I first heard from Lydia just a little more than a month before her wedding. I was at that point in the summer where I doubted any more real inquiries would come in, and I was settling into the idea of a few free weekends in August. But as soon as I met with her, I was sure this was going to be a perfect fit!
This small celebration took place at Cornell Botanic Gardens’ Guy Nearing Summer House, an adorable pavilion nestled in the gardens near the visitors center. This was the most “garden party” vibe wedding I think I’ve ever been a part of here in Ithaca… with larger celebrations, it’s almost impossible to have a weather-proof plan that doesn’t involve a tent, but Lydia and Riccardo had just around 50 guests and could easily move the tables into the pavilion or the visitors’ center if necessary. And with a different schedule it might have been… I arrived in the middle of a downpour, 30 minutes before their ceremony, but it cleared up and the sun came out just in time!
I’ve heard “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” and this wedding was that, with sunflower bouquets, good wine, string lights on posts they made themselves, and the most adorable embroidered bomboniere on each plate. (OK I had to look this one up– a bomboniere is a traditional Italian favor that includes five sugar-coated almonds, symbolizing health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity: five gifts for the future life of the newlyweds.)
Shorter, simple weddings like this are one of the reasons I offer very flexible wedding day packages with my clients. I was only with them for three hours, but I felt like I covered a whole day of moments and smiles!
Thanks to all the vendors who supported Lydia and Riccardo on their wedding day: Officiant: Debra DeAugistine • Catering & Cake: Ba-Li Cravings • Classical Guitar: David Allen Coester • Venue: Cornell Botanic Gardens Guy Nearing Summer House
