1. Real Weddings

A Sophisticated, Romantic Wedding at Lord Thompson Manor in Thompson, Connecticut

Rachel Weisblatt (27 and a lawyer) and Jacob Fetherol’s (26 and a US Marines veteran and a music student) wedding at Lord Thompson Manor was the pictu

Rachel Weisblatt (27 and a lawyer) and Jacob Fetherol’s (26 and a US Marines veteran and a music student) wedding at Lord Thompson Manor was the picture of romantic sophistication. “As soon as I saw Lord Thompson Manor, I knew we had to be married there and Jacob felt the same way,” Rachel says. Set in the countryside of Connecticut on a 40-acre estate, Lord Thompson Manor offered the couple a picturesque setting to host their nuptials. The day started with an intimate ceremony in the estate’s gardens, with Rachel and Jacob exchanging vows under a striking, candlelit gazebo. The reception was indoors in the manor’s elegant dining room, where the couple treated guests to an extensive menu of culinary delights created by James Beard Foundation-celebrated chefs. “We had so many appetizer tables, many guests thought we weren’t even having dinner,” Rachel says. When it came to the decor, Rachel and Jacob went for all-out romance. The couple left no detail overlooked, personalizing everything from the cocktail napkins to the sheet-music petal cones and china plate table numbers. Working with the florists at Kiss Spa at Lord Thompson Manor, the couple decorated the reception tables with a mix of high and low arrangements of elegant, romantic blooms in soft pastel hues, playing up the refined feel of the historic manor. The couple and their guests danced to the beats of Groove Authority, and everyone was treated to freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies, hot dogs and soft pretzels at the after-party. A tip from Rachel: “You can plan, plan, plan, but at the end of the day, you are getting married to the love of your life, your best friend, your soul mate. Cherish every minute of this special day.”

“My dress was amazing. As soon as I put it on, I knew it was the one. I felt stunning and sexy and classic and beautiful,” Rachel says. “And the style was perfect for my petite frame—I’m five feet tall.” The Alvina Valenta mermaid-style gown was covered in a layer of delicate, ladylike lace, lending the dress an undeniably romantic feel.
Rachel and Jacob left no detail overlooked when it came to planning their wedding. Instead of the traditional rice toss after the ceremony, guests tossed ivory rose petals as the couple walked up the aisle. Rachel and Jacob gave their family members and friends with paper cones made from sheet music filled with petals, a nod to the couple’s musical beginning.
Vintage China Table Numbers
Set in the countryside of Connecticut on a 40-acre estate, Lord Thompson Manor offered the couple a picturesque setting to host their nuptials. To add to the allure, the historic venue had pristine grounds for guests to explore, a beautiful patio, a fire pit for s’mores and a game room equipped with a pool table; there was something for everyone.
Following a dinner of miso-glazed mahi mahi and grilled pepper-crusted sirloin, guests were treated to their choice of wedding cakes. Something Sweet by Michelle whipped up three two-tier confections, each boasting a different flavor: pumpkin brown butter with caramel buttercream, chocolate ganache and coconut cream cake with passion-fruit mousse.
Kate Spade Silver Glitter Heels
First Look at Lord Thompson Manor
Kiss Spa at Lord Thompson Manor handled all the wedding’s floral arrangements, including Rachel’s bouquet. The team created a romantic bouquet of dahlias, anemones and cascading amaranthus in a palette of soft pastel hues to match the elegant, feminine feel of her lace Alvina Valenta gown.
Short, Gray Bill Levkoff Bridesmaid Dresses
Custom Floral Ketubah
Indoor Lord Thompson Manor Reception
Fresh Rosemary Place-Setting Accents
Rachel and Jacob went for all-out romance when it came to the decor, working with the florists at Kiss Spa at Lord Thompson Manor to create high and low arrangements of elegant, romantic blooms. “I wanted the decor to fit the gorgeous venue,” Rachel says. “Lord Thompson Manor is a beautiful country estate with ivy-covered walls and greenery everywhere. I wanted the decor to look natural but elegant. Sometimes, simple is better.”
Tall Garden Rose and Hydrangea Centerpieces
Gray Suede Yarmulkes
White Hydrangea and Rose Ceremony Flowers
Bridal Processional at Lord Thompson Manor
Rachel and Jacob had planned on having their ceremony outdoors in the Lord Thompson Manor gardens, but the weather had other ideas in mind. Thirty minutes before the ceremony, it began to pour, leading the couple to believe they would be saying their “I dos” indoors. But the staff at Lord Thompson Manor wasn’t ready to let a little rain put a damper on the day. “The staff at Lord Thompson Manor actually blow-dried the seats and even the grass, so we could have the ceremony outside,” Rachel says.
First Kiss at Lord Thompson Manor
In the months before the wedding, Rachel and Jacob immersed themselves in planning all the day’s details, but no amount of planning could prepare them for the emotion and sentiment of the day. “We picked a few readings and planned our vows with our officiant, but we could not have planned or prepared ourselves for the overwhelming, amazing and special moment when we said our vows and became husband and wife,” Rachel says.
Champagne Toast at Lord Thompson Manor
Cocktail hour was a culinary delight, with Rachel and Jacob serving an array of inspired eats alongside two signature drinks. Guests noshed on everything from lobster mac and cheese to crab gazpacho and flatbreads, while sipping on his and hers libations—an old-fashioned and a margarita.
Ruffled Fondant Cake With Blush Flowers
Traditional Whimsical Wedding Invitations
Traditional Hora at Lord Thompson Manor