Some say marrying your college sweetheart represents one of the strongest kinds of love. Love with integrity, transparency, compassion and compromise. This is the type of love that grows wild, and so easily encapsulates you into a world where nothing can hurt you. It’s blissful and magnetic. If you’re lucky enough to come across this when you’re young, your best bet is to hold tight because it doesn’t come around often. This is the type of stuff your parents tell you about at their 50th wedding anniversary; love that withstands the test of time and grows stronger despite the minutes passed and miles traveled.
There is something very organic and rare about growing with another person. You become each others’ support system, bolstering when strength is needed and welcoming when comfort is yearned for. This kind of love is much more powerful than a deep friendship. It is resilient and selfless.
Sarah and Jared met in a writing class in college. After nine years of growing together, this past September, they finally shared their memorable day with friends and family. These two young lovebirds reminded us why we love designing at Handsome Hollow, their chosen wedding venue for both their ceremony and reception that lies three hours outside of the city. Creating a colorful, enchanting space for them was our mission.
The property in upstate New York is both elegant and earthy, and most beautiful in the months between late summer and mid-fall. The lush greenery surrounding the venue is beautiful enough to whisk anybody off their feet. Places like this represent the true beauty of New York’s country-side.
The couple’s matrimonial affair began with an intimate ceremony in the woods, which was followed by a reception in a restored tobacco barn. The moment you approach the inside, the brisk aroma of foraged greens mixes with the scent of sweet garden roses. Pampas grass, roses, gomphrena and decorative strings of lights hang delicately from exposed beams, complimenting the warm, autumnal color palette. Simple accents of bright green here and there bring this rustic, chic wedding to life.
Muted, dusty shades of red and hints of black are weaved throughout, emitting a modern and playful energy that invigorates the venue. The details of the ceremonial area are just as lively and eye-catching as the interior of the barn. In the ceremonial arch, a flavorful mix of zinnias, dahlias, textured greenery and white anemone create a statement that represents both the boldness and uniqueness of Sarah and Jared’s love. This was one of the couple’s more important pieces, so we made sure to work diligently to select flowers with robust color and detail in mind. That day in September, the air was warm and sweet. Though the change in season was inevitable, this gleeful celebration stopped time for a little while. To Sarah and Jared, for growing through the seasons of life together.
That day in September, the air was warm and sweet. Though the change in season was inevitable, this gleeful celebration stopped time for a little while. To Sarah and Jared, for growing through the seasons of life together.
Written by | Gillian Mattern
Photographer | Alea Lovely
Venue | Handsome Hollow