The Hartness House

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Welcome to the Wedding Hub!

Please proceed to the various pages for all the needed information about our weekend at the Hartness House in Springfield.

Our Wedding

We met like many people do these days, on a dating app! Neither of us were expecting it to lead down the road we have traveled in the past 4+ years. COVID had just begun 3 months prior, and we were thrown into a new world and relied on each other to help navigate all of the changes. Our first date started at Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH, and lead us to Slow Burn Lounge where we stayed until last call. Fast forward - two apartments, one house, and three pets later, here we are ready to start the next big chapter of our lives. We wouldn't want to have this day spent any way besides with the people who mean the most to us both, at a special place that will allow us to relive the memories for years to come. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way, and we can't wait to share this special weekend with you all!

One Day in June

Love Story (Our Version)

Friday Evening

Hotel check-in (for rehearsal invitees) 3 p.m.  Wedding rehearsal 5 p.m. - Lena Hartness Gardens  Dinner 6 p.m. - Hartness House Ballroom

Saturday

Hotel check-in 2 p.m.  Wedding Ceremony 3:30 p.m. - Lena Hartness Gardens

Saturday Evening

Cocktail Hour & Wedding Reception 4 to 10 p.m. - Hartness Tavern, Outdoor patio & Reception Tent

Schedule of Events

Jamie is the best sister you could ask for. She is hilarious, kind, honest, and always keeps me on my toes (I never know what will come out of her mouth). We have been best friends since we were little (and now next-door neighbors!) She is someone I can always be my truest self with, I can't wait to have her by my side on this special day. Jamie lives in Allenstown, NH with her dog, Sadie.

Jamie Minervini

Chris has been there through it all. I wouldn't want anyone else to have this position for such a special day. We grew up without many neighbors, so we had to spend a lot of time together. We found a mutual love for the outdoors, and have shared a lot of the same interests as we've gotten older. Chris lives in Burlington, VT with his girlfriend Jasmine and their many animals.

Christopher Wright

Laura has been my best friend since elementary school, though at this point “sisters” is really a more accurate term. We have grown up together in every way. She is a problem-solver and a go-getter, and is always there to lift you up when you need it. I can't wait to share this day with her!

Laura Towne-Miller

Sam and I have always been close. Only 2 years apart, when we were kids, we would spend every morning and afternoon at our grandmother's house. She lived down the hill from our elementary school. We would get dropped off, walk to school, and walk home for the day where we spent countless hours outside, making up games to play, and finding our love of Star Wars and Ghostbusters, among others. Those are memories I wouldn't change for the world. Sam lives in Vermont with his wife Mareesa, their son Ellis, and their family of cats and dogs.

Samuel Benton

Kayla is my sister-in-law and is a very special person to me. She is so kind and funny, and it’s been such a joy watching her become an incredible mother to Eleanor! I’m so excited to have her by my side. Kayla lives in New Hampshire with her husband Derek, their daughter Eleanor, and Shih Tzu Hamilton.

Kayla Minervini

Tom has always been a grounding presence in our family. There if you need to chat, if you need advice, or if you need a good laugh. He is never one to shy away from making a joke, but won't hesitate to give you a helping hand. His ambition is admirable, and Im glad to have had him as a big-brother figure since I was young. Tom currently lives in Vermont with his Fiancé Jessi, and her three children Kiki, Mia, and Finn. Tom also has his own video production company, Benton + Crew.

Thomas Benton

I was so lucky to have an older cousin like Laurie to look up to as a kid (and as an adult!) From family gatherings to cousin adventures, I always have the best time when we see each other. She is one of my favorite people and I’m so lucky to have her by my side! Laurie lives in Maine with her husband Will and their dog, Kahleesi.

Laurie Swan

Matthew has become a really close friend for me over the last four years. It has been really inspirational to see someone so proud to be authentically themself. He never questions his beliefs in what is right, and has been such a supportive pillar for both of us throughout our relationship. Matthew lives in Massachusetts and is graduating from the Berklee College of Music, Boston in May.

Matthew Ricetti

Whenever I think of Michelle, most of my memories include us laughing so hard our cheeks hurt and we have tears running down our faces. She has been a consistent source of light and laughter in my life since we met in middle school, and I’m so grateful to get to call her one of my closest friends! Michelle lives in New Hampshire with her husband Taylor, their son Dempsey, and dog Wally.

Michelle Wallace

Since I've known Derek, he has always been setting a good example. As a son, a brother, and now as a father. I know he is proud of everything his sisters have accomplished and having someone supportive in your corner makes all the difference. I'm so glad he can be a part of this occasion and continue to grow closer through the process! Derek lives in New Hampshire with his wife Kayla, their daughter Eleanor, and Shih Tzu Hamilton.

Derek Minervini

When I think of Marion, I can’t help but smile. She has always been someone I know that I’ll be close with forever! We’ve known each other our whole lives and I’m so grateful to have her in my life. I am so happy that she and Kyle both get to share this special day with us! Marion lives in Maine with her husband Kyle and their dog, Fergie.

Marion Larose

Kyle has been a good friend for most of our 4-year relationship. Being able to share his intimate wedding day and reception weekend with Marion was a privilege for Christina and I. It was special to be a small part of that process and grow our friendship since. Kyle is a go-getter, and he has a good, passionate heart. That is a quality that I look for in anyone I call a friend (which isn't many). I can't wait to share our wedding day with he and Marion, and catch some Celtics games in the time leading up! Kyle lives in Maine with his wife Marion and their Chiweenie, Fergie.

Kyle Larose

Wedding Party

Then and Now

Built in 1904, the Hartness House was the primary residence for James Hartness and his wife Lena, until his death in 1934. Hartness was an inventor, mechanical engineer, telescope maker, astronomer, pilot, and the 58th governor of Vermont (1921-1923). He moved to Springfield in 1889 to take over as president of Jones and Lamson Machine Tool Company after rising through the ranks in Connecticut. Hartness was one of the first 100 licensed pilots in the United States, training on a Wright flyer near Garden City, NY in 1914.   In 1927, Charles Lindbergh toured the country in the Spirit of St. Louis after his Trans-Atlantic flight from New York to Paris. He made a stop in Springfield on July 26th, speaking to a crowd of 30,000 at the airport that Hartness had built, and still bears his name. At the time known as the Springfield Aerodome, it was the first certified airport in Vermont. Lindbergh stayed at the Hartness House during his visit.   The house contains 11 bedrooms, a formal ballroom, library, bar, and a network of underground tunnels that were built as a private office/study. The hotel addition includes 26 guest rooms. The exterior of the property is home to the gardens of Lena Hartness, as well as a telescope built by James Hartness.

The estate was converted to an Inn in 1954, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and changed hands most recently in 2020. It has since undergone many exciting renovations and improvements. The entire property includes 38 guest rooms.

Venue History

History

Early Days

Springfield found its home on the banks of the Black River. The falls of the river (110 feet) allowed for the town to develop as a mill center. The Congregational Church was built in 1833. The Springfield Telescope Makers Club (the oldest in the country), was formed in 1923 and still holds their annual convention at Stellafane Observatory. Springfield and the precision valley was a target of Germany during WWII due to the important production of military vehicle and arms parts that was taking place at the factories.

Machine Tool Industry 

Most residents reference Springfield for its rich history of innovation and machine tool manufacturing. At its peak, it was home to four major players in this space. Jones and Lamson moved from Windsor to Springfield in 1888, lead by James Hartness. Fellows Gear Shaper formed in 1896. Bryant Chucking Grinder was formed in 1909, and Lovejoy Tool was formed in 1916 (still in operation). These machines were used in the manufacturing of gears and other parts for major companies around America such as Ford and the US Army during both World Wars. Through the mid 20th-century, the companies remained strong, but started to decline in the mid-1980s when multinational ownership groups became more popular. Bryant Grinder closed its doors in 2002 as the last major shop in operation.

Today

Reinventing

The bones of old Springfield are still visible, but the town has quieted much since the days of 3-shift factories that employed almost 2000 people, each. There is a slow but encouraging growth that is happening among younger families and companies. The Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC) is leading the way to making Springfield a modern tech hub in Vermont. Downtown revitalization has helped improve the appearance and accessibility for a more diverse group of residents. The newly completed Woolson Block building (1869) is the latest old structure to see new life. Businesses like Springfield Cinemas and the Food Coop also anchor the downtown area.

Springfield

Dining

Breakfast and pastries.Open 6:30-4:30 M-S

Black River Coffee Bar

Dinner.Open 5-9 W-S, Sunday 5-8

The Copper Fox

All meals and local options.Open 7-7 M-F, Saturday 8-7, Sunday 9-6

Springfield Food Co-op

Breakfast and lunch.Open 7-2, closed Sundays

Maebelline's

Black Rock Steakhouse

Shopping and Entertainment

Art and local craftsOpen 11-5 W/TH/S, 11-7 Friday

Gallery At the Vault

Springfield Cinemas 3

Located beside Black River Coffee Bar. Overlooks the river and falls.

Comtu Cascade Park

Network of local walking trails. See map for details.

Springfield Walking Trails

Things to Do

General

Springfield is easily accessible by all methods of transport. It is served by Interstate 91, exit 7 from the north and south, NH Route 103 (Claremont, Newport) from the east, and VT Routes 10, 7, and 4 to the north-west (Rutland and New York). The closest Amtrak station is located in Bellows Falls, about 10 miles south. There is another in Claremont, NH. The closest regional airport is Lebanon (LEB), which is serviced by Cape Air from Boston. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is 1 hour and 45 minutes away.

Check in Friday 10/3 for rehearsal invitees and 10/4 for ceremony guests. Rooms must be booked by July 3rd to be guaranteed. Please speak with Nina and reference the Wright/Minervini wedding when booking your room for Friday and/or Saturday evening. NOTE: Only rehearsal dinner invitees will need a room for Friday night, this will be specified on your invite. NOTE: Guests are pre-assigned rooms for the weekend based on a number of factors. Please give your name to Nina at the Hartness House when making your reservation over the phone. She has the list of guest names and accompanying room assignments.

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport

From Points North

Arrive via Interstate 89 south, from areas north of Lebanon, NH. Merge onto Interstate 91 south exit after passing between the WRJ VA Hospital on the left, and Upper Valley Aquatic Center on the right. Take exit 7 on I-91 south, follow Charlestown Rd and Clinton Street for 3.5 miles. Turn right at the 4-way traffic light on Main Street Keep left on Cherry Hill Road Take a slight left onto Orchard Street after the Commons Park. Hartness House will be straight ahead.

From Points South

Arrive via Interstates 93 and 89 north and then NH Route 103 west from areas near or south of Manchester, NH. Access Interstate 93 north and continue to Concord, NH. Merge onto Interstate 89 north and continue for 21 miles. Take exit 9 on I-89 north toward NH 103 west. Turn right and continue on 103 west for 45 miles, through Bradford, Newbury, Newport, and Claremont. Continue onto NH Route 11 in Claremont all the way to Lovers Lane Road. Turn right on Lovers Lane, then right again in 1 mile to cross into Vermont. Follow VT Route 11 past the interstate merge, towards downtown Springfield for about 4 miles. Turn right at the 4-way traffic light on Main Street Keep left on Cherry Hill Road Take a slight left onto Orchard Street after the Commons Park. Hartness House will be straight ahead.

Matthew & Christina

Matthew & Christina

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