Helen and Steve were married on September 21, 2019 at the Cranwell Resort in Lenox, MA. It was truly a spectacular day with hints of fall foliage starting to peak through yet warm, summer temperatures still lingering in the air. These two exchanged their I Do’s in front of the beautiful Berkshires in an intimate setting with 56 of their closest friends and family looking on.
I remember the first meeting I had with them – we met for coffee at one of their favorite local spots, Rebel Dog in Farmington. We chatted for well over an hour all about their ideal location, time of year, wedding size, what is important to them and so much more. They certainly knew what they wanted but it was also a tall order with less than a year to plan: a beautiful, outdoor setting with mountains as the backdrop yet an interior, elegant space for the reception, lodging on-site or very close by, the venue must have Saturday availability in late August/early September for a smaller wedding (remember we had less than 60 guests!) and ideally within 2 hours of central Connecticut.
Right away I began looking around for venues that fit the bill. We had a few contenders in the Hudson Valley but ultimately felt that may be too far. At the time, Cranwell Resort was under construction so their hesitations in wanting to even consider the venue were completely valid. Ultimately though, I convinced them to go see it and they decided it was the right fit for them. I mean, the views from the backside of the mansion, does it get any better?!
Once had their venue and date confirmed, we started to build their complete vendor team. Photography and a band with exceptional female vocals were at the top of their priority list. So that’s where I began. We were lucky to find Boston-based Abigail Jean Photography and even luckier she had their date open! For the band, since their wedding was on the smaller side, we didn’t need a large band. The Brandy Band’s 5 piece line-up with their Berklee College of Music trained musicians was the perfect fit.
From there we talked design, florals, cake tastings, invitation selection and so much more. Planning a wedding at a venue that is under construction isn’t for the faint of heart. We were met with some unique challenges along the way (and unfortunate delays). Helen and Steve handled everything like champions and in the end, they had a beautiful day!
When the weekend finally arrived, we were so happy to have the most perfect autumnal equinox weekend weather! Sunny, clear skies, warm but not hot and the leaves were just starting to change. Both of them got ready on-site at Cranwell in their newly renovated guest rooms. They opted to do a First Look which I got to witness from afar! It was such a special moment as Helen tapped Steve on the shoulder and he turned around to see his stunning bride in her gorgeous BHLDN ballgown. I think at that exact moment, they both realized the months and months of planning were all worth it. They were about to be MARRIED in the most spectacular setting surrounded by all their loved ones.
After taking time for portraits and photos with their bridal party, it was time for Helen to walk down the aisle. Their ceremony backdrop was one of my favorites of the 2019 season. It was just so perfectly lush yet simple. We truly wanted the natural beauty of the property to do all the talking with just a bit of gorgeous florals to enhance it.
Cocktail hour on the terrace began after their ceremony followed by dinner in the ballroom. These two made their grand entrance to “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire (and with their wedding being held on September 21st, I would expect nothing less!) Guests enjoyed a four-course dinner and then Brandy Band got rockin’!
Guests danced the night away. And when the time came for the band to pack up and go home, guests moved back over to the lawn for an after party of a bonfire and s’mores!
I loved watching everything come together for this deserving couple. They were just so sweet throughout the entire process, even when things weren’t always going exactly as planned. Helen and Steve – thank you so much for trusting me with this monumental day in your lives and I wish you two the best!
Vendor Team:
Planner/Designer: Alyssa Jean Signature Events
Venue/Catering: Cranwell Resort
Photographer: Abigail Jean Photography
Florals: Carolyn Valenti
Makeup: Christy & Co.
Band: Brandy Band
Cake: Simply Sweet Berkshires
Rentals: PEAK Event Services
Stationery: Minted
Love,
Alyssa