Daniel and I shared our vows on May 20, 2012 on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. Our wedding was held at The Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park where the surroundings are natural, rustic, earthy and filled with beautiful animals. This farm was close to our hearts as we fell in love with it the minute we saw it. Not only was it the backdrop for our wedding but a main character as well.
I had put so much time and work into this day. You see, I designed and created everything from the decor to our bouquets and pretty much planned it all out with Dan by my side. This was my chance to put together an event that was 100% Danny and I and you can bet I was excited. Even though we didn’t have a large budget, I felt our style and my aesthetic truly shined and us as a couple were represented flawlessly. We both give thanks to our families who helped make it all happen and our friends who happily accepted to play a part in our special day.
Our wedding was very much thought out and all the details clearly show that. We made sure our natural lifestyle and love for the Earth was a main focus. From the recycled paper I used to print the invites, programs and table charts to the favors which guests could plant, we chose to be good to the planet. Our vegetarian menu expressed that as well. We both felt it was important our wedding represented who we are as well as creating a beautiful and organic environment for our guests to enjoy.
The morning of, Dan and I along with my best friend and maid of honor, Meg, arrived at the farm bright and early to set up. Although there were a number of complications and less hands than we planned, we did our best to get everything situated as fast as we can. Since the venue was 45 minutes away from our house we only had a few hours to finish up.
Well, a few hours turned into more hours than we thought and the morning was very much rushed. Let’s just say we all sped home way past the speed limit and got ready like clockwork with Dan heading off to his parents and Meg and I taking turns getting our makeup done. My hair was being curled by my Grandmother and Meg at the same time while my friend Jen was creating my flawless face. Meg wasn’t even done when we left because we were going to be late! Due to time, we couldn’t have our first look shoot at the house either which was a bummer. But off we went determined and anxious.
As our guests waited outside in our ceremony space, which was adorned with burlap and vintage fabric I had purchased on Etsy, the girls and I got dressed inside the barn. My mother wore a garden inspired dress from Anthropologie while Meg looked beautiful in a navy dress from JCrew. My flower girl and Meg’s daughter, Leona Faye, was absolutely adorable in her plaid dress and sandals, showing off a french braid done by my mother. I wore a Hitherto ivory sweater and ivory lace skirt along with Lulu Townsend heels. Azaara earrings graced my ears showing a little shine, a crystal bow and my love for pearls.
Then it was time to walk out and meet my future husband. As we stepped out of the barn and began our little journey over to the pavilion, I was taken back by the visitors that surrounded me, it was surely a busy day at the farm. I had great excitement to finally share our vows before our dear friends and family.
My good friend, Hernan Feraci, played an original song he wrote for us on guitar as I walked down alongside my mother. My eco-conscious bouquet was mix of pink peonies, white and pink daises and button mums, held together with ivory vintage lace and the vintage key Dan gave me during our engagement. Meg’s bouquet featured hydrangeas along with the same as mine while Leona sprinkled dried pastel hydrangea petals down the aisle.
{These were the only natural elements we used that were taken from the Earth so I made sure they were whole trade and eco certified}
The groom wore gray plaid pants from Banana Republic with a wool plaid bow tie from JCrew and gray suspenders while the best man, his brother Nick, wore all gray with an ASOS vest and a JCrew wool plaid tie. Those are two handsome guys!
As our officiant, Mona Gulino, proceeded with the ceremony, we shared teary eyes, smiles and laughs with our guests. Filled with personal readings, chosen quotes from Winnie the Pooh and Dr. Seuss and a small dedication to my mother, aunt and grandmother, it was pure joy to stand by Dan and vow to love him forever. We shared custom vows typed on vintage paper and before we knew it we were husband and wife!
Proceeding the ceremony, everyone joined us in the barn for cocktail hour. We wanted to have light and healthy food served before dinner because it wasn’t long for meal time. Our guests found their place by the table charts I created and each were greeted by an earth friendly favor they could plant anywhere they chose. The tables featured various mini garden centerpieces I put together, each adorned with twine and a vintage key. Vintage fabric was used throughout the space on all the tables and all of the jars and birdcage where items from our collection.
We had natural soda pop as well as iced tea and lemonade as refreshments. Wine and beer were served table side along with the yummy food before dinner.
Dan and I danced to Under the Milky Way by The Church which spun into Two of Hearts by Stacey Q to get everyone up and dancing. We both handpicked the playlists for the event to make sure the music we loved was a character as well. Our DJ, my friends brother Joey, filled the room with good vibes and bangin beats. There was a mix of 80s, dance, some goodies from the 90s and instrumental tunes. Our favorite bands were showcased gloriously. And as you can see I was very excited to get the party started!
From there, we all danced, ate and had a great time. We had an open buffet of vegetarian italian options along with salads and breads, all served on bamboo plates. The weather was perfect and I was so happy to see all our guests explore the farm grounds. This venue is truly a playground for love, joy and happiness. Dan’s brother gave a great speech, which I missed while in the bathroom!, and everyone loved. Good thing I was able to watch it on our video thanks to my good friend Craig who filmed the whole reception.
I was also thrilled everyone attacked the cupcakes which we ordered from Georgetown Cupcake. They are the best! We also set up a little candy bar and served fresh fruit and italian cookies for dessert.
Although the day went by so fast, I will always cherish the special moments and all our friends and family who came and became a big part of making it a success. It was surely a day to remember. Now my best friend is my husband and 3 months later I can look back and say we created a fabulous day full of love. What more could a girl ask for 🙂
Event Details:
Makeup by Jennifer Lombardo
Officiant – Mona Gulino
DJ- DJ Ello, Joseph Mondello
Catering by Buona sera
Cupcakes by Georgetown Cupcake, NYC
Filmed by Craig Webb, What! Productions
Photography by Lauren Elle
Wedding Bands: {Melissa} Rust, England & {Dan} official Lord of the Rings ring
