As is the case with many of our Middle of the Map couples, Kelli and Jason were originally set up by friends. However on their first meeting, one could say the timing just wasn’t right, and they went their separate ways. However, flash forward to one year later, and the two met again, the stars aligned and sparks flew, and as Kelli put it “we’ve been together ever since”. Kelly and Jason love the outdoors, they’re aspiring farmers, and they’re also big fans of all things DIY and vintage. It only made sense to create an event that captured all of these elements on a hot July evening. Everyone pitched in to make it happen, and all the details are a testament to their amazing team of family and friends. Thank you so much to Kelli for sharing all the details of the day, and to Mary Wyar Photography for the lovely pictures!
Who, What, Where ~ Ceremony/Reception: Burton Century Village. Photography: Mary Wyar Photography. Rentals: Hodgepodge Vintage Rentals. Dress: BHLDN. Bridesmaids: Nordstrom. Food: Culinary Occasions. Beer: Southern Tier Brewery. Tent: Lasting Impressions. Bus rental: Precious Cargo. Everything else was created, gathered, and decorated by Kelli, Jason, and their amazing friends and family!
from the bride, Kelli…
Our wedding was very DIY, from the homemade strawberry jam that I made as the guest gift, to the table runners, to the bunting hanging in the tent. It was an adventure that all of our friends and family helped make so special but my favorite was that my close friends and family member each baked a pie for our dessert table- many of who had never made a pie before in their life. Jason and I had a small wedding cake but the pies were so great we never even cut the cake!! We also offered a special celebration punch at our cocktail hour called Chatham Artillery Punch- so many hands went into making this rather elaborate drink- and rather strong! Whoa was it good though.
There were several heirlooms included in our day. I had a hanky that my great great grand mother held on her wedding day, as well as my mom and sister. And my mother-in-law gave me a hanky that her great great grand mother made and brought over to America from Bohemia. The ring pillow my nephews carried was knitted by my grandmother and my sister used it in her wedding too. My mother gave me pink champagne glasses from the depression era that she found in a vintage store as a gift she gave us for our engagement that we used all night.
We had our wedding at The Burton Century Village- someplace I grew up going to as a little girl. The view was amazing and it meant so much to us to have the farm as our back drop. We are lovers of nature and the country side so the setting with the century homes and the farm there were just what we wanted!
Our ceremony was our favorite part of our wedding day. We wanted to be sure we did not have any thoughtless traditions, and that it reflected us in every way. Jason built the arbor we stood under as my wedding gift which is now in my garden- he even went to far as to put a branch from the tree that he made my engagement ring box from as part of the arbor. My best friend married us, and we wrote our own vows. His close friend bluegrass band played the music for our ceremony and the wedding so it was all the songs we wanted to hear. I can still close my eyes and see Jason’s face when he said “I do”, with that big happy smile. I will always remember that moment. And then when we were married and the ceremony was over my parents surprised us and had bagpipers playing as we walked down the aisle together! It was such a special day- and I know it is for so many couples but seeing all of our friends and family come together to help us and make the day so special will be what I cherish most.
