NANCY & BEN'S WEDDING
THE VISION
Family tradition, Camp Sunnywood, family estate, Lake Champlain, southern hospitality, north country living
THE FLORA AND FAUNA
Lush Greenery, large loose bouquets, deep jewel toned blossoms, mums, hydrangeas, magnolia leaves, rocky lake shore, fall foliage
To use Ben and Nancy's words, "Southern Elegance in the North Country is more than just a phrase for their special day. It's a way of life - One that brings aspects of Washington, DC and Pittsburgh up north and honors the traditions of the past, the joy of the present and their dreams for the future."
Their wedding weekend succeeded in demonstrating all of this and more. The setting of the 100+ year old family Camp Sunnywood on Lake Champlain in New York provided a beautiful, rustic setting that encompassed generations of family traditions. A Thursday downpour dried up into a weekend of clear, crisp Adirondack autumn splendor. As family and friends arrived from all over the country, a healthy dose of Southern charm and hospitality greeted them at every turn. Each and every decoration, flower, food, drink and activity came with special meaning to the couple and their families. This was truly a unique and heartfelt event that contained every element of a perfect and magical wedding.
The traditional ceremony was held at St. Peter's Catholic Church. Established in 1853, this setting helped to create the atmosphere for this sacred and loving event.
During our early consultations, Nancy was clear with her floral and decor desires. She asked for her bouquet to be natural and loose, filled with seasonal flowers, greenery and berry colored blooms. Nancy and Ben's attendants' attire would complement with colors of gray, navy and pops of deep berry tones. The results were rich, lush and glorious.
Cocktails were held at the Big House at Camp Sunnywood. The porches were set with glowing tabletops and stairs were adorned with masses of colorful mums. Signature drinks were mixed and served inside at the bar while the family rowboat allowed for a more casual approach to serving beverages.
The inside of the Big House contained pieces of the Ben and Nancy story in every nook and cranny - from the Broadway Playbill displays which were used as table names to the Sunnywood wedding table. Every wedding that had ever been celebrated at Sunnywood was displayed and provided many with sweet memories.
Displays of the old days and wishes for new times to come were evident and presented in a loving and beautiful manner.
At 4 o'clock the traditional group picture on the front porch took place. In some of the shots the Terrible Towels were waved to signify an undying love for the Pittsburgh Steelers as demonstrated by Ben and his family for generations.
Guests then took their Terrible Towels and "waved" their way into the dining tent to toast the couple and enjoy a delicious gourmet meal. Ben graciously thanked everyone and pleased the Perennia girls when he described our work as "creating something right out of Downton Abby."
The dessert table at the Big House was a huge success. Local apples were baked up into pies, strudel and cobblers. Cookies shaped like Tennessee and cookies painted with a lake scene from Lake Champlain joined the multitude of goodies enjoyed by all.
As brides and grooms for generations before them have done, Ben and Nancy placed their name and wedding date on the family tree.
The party then moved to the dance floor where friends and family sang and danced the night away. Waving their Tennessee pompoms, the crowd joined in a rousing rendition of the song "Rockytop" as a nod to Nancy's alma mater.
The celebration continued as it had begun, with traditions of old and a life together new.
All images above © Amy Nicole Photography
Flower Messages
Kangaroo Paws - Unequaled
Purple Mini Carnations - Playful and Loving
Red Garden Rose - Romantic Love
Eucalyptus - Protection
White Chrysanthemum - Loyalty and Devotion
White Hypericum Berries - All Healthy
Burgundy Dahlia - Elegance
