1. Real Weddings

Rustic DIY Wedding at Smolak Farms in North Andover, Massachusetts

When Emily Butterfield (29, elementary school teacher) met Nicholas Gagnon (30, brewer) through her college roommate (who happens to be Nick's cousin)

When Emily Butterfield (29, elementary school teacher) met Nicholas Gagnon (30, brewer) through her college roommate (who happens to be Nick's cousin) she was certain he wasn't for her. They only went on a couple of dates before their fledgling relationship fizzled out completely. Despite their failed romance, Emily remained close to his sister, Jen. In fact, it was at Jen's wedding three years later that Emily and Nick reconnected—and started dating soon after. They were together for two years before he proposed in their backyard on their second anniversary. The couple chose a rustic farm on the outskirts of Boston for their fun, relaxed wedding day complete with a campfire, lawn games, a sundae bar, photo booth and a custom beer Nick brewed himself. ?Whimsical wooden signs and a summery color palette of pale yellow and sage green pulled it all together.

Emily added blue crystal "I do" appliqués to the soles of her blue Dyeable bridal shoes.
"We chose Smolak Farms because it fit our idea of a casual, fun-filled party," says Emily. "They allowed us to play lawn games, have a fire with smores, and put our own personal touches on our wedding."
Emily's bridesmaids each chose their own chiffon dress from Alfred Angelo in sage green."I loved that they each had their own style," she says.
Rustic Wood Wedding Sign
Tree Motif Wedding Ceremony Programs
Smolak Farms Wedding Ceremony
Emily wore a strapless taffeta gown with a corset. "I loved the beading, lace and ruching across the flattering waistline," she says.
Wooden Wedding Signs
Nick, a master brewer, brewed a custom beer for the occasion.
Guests found their seating assignments handwritten in gold ink on mason jars.
Guests used the fire pit for roasting marshmallows during the cocktail hour and reception.
Yellow and Sage Wooden Letters
Emily and Nick had a small cake for the cake cutting ceremony, while guests enjoyed a ice cream sundae bar for dessert.
Emily and Nick First Dance
"We succeeded in making our day a huge party," says Emily. "It meant the world to us to be able to invite all of our family and close friends and spend the day with them. There were so many activities, from dancing to the photo booth, the ice cream sundae bar and the fire pit with s'mores."