Many of the details of Gabrielle and Dan’s wedding changed, some due to weather, but we would say all the changes were for the best. I can hear my own mother saying it, “Everything happens for a reason.” That saying rang so very true for their wedding and in the end everything was pure perfection! A perfect New England wedding.
It was definitely raining during these shots. Gabby and Dan were troopers! Can you see the rain drops?
The Model T ride from Alta Vista Farm to the Spencer Country Inn was one of Dan’s favorite moments, despite the rain.
Gabby sang to Dan, after their first dance. It was a surprise! And oh so sweet.
RUTLAND, MA / SPENCER, MA
Ceremony Site: Alta Vista Farm – Rutland MA
Venue: Spencer Country Inn – Spencer MA
Florist: Appleblossoms – Spencer MA
DJ: Beaming Light and Sound – West Hartford CT
Dresses: David’s Bridal – Natick MA
Cake: Crown Bakery – Worcester MA
Hair Salon: Shear Creations – Holden MA
Justice of the Peace: Jon Wilson (Dan’s brother)
GABRIELLE+DAN
How did you both meet?
Dan: “We met at work in Worcester. Neither of us lived particularly close to Worcester, so we were both looking to move closer to work. It happened to turn out that Gabby found a triplex two minutes away from work; she moved into the 2nd unit and I the 1st. After that, we just hung out all the time (work and then home), I eventually wore down her resistance and here we are!”
What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?
Gabby: “The entire ceremony was better than we could have expected. The weather forced us in the barn, and we had to scramble to clean and decorate it. It was so intimate and adorable. I think it was better than the ceremony would have been up on the hill. Everything was so beautiful. I also loved how so many people got involved in the reception.”
Dan: “Definitely the ceremony. I had a lot of anxiety about it being outside: where would everyone stand? Where would people walk? How would the weather be? Could people hear the ceremony in the wind? In the end, the best thing that could have happened was the threat of bad weather, and that we were fortunate to have an amazing barn so close by. Gabby’s family took the day off before the wedding – literally holding her brothers from school- and they turned it from dirty hay barn to perfection. Everything about the ceremony, from there on, was better than imaginable.”
What was the funniest?
Gabby: “Kevin – Dance King – enough said. He got everyone so involved, and at one time was pushing everyone into the center of the dance circle, it was hilarious.”Dan: “The dancing was a blast, for sure, but I think the most “fun” part, for me, was the Model T ride on the way back. Driving down back-ish New England roads in an open sided Model T, the rain pounding on the canvas roof and spitting in through the windows, the hand-cranked windshield wiper barely keeping the windshield clean, all the while holding close my bride and now wife(!) for half an hour. Just an awesome, fun thirty-minutes, right after the anxiety and pure emotions of the ceremony. Very surreal, in many respects.”
Advice for future brides and grooms?
Gabby: “Always do something to prepare. We only had 9 months to get ready, and there was a period of a few weeks when I thought I could take a break. Everything worked out in the end, but was much more stressful to get it all together. Also: do NOT order flowers online!!! Pick your venue and make sure that it will accommodate all your needs. We tried to have the reception and ceremony in the barn, but never realized how difficult it would have been to make it work. We only had two months until the big day when we decided to change venues, and only found the Inn because there was a cancellation. Phew! And as much as the groom may seem okay with the bride doing everything, sometimes the groom still wants to be involved or at least aware of the choices being made, so keep the men in the loop!”
Dan: “Do what YOU want to do. You are going to have handfuls of people suggesting – some openly, some subliminally – what THEY would love to have in your wedding. But the whole event loses its luster if you don’t do what you want. If you want to do something crazy, then DO it – it’ll be fun because you had chosen it and it’s what you wanted. Also, people do love being a part of weddings and when you invite them to help you – favors, food, cleaning, decorations, etc – they feel more involved with the wedding, leading to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Nothing better than homemade!”
SONGS
- Processional: “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
- Recessional: “Ho Hey” – The Lumineers
- First Dance: “Come Away With Me” – Norah Jones
- Father/Daughter: “Father and Daughter” – Paul Simon
- Last Dance: “Pursuit of Happiness” – Kid Cudi
Thank you Gabby and Dan! We loved every minute of it!
Love!
Audrey+Cody