A Charming, Rustic New England Wedding at Winvian Farm in Morris, Connecticut

Arianne Babina (26 and a PhD candidate) and Adam Kirsch (27 and a business development specialist) pulled off a laid-back summer soiree with cheerful shades of lime green, pink, orange, fuchsia and coral and plenty of lighthearted personal touches. “We wanted our wedding to be reminiscent of our childhood summers in Connecticut, with a casual but slightly upscale cocktail garden-party vibe,” Arianne says. The New England estate Winvian Farm in Morris, Connecticut, proved to be the perfect fit, providing the charming and romantic feel the couple were after. Expansive pastures and lush gardens were practically made for lively lawn games and cozy bonfires, while the historic farmhouse provided an intimate, elegant setting for dinner and dancing. The ceremony was held under a sailcloth tent on the Seth Bird House lawn overlooking the Winvian gardens and grounds, where Arianne and Adam shared vows they’d written themselves. “We wanted to keep the ceremony decor relatively simple and natural so we could take advantage of the stunning views of the Winvian property,” Arianne says. “In keeping with our love of summertime foliage, we lined the aisle with small potted ficus trees. They were actually inspired by Kate Middleton and Prince William’s wedding ceremony decor.” A cocktail hour followed on the Seth Bird House stone patio. Guests sipped on signature drinks like the China Rose and a jalapeno agave margarita while a local jazz trio pumped out jazz, swing and blues classics. For the reception, Arianne and Adam brought the beauty of the outdoors in, topping the reception tables’ Swiss-dot linens with eye-catching bunches of bright roses, dahlias, stock and hypericum. The escort cards were tucked gently into patches of fresh grass and the chandeliers dripped with Southern smilax. The menu went over big with guests, with its fresh, local and organic eats—as did the outdoor patio, where roaring bonfires and s’mores offered an enticing spot to lounge, chat and grab a snack when they needed a break from the dance floor. A tip from Arianne: “Choose your vendors based on their portfolio and their personality. Take time to sit down and meet with vendors in person, and make sure your personalities click. A vendor who knows you on a personal level will give you the best suggestions based on your wedding style and preferences, and will also be available to help make the planning process as painless as possible.” —Libby MacCarthy