A Late Summer Garden Wedding at Smith Farm Gardens Rooted in Natural Beauty

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The wedding embraced an ethereal, garden-inspired palette rooted in fresh whites, soft greens, and natural textures. The floral design leaned into the elegance of ivory hydrangea, Queen Anne’s lace, and delicate wildflower-like stems, creating an effortless and organic look. Paired with minimalist crystal glassware, natural wood tones, and the warm glow of candlelight, the aesthetic felt both elevated and grounded. This palette captured a late-summer serenity—airy, understated, and beautifully timeless.

The vision for this day was clear from the start: a garden party wedding that felt intimate, personal, and deeply connected to nature. The couple, who share a love for the outdoors—and whose bride tends to a lush balcony garden in the heart of Manhattan—wanted a celebration that felt more like an elevated dinner party than a traditional ballroom affair. When they discovered Smith Farm Gardens, with its storybook sunken garden and character-rich farmhouse, it felt like fate. Set against this charming backdrop, the design embraced modern romance with a natural, seasonal edge. Wooden tables draped in crisp white linens were adorned with delicate bud vases, each filled with textural blooms and wisps of greenery, echoing the effortless beauty of a summer garden in full bloom. As evening fell and string lights flickered overhead, the celebration took on a warm, glowing intimacy—chic, welcoming, and full of heart. Every floral detail was crafted to complement the surroundings, telling a love story rooted in beauty, intention, and a true appreciation for the natural world.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Alex and Nick’s love story began in classic New York fashion—a chance introduction through a mutual friend at a Manhattan bar. Sparks flew quickly, and by their third date, Nick boldly asked Alex to be his girlfriend (a move she thought was a little crazy—but meant to be). What followed was three years of long-distance dating, building a strong foundation from afar. Once Alex made the move to NYC, Nick planned the perfect proposal at Bantam Lake, one of her favorite places and a cherished summer retreat. Surrounded by nature and nostalgia, it was a heartfelt, personal moment that set the tone for the kind of wedding they would later plan, rooted in meaning, beauty, and a shared love of the outdoors.

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The fashion for the day struck a perfect balance between timeless elegance and effortless garden-party charm. The bride wore a minimalist yet striking silk gown with a square neckline, delicate straps, and a modern slit—a sleek silhouette that moved gracefully with every step. Her look was completed with soft, romantic waves, a simple pearl necklace, and a bouquet of airy white and green blooms that echoed the organic beauty of the venue.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Bridesmaids were given the freedom to express their individual styles in mismatched floral dresses and soft earthy tones, creating a cohesive, painterly look that felt both relaxed and curated. From flowing silhouettes to subtle prints, the attire seamlessly complemented the garden setting while allowing each woman’s personality to shine.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groom looked effortlessly classic in a tailored black tuxedo, while groomsmen wore a mix of navy, tan, and gray suits, adding to the day’s warm and personal aesthetic. The entire wedding party reflected the couple’s vision: polished, stylish, and deeply rooted in natural, easygoing sophistication.

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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

For Alex and Nick, food was more than just a meal—it was a way to share their story and show love. The couple thoughtfully wove personal touches into every part of the dining experience, beginning with a cocktail hour that celebrated both heritage and favorites. A 20-pound wheel of Dutch Gouda, gifted by a friend, anchored an abundant charcuterie board in honor of Nick’s Dutch roots, alongside crispy Dutch fries served in cones with classic mayonnaise. For Alex, an oyster bar paired with chilled rosé paid homage to her favorite summer indulgence. Dinner was held al fresco in the sunken garden, with toasts unfolding slowly as the sun dipped below the horizon and the moon took its place overhead. Guests sipped on Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a special red wine the couple discovered and fell in love with during a trip to Provence the summer prior—bottles they brought home specifically for the wedding. As night fell, guests were welcomed beneath a glowing sailcloth tent for dancing and dessert, capping off an evening that was as heartfelt and intentional as it was delicious.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The floral design was a true reflection of the couple’s vision—natural, airy, and deeply romantic, with a refined, garden-gathered feel. The bride carried a delicate bouquet of locally grown blooms, including limelight hydrangea, Queen Anne’s lace, waxflower, wispy grasses, and scabiosa. Her bouquet felt effortless and textural, perfectly echoing the wild beauty of the setting. The groom’s boutonniere was a timeless white spray rose—clean, classic, and elegant against his black-tie ensemble.

The ceremony took place beneath Smith Farm’s charming garden arch, which was adorned with trailing smilax vines for a lush, overgrown effect, creating a romantic focal point without overwhelming the landscape. Two oversized wicker baskets at the base spilled over with late-summer limelight hydrangea in faded blush and green tones, grounding the moment in seasonal beauty.

The reception, held al fresco in the sunken garden, continued the story of refined simplicity. Farmhouse tables were styled with curated clusters of bud vases, each holding a mix of Queen Anne’s lace, dahlias, scabiosa, and hydrangea. These petite arrangements were paired with etched glass hurricane lanterns and glowing pillar candles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. On the round tables, crisp white linens framed statement hurricanes and delicate votive clusters, maintaining a cohesive yet elevated look.

Every detail felt considered—from the scalloped napkins with eyelet embroidery, to fluted glassware and rattan table numbers. A sculptural floral moment at the bar anchored the lounge area, while greenery-strewn tent entrances offered a seamless flow between the lush outdoor gardens and the elegant evening ahead.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The couple opted for a simple vanilla buttercream cake adorned with fresh berries, a nod to their farm-to-table culinary theme. In a charming twist, the cake was never served at the reception—so it became breakfast the next morning, paired with champagne, and made for one of their favorite newlywed memories.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

The ceremony was deeply personal, with readings that reflected the couple’s values and close family bonds. The bride’s Nana surprised everyone by sharing an emotional reading of “All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”, a poem that brought both wisdom and warmth—there wasn’t a dry eye in the garden. The bride’s mother followed with her favorite prayer, adding a quiet, heartfelt layer to the moment.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]One of the most memorable moments of the day came unexpectedly—the priest was delayed behind a broken bridge just before the ceremony, prompting Nick’s sister to become ordained online within minutes. She stepped in with grace and joy, ultimately marrying the couple in a moment that felt both spontaneous and deeply meaningful. “It was our favorite mishap ever,” said the bride. Before the vows, the couple also paused for a moment of silence to honor loved ones who had passed, grounding the day in gratitude, remembrance, and love.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

The couple exchanged meaningful wedding-day gifts that added personal, stylish touches to the celebration. Alex gifted Nick a light blue linen suit, which he changed into for the reception—perfect for the relaxed, garden-party vibe. In return, Nick surprised Alex with her very first designer piece: a pair of stunning ivory Prada slingbacks. Adding a sentimental layer to her bridal look, Alex also carried a white beaded purse passed down from her Mom, keeping her memory close throughout the day.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]One of the bride’s favorite parts of the weekend was the immersive experience of staying on-site at the historic farmhouse, where she and her loved ones could wander the gardens at any time and fully soak in the charm of the setting. The al fresco dinner in the sunken garden, lit by candlelight and surrounded by lush blooms, created a truly unforgettable atmosphere. The gorgeous tablescape, layered with delicate textures and natural elements, brought the couple’s vision of an elegant garden party to life.[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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