1. Real Weddings

A Garden-Style Wedding at the Garrison in Garrison, New York

rn Inspired by a secret garden and their mountaintop venue, Kelley Dionne (29 and in hospitality) and Jeffrey D

rn Inspired by a secret garden and their mountaintop venue, Kelley Dionne (29 and in hospitality) and Jeffrey Dionne (30 and an economics research analyst) wanted their wedding to be filled with lush flowers and bright colors. “I wanted flowers everywhere and in various colors and sizes,” says Kelley. “The Garrison was set atop a mountain with a gorgeous panoramic view of the Hudson Valley, so I knew there would be a lot of green foliage in the background.” Their ceremony space in Garrison, New York, was incredible with this grand wedding arbor that resembled nothing less than a forest. Branches curved around every available space. For the reception, they wanted a more understated design, so each guest found their wooden escort card in a bed of baby’s breath. Low pink hydrangea centerpieces also marked the tables. The most memorable part for them, however, was right before the reception entrance when they had a moment to take in the day and think “We did it!” Kelley shares a tip: “Cherish every moment leading up to the wedding day and every day thereafter. You get to marry your best friend once, so don't waste time stressing over the little things.” Take a look below for every sweet detail of their day caught by Samantha Lauren Photographie.

Kelley and Jeff wanted to create bright arrangements that stood out against their mountaintop setting, so they worked with Lee Vazquez Floral Design to make just that. Each bridesmaid carried this sweet arrangement of light pink roses and pink lisianthus that matched their fuchsia dresses.
“While we were looking at venues, I knew I wanted to get married outside,” Kelley says. “Once I saw the ceremony garden at the Garrison, I knew this was going to be the place we say 'I do.' It has a mix of country and elegance, which was exactly what I wanted.” With this in mind, they focused on minimal added decor—except this incredible wooden arbor! About 180 chairs led the way to their ceremony space, while greenery, natural green hydrangeas and little purple flowers marked the entrance.
“I began with a secret garden theme,” Kelley says. “I wanted flowers everywhere and in various colors and sizes.” Their aisle helped to do just that with lush hanging arrangements. Ivory roses, white delphiniums and greenery in clear glass vases were placed against three rows of white chairs.
Kelley and Jeff chose a wedding favor that guests could continue to use in the years to come: a mini recipe book. Each was wrapped in brown paper and set in a neutral woven basket by the reception entrance at the Garrison in Garrison, New York.
“I was always thinking about the palette, even outside,” Kelley says. “Because the background in all my pictures was going to be green mountains, I wanted our wedding party to stand out in crisp bright colors.” The bridesmaids wore these short, satin, fuchsia dresses from J.Crew with different style necklines and classic ivory shoes. The groomsmen also stepped out in bold navy suits.
Double Fuchsia Tea Rose Boutonniere
Lush White Lily, Rose and Hydrangea Accent
Their escort card display looked like a flower field. Each wooden card was placed on top of bunches upon bunches of baby’s breath and tied with light pink ribbon.
“I wanted a soft color scheme inside to go with the mountain view,” Kelley says. Each table was paired with a low arrangement of pink and green hydrangeas, which ensured that it wouldn’t obstruct their guests' views. The table numbers were placed nearby on clear glass jars wrapped in light pink lace.
Simple Delphinium Centerpieces in Bulb Vases
Kelley and Jeff chose a tiered, strawberry shortcake wedding cake covered in vanilla buttercream frosting. For the topper, they went with newlywed Precious Moments figurines that are sure to be a sweet keepsake.
“Right after we said 'I do' and took pictures, our wedding coordinator took us up to the bridal suite. Two glasses of champagne were waiting along with a small plate of hors d'oeuvres from the cocktail hour,” Kelley says. “He told us to spend a few minutes together before we were introduced to our guests as 'Mr. and Mrs.' Jeff and I looked at each other and without saying a word, we knew what the other was thinking: 'We did it!’ ” After they were introduced, Kelley and Jeff started the night with their first dance. He wore a navy blue suit with a navy tuxedo and bright boutonniere, while she danced with him in a chic Augusta Jones wedding dress.