For Virginia + Brad, who met during their freshman year at Princeton, incorporating sentimental nods to their past, combined with their current passions (organic food + sustainable agriculture topping the list!) ended up providing the perfect inspiration for their sweet New Jersey wedding. Details like gorgeous centerpieces composed of fresh florals, moss + seasonal vegetables, favors that included honey, garden seeds + tea leaves, and a delicious-looking vegan fruit cake, brought their vision to life in such a unique way! Since we’re loving this theme + think you will, too, let’s hear more about the inspiration behind it from the beautiful bride:
We met on a backpacking trip and spending time in the woods has been an important theme throughout our relationship. We wanted to have an eco-minded celebration that reflected both of our personalities, passions, and backgrounds. We ended up deciding that A Midsummer Night’s Dream was a the unifying theme for the aesthetic that we had in mind- a magical summer night in the forest. This proved to be helpful to bring all of our vendors onto the same page. In the end, with the help of many incredible people (including our planner Shelley Ryan), we planned the ideal party that we would want to be guests at, not something that checked off the boxes of what a wedding is supposed to be.
Big thanks to Katch Silva for the super pretty photos and congrats to Virginia + Brad on a beautifully executed day!
I wanted to process to a ballet march, since I am a dancer, but was having a hard time finding the right piece. At the very last minute, we turned to Simon Morrison, professor of music at Princeton, who is a world authority on Sergey Prokofiev, the composer of my absolute favorite ballet music (Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella). He recommended a piece from an obscure ballet, The Stone Flower, the last one that the composer ever wrote. We combed the stacks of the Princeton music library for the old, cloth bound Russian piano score and sent it to our organist to look over. He agreed, and the rest is history!
Love seeing the bridesmaids rocking different shades of green. The perfect color for this organic-inspired affair!
That bouquet is totally gorge! Virginia shares, When we first got engaged, a close friend of ours half-jokingly suggested that I carry a kale bouquet, and although we didn’t go quite that far, we loved the idea and our florist/farmer extraordinaire, Jenny from Love ‘n Fresh Flowers, took that concept and ran with it for the gorgeous, nutritious centerpieces + I did end up with a semi-edible bouquet that included several varieties of herbs.
We have nothing but love for these farm stand-inspired centerpieces. The blooms + produce look so incredibly lovely when paired together!
And this cake? Wow.
Choose your vendors and planner wisely. In all the choices, consider making more about yourself and what will be memorable to you instead of trying to fulfill societal norms… Choose your priorities (music, food, etc…) and make sure those reflect your personal style and principles design the ideal party that you would want to attend rather than checking boxes on a list of what a wedding is supposed to be.
photography: Katch Silva // venue name: The Cap and Gown Club Princeton University // planning: Shelley Ryan // florals: Love ‘n Fresh Flowers // wedding dress: Cortana // groom attire: Alton Lane // catering: The Cap and Gown Club Princeton University // cake: Vegan Treats // music: The Lonely Heart Strings Band // coordination: Shelley Ryan
The church is so beautiful, it just takes your breath away!!! Gorgeous reception as well!!!
Amazing post. This church is epic. Would have loved to have been at that wedding. :)
ps… If you’re ever in NJ and need a NJ DJ, check out my friends at http://pulseeventgroup.com/ for the best wedding DJ experience possible in NJ!
Ask for Sergio!