Karen + Steve had one of those whimsical, one-of-a-kind weddings that we wish we could have attended ourselves! Their main goal for the day, hosted at Ruffland’s Farm in upstate New York, was for it to feel really intimate + personal, down to the littlest detail, and for their guests to sense that it truly captured + reflected their unique personalities. We’d say they pulled that off like a couple of pros! Much of the decor for the day was brought in from their home or hand-crafted by the two of them, which helped them achieve the fun + personal vibe they were really going for. Here’s a little bit more about the day’s design elements from K + S’ talented photogs, Michael + Lauren from A Guy + A Girl Photography:
Karen + Steve celebrated their love for each other alongside their love of nature at a working farm in upstate New York. Karen, (design/artistic genius) conceptualized the entire wedding weekend, which was an explosion of creativity through paper mache faux farm animal taxidermy, a custom hand-made field guide, re-purposed glassware, thousands and thousands of shimmering hand-twisted tassels, framed original water colors by Steve, golden animal figurines sitting in for the typical escort cards, etc. So many beautiful, one-of-a-kind personal touches on this joy-filled celebration of love.
Seeing each other for the first time. Leading up to the wedding it felt like we hardly had time with each other. We were so busy decorating, we never seemed to be in the same place at the same time. Taking the time before the ceremony to do first looks gave us a moment to be with each other and reconnect before we joined everyone else.
Majorly loving these beautiful boat shots!
Processional: Lovely Tonight – Joshua Radin
Recessional: Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life – Monty Python
First Dance: The Girl – City + Colour
Karen’s stunning Mara Hoffman gown was the perfect way to add a touch of boho-glam to the wedding + her adorable Dolce Vita frock couldn’t have been better for the end-of-the-night sparkler send-off!
When picking your vendors go with your gut, if you get bad vibes from them then don't work with them. They are part of your wedding team and they should be there along the way to support you. Also make a list of all the things you want to do or make, be prepared to edit it down as the day gets nearer. You won't get everything done and that's ok.
photography: A Guy + A Girl Photography // venue name: Ruffland's Farm, Kingston, New York // event design: The Bride // planning: The Bride // florals: Flower Nest // wedding dress: Mara Hoffman // hairpiece: Flower Nest // bride's shoes: Valentino // hair stylist: Marc Mazzuca // makeup artist: Helen Andersson from Face Stockholm // groom attire: J.Crew // catering: Renner's Creative Celebrations // cake: Bread Alone // music: DJ James Lucius Gray // reception dress: Dolce Vita // bridesmaid dresses: Red from Mara Hoffman, Blush from Calypso, Blue from Jim Hjelm // paper goods: Karen Lee Design, Box was made by Napa Wooden Box Company // illustrations: Stephen Oakey and Traci Morris // tote bag illustration: Rich Oakey
Love the photo of them on the bales of hay! And both of her dresses are beautiful!
This wedding radiates great vibes so awesome!
Such cute decorations!
omg **where** did you find the dress?! i’ve been searching for MONTHS for the all-seeing gown by mara hoffman. i can’t believe you’re wearing it! stunning!
I love love love Karen’s dress and have been looking for it everywhere to no avail – if she would be willing to give it a second life, I’d love to buy or even just borrow it!
Hi! Like all of the comments above, I too have been on a far and wide hunt for this dress.. I am striking out left and right on my dress hunt and am having no luck finding something this amazing and as “me” as this dress. I am not even sure if the bride will see this, but if so and she still has it please please let me know if you would consider making my dream dress come to life again!