Jillian and Jeffrey's June wedding at The Overlook at Geer Tree Farm in Griswold, CT!

Jillian and Jeffrey were married this past June on a perfect summer day at the stunning Overlook at Geer Tree Farm!

This venue is so picturesque – the wedding tent sits atop of a Christmas tree farm! You drive up the long, windy driveway and are rewarded with some of the most beautiful, panoramic views of the Connecticut countryside.

The day began early on with everyone (ladies and gentlemen)sharing the adorable little cottage that sits on the property and also serves as a bed & breakfast (Heavitree). The ladies started with beauty services by The Loft on Elm and the guys started with video games (yep, they were still playing when I arrived) and straight razor shaves by Doorbell Barbers.

In my usual fashion, I made a stop to see how everyone was doing, ensure we were on track with time, and pick up any remaining pieces of wedding décor. Everyone was in great spirits, laughing, eating and enjoying being together.

Jillian & Jeffrey decided they wanted to have a First Look but Jillian knew she did not want to walk up behind Jeffrey and tap him on the shoulder. We decided that he would be standing out in front of the cottage and the doors would open and out she would go! It was a wonderful moment in their day, and Jillian’s daughter, Ella Rue, ran out to join them!

Whenever couples opt for a First Look, it allows them to then have a couple hours to take photos with family and bridal party before the ceremony, which is exactly what these two did. Rain was in the forecast that day and we were prepared with umbrellas, but it never came! They did have some fun with the umbrellas for photos though!

Guests began to arrive around 3:30pm for the ceremony. We brought the bridal party up prior to guest arrival and hid Jillian in the cute little bridal suite right by the tent. And before we knew it, it was time for them to officially get married!

Jillian, Ella Rue and her dad came down as a trio and Ella Rue stood right next to her mama for the whole ceremony. These two decided to write personal vows and the words they spoke were so beautiful because they weren’t only marrying each other, they were becoming a family of three.

After they exchanged “I Do’s”, cocktail hour started. Guests nibbled on bites by Matthew’s Catering, played lawn games (and board games!) and mingled with one another. The overall theme for this wedding was games and fun. The couple loves playing board games and really incorporated that into the day. Every centerpiece was a different board game, we had multiple lawn games all around, and the escort cards were mock game pieces!

They also had some really unique vendors, like a caricature artist! He was a hit and I don’t think I ever saw his chair empty!

They really wanted this wedding to be casual and relaxed so there was never a formal meal period or time where everyone was asked to sit down for formalities. Instead, we incorporated things where it felt natural to do so. These two combined their first dance with parent dances and everyone had rehearsed a routine to Andy Grammar’s, “Fine by Me”. It was one of the best first dances I have seen yet!

Their Maid of Honor and Best Men also delivered two incredible speeches (check out this video by Matt van Ness to hear the Best Man’s words: https://www.facebook.com/mvfilmproductions/videos/406361273423455/ . It truly was such a well written and well delivered speech.)

Matthew’s Catering set out an incredible tapas display, I don’t think anyone left hungry! For the rest of the evening, guests danced, made s’mores and hung out by the fire, played lawn games and just enjoyed being together. It was a casual, relaxed wedding that was a reflection of what these two wanted their day to be – an evening surrounded by everyone they love doing things they love. And that’s exactly what your day should be!

I wish these two (and Ella Rue!) the best in their new life together, and thank you again for letting me be a part of your day!

Love,

Alyssa