A Bright, Rustic Wedding at Beech Springs Farm in Orrtanna, Pennsylvania

For their early-October wedding in Orrtanna, Pennsylvania, Erin Preston (30 and a senior analyst) and Timothy Kennedy (31 and a lawyer) planned an intimate fete laced with charming rustic touches. The affair was a true labor of love, with the couple and their friends and family members making many of the day’s details themselves. Since Beech Springs Farm was surrounded by lush forest and open meadows, highlighting the natural beauty of the landscape through the decor was a must for Erin and Timothy. The couple selected a palette rich in bright autumnal hues and incorporated seasonal blooms from local flower farm Roots Cut Flower Farm to bring their vision to life. “We originally planned to have the ceremony outside under a big, old tree at Beech Springs Farm, but it was raining all morning up until the ceremony," Erin says. "So we decided to move it inside the barn. At first we were disappointed that we couldn’t have it outside, but having the ceremony in the barn created a romantic and intimate feeling that ended up being just right,” Erin says. For the cocktail hour and reception, Timothy and Erin opted for a fancy family barbecue-style celebration to achieve the relaxed atmosphere they were after. The pair served up a selection of seasonal beers, wine and apple sangria, a nod to the National Apple Harvest Festival taking place in nearby Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, that weekend, followed by a classic barbecue dinner complete with beef brisket, roasted pig, mac and cheese, baked beans and coleslaw. Before hitting the dance floor, guests indulged in a spread of cupcakes and homemade cookies made by Erin’s mother. Handcrafted details heightened the barn’s warm, welcoming feel, such as vintage silverware table numbers, wood-slice centerpiece pedestals, local honey favors and escort cards featuring wooden honey dippers. “We had guests sign the leaves on a tree painted on reclaimed wood, which is now hanging in our dining room,” Erin says. “After being together for 10 years, we wanted our wedding day to be centered on having our closest family and friends together with us as we exchanged vows, plus good food and drink,” Erin says. “Our advice to future couples is to take your time and try not to overcomplicate things. We took our time getting engaged and planning a wedding because both of us knew the other one wasn’t going anywhere.” —Libby MacCarthy