Ombre at Elm Bank - Rachel & Josh

Rachel and Josh got married over the 2016 4th of July  holiday weekend in a splash of color.  We have coordinated many weddings at Elm Bank Horticultural Center, but it's fair to say that Rachel and Josh truly designed something special.  You'll see what we mean in the photos below, courtesy of the FABULOUS Alex + Betty.  Seriously, if you are planning a wedding anywhere in the world and haven't yet hired a photographer, contact them!

Josh started his wedding day off by getting ready at their home in Natick while Rachel was with her bridesmaids at the Verve Hotel. The girls started early getting their hair and makeup done by experts The Makeup Artists and they looked great! The men and women met up at a red bridge near Rachel and Josh's home for photographs.  It's a private bridge, but Rachel convinced the owner to allow them to take pictures on it during their wedding day and it worked out for the best!

The bridal party hopped in a Local Motion bus to Elm Bank where they took some more group shots around the beautiful property.

In the meantime, we were working with a fabulous team to set up for guests' arrival.  Florist Mimosa Style put together and delivered the most beautiful ombre centerpieces, boutonnieres, and bouquets. Caterer Max Ultimate was busy getting the cocktail hour garden ready and setting up welcome drinks for the ceremony.  And the whole space was beautifully lit by Event Illuminations, who provided a custom chandelier and a pop of color with the uplights. Before the ceremony began, Rachel and Josh had a private Ketubah signing, led by Rabbi Alan Flam.

The ceremony was set up in the Italianne Garden at Elm Bank, facing a beautiful tree. The aisle extended half the length of the garden, making for a dramatic entrance for the bridal party as they walked down the long carpet towards the alter. The bride's parents hand-made the chuppah that the couple stood under for their nuptials.  Audie Bridges led the musicians in the processional and recessional music.

After the smashing of the glass and a big smooch, guests headed to Wheezie's garden for cocktail hour while the newlyweds took portraits around the Elm Bank property.

Guests moved into the carriage house for the reception.  As they grabbed their escort cards, guests could select a charity that the couple would donate to in lieu of a favor. We love it when our couples choose to give back!

After all of the time and energy put into planning and getting ready for this day, Rachel and Josh were definitely ready to let loose and dance.  DJ Greg from Beat Train Productions introduced the bridal party and the Mr. and Mrs. They hit the dance floor right away for their first dance, followed by the very sweet parent dances, and all of the guests were invited to the dance floor for a traditional hora.

The caterer served a delicious meal and then we had the chance to hear some personal stories from the toasts, which included the bride's parents, the groom's dad, the bride's siblings, and the groom's brother.  Rachel and Josh stood up at the end to thank everyone and then the dance floor re-opened in earnest. 

At the end of the night, guests left full and happy, having shared in the joy that Rachel and Josh have together as a newly married couple. Congratulations you two - you are beautiful together and your celebration reflected that!