paige & paul's barn wedding

I’m getting misty just at the thought of Paige and Paul’s wedding ceremony, in front of a pond, under the arbor that Paul built, hand in hand, talking about their love for each other that blossomed in high school. The setting was, in a word, sublime. In a valley where the sun was just beginning to set, the only sound you could hear was the intermittent quacking of a duck. As Paige walked down the aisle with both of her parents, the three-piece Rusty Belle sang, “If Not For You” by Bob Dylan. Paige’s uncle officiated the ceremony and they gave their own vows to each other, Paul’s generating instant tears.

The entire wedding was a collaborative effort put together by Paige and Paul and their family and friends. Under a white tent, groomsman Colin set up vintage furniture from his wide collection, including vintage couches, tables, stacks of suitcases and a Roosevelt-era wheelchair. While the bright wedding party took photos against the backdrop of the turquoise barn, the musicians sang Motown hits and guests sipped bourbon lemonade and fresh brewed iced tea and snacked on Ploughman’s platters of pickles, cheeses and rye toast. A casual appearance by a llama was made.

An enchanting barn set the scene for dinner and dancing, and twinkling bulb lights cast everyone in a dewey glow. Bowls of quintessential summer food were passed around family style: pulled pork, barbecue chicken, potato salad, grilled zucchini, barley salad. Classic novels marked where we were to sit and fresh wildflowers in antique inkwells adorned the tables. 

We returned to the tent for the dessert that our friends are still talking about: piles of fresh, apple cider donuts. Paired with coffee and more of the sweet Rusty Belle serenading us all, every guest was smiling.

Paper and pens were set out by the DJ for the guests to make their own song requests during our raucous dance session, and let me just say for the record, “Call Me Maybe” was played...twice. None of us wanted to leave, but it was time to receive our favor from the bride and groom, a bottle of beer they brewed together, with the label, “I Do Brew,” and a mason jar mug with their initials, PAC. (Yes, their initials are identical. Coincidence?) 

We held up a pathway of candles in jars for them to walk through as we bid them adieu on their honeymoon to California, and their sweet, barn wedding came to a close.

To two amazing friends, every detail of your wedding was so completely unique to you, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making me a part of your day, it was truly unforgettable! 

Photography: Jen Ing Photography 

Caterer: The People’s Pint 

Musicians: Rusty Belle

Flowers arranged by friend Candice Lo

Paige's gown: Saja Wedding

Groom, Groomsmen and Bridesmaids: J. Crew Wedding