A Colorful Summer Estate Wedding
Kate and Mark’s wedding was a celebration woven with personal touches that made the day uniquely their own, held at a place that already had a legacy of love—Kate’s parents’ estate, where they had married 40 years earlier. From the moment we began planning, it was clear that this day was about much more than just aesthetics. Kate and Mark wanted to create an experience for their guests that reflected their personalities and relationship.
I always start by asking my couples not what they want their wedding to look like but what they want guests to feel when they walk in. For Kate, her vision was a little bit of everything, everywhere, all at once—a little chaotic, a little colorful, but with a subtle elegance that mirrored Mark’s calm nature. That idea became our foundation. Kate’s custom hand-painted gown by Barbara Kavchok, which became the inspiration for the flowers designed by Monzies Floral. The bold, yet delicate patterns on the dress were reflected throughout the entire event, creating an atmosphere that balanced Kate’s vibrant energy with Mark’s calm demeanor.
The personal details were what made the day truly magical. Kate and Mark’s invitations were designed as tea towels, each sent with a tag for guests to write well-wishes on. These tags were later hung from a tree, a tree that will be planted in front of the home they will build on the estate. It was a beautiful symbol of not just their wedding but the life they are creating together.
The estate’s pond provided a stunning backdrop for both the ceremony and reception, adding a sense of tranquility to the day. There’s something so special about getting married where you grew up, surrounded by the natural beauty and memories of childhood.
Kate’s personality and Mark’s quiet strength balanced each other perfectly, and their care for each other was evident in every decision they made. One of the most creative and personalized details was the custom beer wall, crafted by Borrowed Somethings, paying homage to Mark’s passion for brewing his own beer. One of my favorite moments was when Kate ran down the mountain at sunset, her dress flowing behind her, perfectly captured by Kiersten. It was an image that felt like the essence of their day—free-spirited, joyful, and beautifully chaotic.
The night was capped off with incredible food from our friends at Epicurean and dancing under the stars to the sound of Lightweight. It was the kind of evening where every detail felt intentional, where guests were not just attending a wedding but experiencing a story.
Planning: Briggs & Co. | Photography: Kirsten Hartzell Photography | Catering: Epicurean Delight Catering Co. | Floral: Monzie’s Floral | Infrastructure: Big Top Tent Rentals | Tabletop Rentals: Rustic Charm Vintage Rentals | Rentals: MCR Design Group | Signs and Custom Beer Wall: Borrowed Something Sign Rentals | Makeup: The Bridal Above | Entertainment: Light Weight | Celebrant: Storied Celebrations | Dress: Barbara Kavchok Bridal
