John & Caroline’s Wedding at Chesterwood
It’s amazing how a day that started out with rain and continued with clouds and cold was still the most perfect day of John and Caroline’s lives, but after over a year of planning, even the drizzling weather couldn’t keep the smiles off the young couple’s faces as they gathered in Chesterwood at the end of a long row of flowering hydrangeas to exchange their vows.
The day started early with the ladies heading to Seven Salon Spa for hair and makeup (and mimosas) while the gents spent some quality time testing out their groomsmen gifts (or rather, the dark liquids inside them) at Daniel Chester French’s second studio on the grounds of Chesterwood known as Meadowlark.
After the morning celebrations, Caroline headed over to her mother’s house in Stockbridge to get dressed with the help of her mother and grandmother, and the three ladies laughed and shared stories in celebration of three generations of the family. Caroline’s father waited downstairs to get a glimpse of his beautiful daughter before anyone else, and once Caroline was ready, the bridesmaids exchanged one final toast in Caroline’s parents’ home.
The bride and her parents rode in a classic Rolls Royce to the ceremony at Chesterwood, and as the bridal party and family waited in the studio to walk down the aisle, the bridesmaids went around in a circle to say special words to the bride—which is right when the tears started to flow!
Caroline’s parents escorted her down the aisle to “Prelude” from Bach’s “Cello Suite,” which was played by a friend of the bride and groom on a classical guitar. The ceremony itself was full of laughs and tears, and a poem by William Shakespeare and another by e.e. cummings were read in honor of Caroline and John’s love. After exchanging vows, the couple exchanged a deep, long kiss they both described as “gold” compared to the brief “rehearsal kiss” the night before, and just like that they were married.
Although it was a bit too chilly for guests to enjoy the cocktail hour directly on the front lawn of the east porch (where the bar was set up), guests grabbed canapes and cocktails and made a beeline to the heated tent to await a celebration with the newlyweds. The bar itself was stocked with local alcohol including some from Berkshire Mountain Distillers and Big Elm, so the Manhattans and IPAs were flowing as friends and family waited for the couple to get some wedding photos with me.
The wedding party entered the reception where guests had already gathered under the Residence Lawn tent to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole and marveled at the beautiful bouquets and arrangements of local Berkshire dahlias grown and arranged by Barbara Bockbrader of Campo de’ Fiori.
The bride and groom shared their first dance to “You and Me” by Dave Matthews, and then Caroline and her father danced to “Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee John before John and his mother danced to “A Song for Momma” by Boyz 2 Men.
Then, it was time to eat the fabulous catered meal provided by The Old Inn On The Green before cutting into the multi-tiered wedding cake by Kim Watson, a delicious vanilla cake with apple butter and apple creme made from local bartlett’s apples. Once the feasting was finished, the wedding party and their guests danced long into the night to celebrate the new couple.
Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the all-star staff at Chesterwood worked with Caroline, John, and their wedding planning team to create a beautiful and memorable event within the well-curated Italianate gardens with its panoramic views, historic terraces, and sweeping lawns.
Wedding Event Staff and Contact Information
Venue: Chesterwood — www.chesterwood.org
Catering: The Old Inn On The Green — www.oldinn.com
Wedding Cake: Kim Watson — kawatson7794@gmail.com
Wine & Spirits: Nejaime’s Wines — www.nejaimeswine.com
Flowers: Campo de’ Fiori: Barbara Bockbrader — www.campodefiori.com
Hair & Makeup: Seven Salon Spa: Bianca Chessa — www.sevonsalonspa.com
Dress: WTOO by Watters — www.watters.com/wtoo/wtoo-brides
Photographer: Eric Limon Photography — www.maweddingphotographers.com
Day of Coordinator: Dana Audia — www.danaaudio.com
Rentals: Classical Tents & Party Goods — www.classicaltents.com
DJ: Bob Heck Entertainment — www.bobheckentertainment.com
Transportation: Dufour Tours, School Bus — www.dufourtrous.com
Please contact me about your Wedding at Chesterwood!
Looking for other wedding venues? Check out these other posts: Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center – Egremont Village Inn – Gedney Farm Wedding Photos
