1. Real Weddings

A Heritage Prairie Farm Wedding in Elburn, Illinois

Living across the pond for a year served as perfect inspiration for Katherine’s wedding to Anthony: “I took inspiration from colors and motifs that I

Living across the pond for a year served as perfect inspiration for Katherine’s wedding to Anthony: “I took inspiration from colors and motifs that I saw in Egypt and the British Museum,” she says. “I saw many forms of ancient and modern art with blue, turquoise and reddish-orange designs.” That Egyptian and English influence turned her farm wedding into an all-American affair with bold red, white and blue accents.

Katherine admits to having a terrible sweet tooth, so there was no shortage of desserts: Mini cupcakes, macarons, salted brownies, shortbread cookies and four different cakes were served.
One of the bride’s best childhood friends officiated the ceremony.
Red roses and white ranunculuses and peonies completed the Americana bridesmaid look.
“We are definitely city folk, but the farm venue just felt right,” Katherine says. Although it rained later in the day, the weather was beautiful for their evening ceremony.
The bride carried a lush bouquet of all-white peonies, roses and ranunculuses.
Each escort card had one of the bold patterns that matched the couple’s color scheme and added a modern flair to the reception.
Banners using the patterns from other stationery hung on the back of the bride and groom’s chairs at the reception.
Simple decor—like blue mason jars filled with white flowers running the aisle—added just enough to the sprawling farm location.
The bridesmaids wore two styles of navy blue dresses. The bride gave them Kenyan Kazuri jewelry and ceramic-beaded necklaces and bracelets, to wear as well.
Anthony wanted to have a “New England prep” look on his wedding day, so he chose navy-and-white gingham shirts, navy blazers and bright red pants.
Several bold patterns in red, navy and turquoise made appearances throughout the reception, like on this paper garland decorating the bar.
Food was the couple’s top priority: “Anthony and I are huge foodies, and the farm to table concept was very appealing,” Katherine says. “Heritage Prairie Farm offered the opportunity to work with a world-class chef to customize the menu and share our love of food with our guests.”
Katherine purchased her Elizabeth Todd gown in London, England while working abroad. The A-line dress is ivory satin with a lace overlay and a boat neckline.
Red and white carnation pomanders and spheres made of blue string hanging from matching ribbons hung on the ceremony arch.
Guests from all over the country were greeted with welcome bags that matched the invitations.
“We used Heritage Prairie Farm’s mixed china, so each plate had a somewhat different shape and print,” Katherine says.
Katherine added a navy sash to her dress for a pop of color. Mixed with her white dress and Anthony’s red slacks, they looked like one patriotic pair!
The centerpieces matched the bridesmaids’ bouquets, while the simple table numbers matched the patterns on the escort cards and other decor.
Farm-style tables with white linens and white folding chairs created a clean look under the tent.
A compass motif appeared in multiple pieces of the wedding stationery, which complemented their “Nantucket chic” style.
For their first dance as husband and wife, Katherine and Anthony chose “At Last” by Etta James. “It seemed appropriate after more than 10 years [of dating], and it was a classic way to end one era of our relationship and move into the next,” Katherine says.