?
We were married at the top of a hill so in order to get up the hill we had a hayride and then asked guests to join us for a walk down the hill when the ceremony was over to get to the reception. Our friends, Adam and Bill, played “Big Parade” by The Lumineers while we made our way down. We thought that a lot of our older relatives would opt to take the hayride back down the hill but when we turned around we realized that everyone, besides a few with health issues, had chosen to walk down with us. It was the perfect time of celebration following the ceremony.
What did you DIY for your wedding?
We were married on a hunting property, Summit Hill Farms, that Jim’s family has owned since the 1950’s. In order to make it wedding ready we had to do everything from rebuild the fire pit to mowing, to trimming trees and creating horseshoe pits. We handmade signs to get to the location and direct people at the farm where to go, as well as our table settings, and the details for the bar. We threw our own rehearsal dinner and pancake breakfast the day after the wedding. Our families and bridal party played a huge role in making sure everything ran smoothly so we could spend extra time and attention on our out of town guests.
We used friends for almost every element of the wedding. Thankfully we have talented friends who are just starting out businesses so we were one of their first few weddings. Because they know us and the feeling that we wanted to evoke at our wedding, they did a wonderful job of making everything seem homemade and effortless to match with the laid-back vibe of our day.
Something old, new, borrowed and blue?
My something old and blue was a button from the shirt that I was wearing on the first date Jim and I went on. My something new was a pair of earrings that Jim had bought me as one of my wedding gifts. My something borrowed was a pearl necklace from my sister but that was originally my Grandma’s. My Grandma passed away in March and it was a tough loss for our family, so being able to have a little piece of her with me on our wedding day was so special.
Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?
Organization was so helpful during our planning process. Jim helped by making spreadsheets for nearly everything, including an itinerary for the week leading up to the wedding and the whole weekend. Although we didn’t follow it to the letter, it was nice for our wedding party to have a rough outline of what to expect.
I get overwhelmed and flustered quickly when planning things so Jim did a lot more of the planning than I did. If you know that you’re getting overwhelmed, or that you aren’t enjoying planning any more, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your bridal party, family and fiancé. Everyone is more than willing to jump in and help in any way they can to make your day perfect! – Beth, the bride
Event Credits
Photographer: Shaw Photography Co. // Venue: Summit Hill Farm (family property) // Florist: Sylvatica // Catering: Chiavetta's Catering // Desserts: A Fiesta of Food // Dress: Adrianna Papell // Shoes: Steve Madden // Jewelry: Nadri // Hair: Aquaria Salon // Makeup: Megan Gaske (Bridesmaid) // Bridesmaid Dresses: Hand-picked by each bridesmaid // Grooms suit: Bureau // Bow tie: Otis James // Shoes: Steve Madden // Watch: Shinola // Groomsmen attire: J.Crew // Coffee Bar: Public Espresso and Coffee
