A Bright, Whimsical Summer Wedding at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, Massachusetts

Renee DeMartini (27 and a registered dietitian) and Ben Foster (29 and an active duty member of the Coast Guard) constructed a world of color and whimsy for their mid-July wedding at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, Massachusetts. Vibrant florals, a palette of brilliant hues and shimmery gold accents brought the celebration to life, with the expertise of Dogwood Floral and Fleur & Stitch chipping in to ensure the day went off without a hitch. “I told my florists at our first meeting a year before the wedding that I wanted a ‘flower explosion,’ and that became the theme for the wedding,” Renee says. “I wanted the wedding to be saturated in fun, bright colors, which I felt was appropriate for the venue.” With prime weather, the couple opted for an alfresco fete, kicking things off with an intimate ceremony in the Willowdale courtyard. Since the setting was rich in seasonal foliage and flowers, Fleur & Stich created a custom backdrop complete with cascading ribbons and bold paper flowers. “I knew I wanted a ceremony backdrop from the time we started planning. I love how they highlight the bride and groom and make for extra-special pictures,” Renee says. The couple personalized their “I dos” with stories shared by their closest family members and friends, then ushered guests inside to the mansion for cocktail hour, where they sipped on extra-spicy margaritas made with Ben’s jalapeno-infused tequila and bopped to the beat of the Beach Boys—a nod to Ben’s West Coast roots. The reception was a feast for the eyes. Housed in a Sperry tent in Willowdale’s backyard, the tables were awash with vibrant shades of fuchsia, tangerine and spring green, with gold and black-and-white-striped accents bringing depth and drama to the decor. “Dogwood Floral and Fleur & Stich went above and beyond to create a massive paper honeycomb garland in our colors to string along the length of the tent. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Renee says. The garland served to make the rose and orchid centerpieces pop, while drawing the eye upward to the tent’s sparkling chandeliers. After dinner, Renee, Ben and their guests hit the dance floor, where Perfect Blend Entertainment spun a mix of contemporary hits and disco classics. “Highlights of the dancing included guests tossing paper honeycombs through the air like beach balls and my younger brother twerking to ‘Single Ladies,’ ” Renee says. A tip from Renee and Ben: “Consider a specialty vendor, like a paper guru. Devin at Fleur & Stitch was what took our wedding from beautiful to spectacular, and it was an extremely cost-effective way to incorporate larger-than-life designs. For the amount of work Devin did, she was a steal.” —Libby MacCarthy