A Country Chic Wedding at the Crossed Keys Inn in Andover, New Jersey

Since Laura McCabe (22, a wedding venue coordinator) and Satchel Stump (23, a football video coordinator) met at Elon University and got engaged at Lake Lure in North Carolina, it was only natural that the New Jersey residents wanted to bring a little Southern charm up north for their country-inspired wedding. “I knew I wanted to get married at the church that helped raise me, St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Essex Fells,” says Laura. “But it left me with rather limited choices of unique venues in northern New Jersey. I am not ballroom kind of girl! But then I stumbled upon Crossed Keys Inn in Andover. WOW! It was about 45 minutes from my church -- a bit far -- but it didn't matter... that was the place! Satchel and I had been living in North Carolina for a year and I knew I wanted to bring that southern charm to our wedding and Crossed Keys just oozed charm. I called my style ‘Country Chic,’ and between the adorable inn on the property, honeymoon suite, bonfire, corn field and newly-acquired bright red antique truck, I was sold!”So to give their wedding a charming Southern feel, Laura and Satchel decided on a navy and peach color scheme with milk glass vases, lace, burlap and mason jar accents. Whimsical touches included blue, peach and white Chinese lanterns hanging above the dance floor, tree stump centerpieces and signature drinks (Firefly Sweet Tea vodka and lemonade and peach sangria) served a rustic wooden wagon.Lamb lollipops, pulled pork sliders and barbecued shrimp were served as hors d'oeurves, and were followed by caprese salad, beef and salmon options, and wedding cake with peach filling – not to mention multiple pie options!“I am not a huge cake fan, but love pies!” Laura says. “We decided to do a pie bar along with our cake cutting featuring blueberry, strawberry, peach raspberry, apple, strawberry rhubarb and cherry pies. Of course, they were served a` la mode with vanilla ice cream!”In between eating, there was also plenty of dancing to a mix of country music and Bruce Springsteen, played by DJ Joe Falce of SCE Event Group.Laura and Satchel's reception was also topped off with another very sweet ending for their guests -- a navy and peach candy bar!