An Elegant, Natural Wedding at a Private Residence in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

For their early-fall wedding, Sarah Calvert (30 and a pediatric nurse practitioner) and Leslie Lartey (33 and a senior manager at a technology company) gathered their families and friends at Sarah’s family farm in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, for an intimate alfresco celebration overlooking Lake Wentworth. “My parents bought the farm when I was in college, and it quickly became our family gathering spot," Sarah says. "Leslie and I felt strongly about having our wedding in a place with meaning and significance and where the values and spirit of family were so strong,” Sarah says. Paying tribute to the natural setting was essential for the couple, and the warm weather allowed Sarah and Leslie to host the entire affair outdoors. The ceremony took place on the farm’s front lawn, providing guests with breathtaking views of Lake Wentworth, rolling hills and lush green pastures. The couple kept the decor simple, framing the ceremony platform and entrance to the ceremony space with tall, grasslike arrangements that complemented the serene setting. After the “I dos,” the newlyweds guided guests to the farm’s spacious wooden barn for signature cocktails and appetizers, followed by a lively sparkler procession to a sailcloth tent, where dinner and dancing unfolded. The couple brought the beauty of the outdoors in, filling the open-air tent with rustic farm tables and bountiful bouquets of full white blooms and lush, textured greenery. “The food was the most important thing to us. We love food and wanted to make sure the quality and flavors were top-notch,” Sarah says. “Alec and his team at TCA did not disappoint. We wanted the meal to feel like a big feast with lots of bounty, so dinner was served on big platters tableside. The waiters came around to each table with the entree and side dish choices, and everyone could take what they wanted.” Following the meal, Sarah, Leslie and their guests hit the dance floor, where live band K2 churned out a mix of pop, hip-hop, classic rock and soul hits. To make their guests from Ghana feel at home, a portion of the evening was dedicated to Ghanaian music. “It wasn’t only Leslie’s family that danced though," Sarah says. "Everyone loved being able to hear a new type of music and dancing to that as well.” A tip from Sarah: “Relax and enjoy the experience. You only do this once, and worrying about every detail will tie you up in knots. Enjoy the ride and hire a fabulous wedding planner who can take the stuff that isn’t fun and enjoyable off your plate.” —Libby MacCarthy