A Romantic, Rustic Wedding at Barns in Wesleyan Hills in Middletown, Connecticut

Lauren Rhoades (32 and a singer) and Matthew Rhoades (34 and an investor) met by fate at a laundromat in their neighborhood. When Lauren first saw Matt, she knew she had to figure out a way to talk to him so she asked him to watch her things while she dealt with her laundry. They instantly clicked and began dating not long after. On the weekend before Thanksgiving in November 2013, Matt surprised Lauren with a trip to Bretton Woods, NH. After a romantic train ride through Mount Washington, Matt proposed to Lauren in front the scenic, mountainous view. Matt and Lauren chose to have their wedding at the Barns in Wesleyan Hills in Middletown, CT where their family and friends could easily travel to and their outdoor summer wedding could truly come to life. The ceremony took place on the lawn outside the barn surrounded by willow trees while the reception was held inside the barn with its wooden beams and white drapery. "Our wedding style for our big day was laid-back rustic elegance with romantic and classic touches," Lauren says. Their color palette of blushes and nudes kept with the romantic style. Flower arrangements were simple and consisted of spray roses and hydrangeas. Centerpieces were were small arrangements of spray roses in bud vases and mason jars with surrounding tea light candles. Lauren and Matt also added various DIY elements to their decor. The ceremony welcome sign, seating chart and menu were all displayed on chalkboard signs. Table numbers were even handmade on wooden slabs matching the rustic style. Lauren and Matt's summer wedding embodied the perfect combination of romantic and rustic elements.