Even before Pantone announced that the color of 2017 would be “greenery”, we were ahead of the trend. Carolyn and I spoke at length about how she wanted her wedding to be full of shades of green and I couldn’t have been happier with that choice. There is something so beautiful and organic about lush greenery and it makes the design feel crisp and clean. They also picked the perfect backdrop to be surrounded by the colors of nature at every turn in Camp Sacajawea, a nostalgic Girl Scout camp located in Farmingdale, New Jersey. Flora + Fauna was there to capture every verdant moment.
Camp Sacajawea is not your typical wedding venue and there were definitely some quirks with bringing the vision to life. We were absolutely up for the challenge and consider it what we do best! I knew with an amazing team of professionals that we could create the day Carolyn and Bryan dreamed of. I immediately thought of Dorian at Wallflowers and she nailed it with gorgeous bouquets of white and blushes and lots of lush green garland and ferns. Oh how I love ferns!
The ceremony space is typically used by the campers and was filled with picnic tables for outdoor arts and crafts, however we cleared the area and brought in crossback chairs and a vintage rug from Dovetail Vintage Rentals. Wallflowers created an altar with an asymetrical garland of mixed greens, and touches of greens on the chairs. It was transformed and it provided the perfect intimate space to say “I Do.”
Mary Kate Moon brought our paper dreams to life with lots of gorgeous calligraphy on wooden signs and greenery-filled stationary. Carolyn and Bryan’s invitation suite was the perfect way to set the stage for what was to come. One of our favorite details was this watercolor map that gave guests suggestions of places to visit in between the ceremony and reception.
I should also mention that this wedding is near and dear to my heart since Carolyn’s oldest sister, Ellen, is one of my best friends and we grew up together- taking trips to Florida and sharing countless inside jokes with all three sisters. This photo is particularly special to me to see their family grow!
Jen of Flora + Fauna captured some of my favorite portraits. It’s not every day you just come across a canoe or the cutest mustard yellow tent. I will just let you see for yourself!
What you can not tell in these photos is that this day started out unseasonably hot but we weren’t complaining because the rain stayed away. Luckily by the time cocktail hour started, it was one of the most beautiful nights in September we could have asked for.
Bryan’s mom surprised the newlyweds with an ode to their Scottish heritage when a bagpiper showed up to serenade the guests. As another surprise, the Cocktail Caravan was on hand to serve up ice cold drinks. We absolutely love our friends at the Cocktail Caravan and really recommend them for an unexpected twist on a bar that your guests will not stop talking about! And of course, any good Scotsman knows how to belly up to the bar.
Bryan and Carolyn share a love of beer and wanted to do something clever for their guests to represent them. They came up with the genius idea of pairing a beer with a Girl Scout cookie (an ode to the camp) for a tasting during cocktail hour that the servers passed on wooden trays. I love these little details that make your wedding personal!
Carolyn and Bryan worked closely with Cardinal Provisions to create a menu that reflected the fun yet just plain good food feeling they wanted to portray. I think they nailed it and no guest left hungry. Thanks again to Mary Kate Moon for these artistic menus.
The reception room featured a mix of farm tables from Dovetail Vintage Rentals for a communal feel with traditional rounds with navy linens incorporate throughout. Wallflowers provided garland of greens and gorgeous compotes of white, blush and green with gold accents. The space was almost unrecognizable from its utilitarian purpose- plus bistro lights can transform just about anything in my opinion!
It was truly a night to remember as the newlyweds and their family and friends danced the night away to ENJOY! and only left the dance floor to take in the perfect September night sky. I wish Carolyn and Bryan nothing but the best and remember how happy you were this day as you walk this path of marriage together hand in hand.
