Wedding Highlight – Lauren and Tom
Lauren and Tom wanted their summer wedding to have a French provincial warmth to their farm wedding, and undoubtedly they achieved this. They have impeccable taste and it shows in every detail; whether it be the clothes they wear, the stores where they shop, or the vacations they take – naturally their wedding was going to be rich in detail, charm and beauty. Just like the two of them.
After meeting at Yale during a freshmen picnic for athletes, the two friends really began dating after graduation in New York when they were on the same co-ed volleyball team. Tall, athletic, gorgeous and brilliant, this dynamic duo has everything going for them in the most energizing city in the world – so when a country wedding in Indiana was on their radar, I’m sure many of their friends questioned the tiny town of Franklin, Indiana for their impending nuptials. Until they saw photos of the picturesque Rockwell-like farm.
Lauren’s maternal grandparents played hosts to this stunning affair at their home, Fisher Farm. Cultivating their 60 acre farm over the course of the last 8 months became a full-time job for Barbara and Claude lovingly known as Mimi and Papa by the bridal couple, (and by the end of the night, every guest.) Whether it include putting up a fence around a small pond to ensure guest safety, or planting hundreds of annual beds to make sure everything the eye could see was in impeccable shape, Mimi, Papa, and the bride’s mom, Cindi worked tirelessly. The 150 year old farm has seen many changes in the 6 generations who have hosted family events there, but none quite as spectacular as the wedding for 250 guests Lauren and Tom hosted.
Guests arrived to the farm and were greeted immediately by Mimi and Papa with a refreshing glass of Mimi’s lemonade. The lemonade was displayed on a restored John Deere tractor style wagon filled with floral buckets. Guests helped themselves to the refreshing drink commenting on the “secret” recipe.
Lauren envisioned her ceremony in the tree grove surrounded by walnut trees allowing shade from the summer sun. Having a meandering aisle gave the slender bride an angelic walk as she and her 9 bridesmaids in variegated shades of blue cascaded toward the altar. The altar space was created with white organza and lace fabric flowing from a branch to the ground creating a steeple-like setting. This ethereal space was perfect for the magical ceremony.
The ceremony, officiated by Lauren’s brother-in-law, told the history of the farm and the couple to the guests. This 150 year journey allowed guests to relax in the summer breeze while sipping glasses of Mimi’s lemonade and savor in the sweet tenderness of the moment. The ceremony included acoustic guitar music which ranged from Broadway classics to pop favorites which engaged the guests. To their delight, the programs for the ceremony were parchment bags containing pink and blush rose petals to be tossed at the newlyweds as they recessed back down the meandering aisle.
Following the ceremony the guests were able to see their first glimpse of the farmhouse and 100 year old red barn. Surrounded by beautifully cultivated gardens, the home seemed to relish in its role as the focal point of the wedding festivities. Crisp navy linens served as a stunning neutral canvas for the blush, pink and ivory florals which overflowed throughout the cocktail hour. Rustic touches included reclaimed barn wood painted with directional arrows to destinations the couple had traveled to over the years. During the cocktail hour guests reconnected (and recharged courtesy of phone charging stations) before heading into the large pasture which hosted the large dining tent.
The dining tent filled the large pasture and welcomed guests to the 60 acre back area of the property. The focal point of the back yard is a 100 year old red barn along with 2 smaller red barns, one of which was the original blacksmith shop for the town. Guests gasped at the sheer beauty and Americana feel. Surrounding the tent were vignettes of seating areas, family photos on chicken-wire screens and historic wagons filled with quilts, flower buckets and watering cans. A postcard station was even set up as their guestbook. (The postcard was of an original painting commissioned of the barn)
Inside the large sweeping tent guests marveled at the beauty and grandeur of the space. The florist ensured the line between indoors and out was lost. Large birch trees and ferns filled the space. The use of ferns dominated the overall tablescape in large part because of Lauren’s wedding dress. The Monique Lhuillier wedding gown included intricate embroidery on the bodice of ferns so Lauren wanted to include the use of fern throughout the wedding planning. (She did on the invitation stamps, ceremony aisle treatment and dining tent) In the tent the oversized ferns looked spectacular because of their large scale. The ferns were placed on tall stands to bring height to the tables and individual stems were tied lovingly with twine into the menus. The back of the navy menus contained the history of Fisher Farm (written by Mimi) so guests would know more about the 6 generations that had passed through the beautiful landscape where they were about to dine. Flowers were abundant throughout the space. Whether they poured from small wooden crates, baskets or mercury glass vases, they looked soft, refined and had a very French Provincial warmth. The interesting mix of containers, ferns and French ticking stripped napkins completed this look.
Dinner infused a bit of the French inspiration as well. One of Lauren and Tom’s favorite dates was a picnic at Versailles. Here they enjoyed cheeses, meats and olives together as a couple. When guests first entered the tent, we wanted to emulate that magical date and serve that same antipasto charcuterie course the dinner menu. Additional courses included a classic “Michigan Salad” to honor the bride’s home state. Dinner was a braised short rib with mascarpone polenta and the dessert was a beautiful and show topping 5 tier cake. The cake was a stunning confection of ruffles, gum paste flowers and lace detail in tones of blush, pinks and ivory.
Sunset fell over the countryside and the 12 piece band swelled allowing guests to dance the night away. Additional desserts and snacks were brought out throughout the evening including a make your own sundaes with a “nitro” station used to make the ice cream. Guests loved the fun interactive display while sitting on the swing or on lounge furniture surrounding the tent. Many guests took this time to explore the blacksmith shop, the barn and peruse the vignettes of historic quilts, carriages and photographs Lauren and her mom had placed around the grounds.
The family did have one last surprise in store for their guests though, Lauren’s brother always wanted a fireworks show on the farm — she made sure he got one – to the delight of the guests (and the neighbors!)
Congratulations Lauren and Tom – #TommyLolo! It was such an honor helping you plan your wedding! Thank you for allowing me to be part of your families over the last several months! You are all stunning, inside and out! xoxo
Merci Beaucoup to Jennifer Driscoll Photography for the above images and to: A Classic Party Rentals, Antique Limo, Circle City Pyro, Classic Cakes, Elite Management, Empty Vase, Evans Audio Visual / Wow Factors, IndyVisual (below image), JW Salon, Makeup by Sparkle, Pink Poppy Ink, Stephanie Carignan, Sunny Lawns Farms, Thomas Caterers of Distinction
