Cocktail hour took place on a patio before an open sloping lawn before reception inside the barn. Evan performed a song he had written just for his new bride while playing his guitar, which was an emotional moment for the entire crowd. They toasted the night away with drinks and dancing as the moon rose, before finishing off the incredible day surrounded by those they love, cheers of well wishes, and sparklers to send them home.
How They Met:
“Evan and I met through mutual friends my junior year of high school.”
The Proposal:
“Evan and I were sitting on a bench in Central Park and he turned to me, handing me headphones, and told me listen to a new song he had just heard. I put the headphones in and next thing I know he is handing me a stack of hand written index cards (which I still have) expressing all of the reasons he wanted to marry me. The background music intensified the whole moment, I felt like I was in a movie. Once I read through all of the cards he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Let’s just say I cried many happy tears! I was overjoyed and felt so lucky in that moment that this was happening and that I was going to be marrying my best friend.”
Wedding Planning Experience:
“I took everything on myself and enjoyed all aspects of my planning. We had a two-year engagement so it allowed me enough time to spread everything out and not stress too much all at once.”
About the Venue | Riverdale Manor:
“My love for a rustic/elegant setting took us to Riverdale Manor, in Lancaster PA. I walked through the doors of their barn ballroom and knew I was going to leave with a venue. The high ceilings and windows made for such a beautiful open space. The outdoor pavilion we got married under was a total dream and the grounds were gorgeous. Guests could walk down to the river or sit on the patio under the string lights. It was a very intimate and private location and that’s what I liked best about it.”
Wedding Inspiration:
“I am fairly simple, and have a love for just about anything with string lights and that barn feel. I knew I wanted mismatched gowns in a soft color palette with large green and cream bouquets. I got a lot of inspiration through Pinterest, wedding blogs, and Instagram.”
Wedding Planning Advice:
“ENJOY every moment! Don’t sweat over the small details too much and don’t try to take on too much “DIY”. Everything will fall into place and if things go wrong, just go with it. The day will go fast so take it all in before it is over!”
Best Wedding Memory:
“I would have to say my favorite moment was when Evan performed a song he had written for me in front of our guests. He wrote it a week before our wedding, but you would have thought he worked on it for months. The song went back to the very first day we met, and took us through our last 8 years together. I was in awe- Evan has sung many, many songs to me before, but to have one specifically written for me on our wedding day was something really special.”
Wedding Vendor Experience:
“All of my vendors were incredible. They were accommodating, organized and they made sure everything went as smoothly as possible. I couldn’t have asked for a better team of people to work with.”
Vendors | Photographer: Jessica Manns Photography, Second Shooter: Lauren Driscoll | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Riverdale Manor | Florist: Petals With Style | Stationery: Twig & Juniper | Dress Shop: BHLDN | Dress Designer: Tadashi Shoji | Bridal Accessories: BHLDN | DJ: Top Hat Entertainment | Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Calligraphy and Ceremony Sign: Paper and Pine Co.