1. Real Weddings

A Cozy, Fall Barnyard Wedding at Bear Mill Estate in Denver, Pennsylvania

Inspired by a recent family reunion held in a lodge, Mindy (34 and an analyst) and Christopher (31 and an analyst) chose their wedding venue of Bear M

Inspired by a recent family reunion held in a lodge, Mindy (34 and an analyst) and Christopher (31 and an analyst) chose their wedding venue of Bear Mill Estate based off its warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for their fall ceremony. Highlighting the Thanksgiving season were orange, yellow, red and brown accents like fall foliage, pumpkins, tree trunks and branches. The affair took place indoors and outdoors, the ceremony itself was under the estate’s large tree. The estate also featured a fire pit, a pond, a creek and outdoor lighting for guests to enjoy. Inside, guests nestled on the indoor wraparound couch and by the fireplace. Cozy blankets were available to keep warm. A quick engagement of three months allowed the couple to trust their instincts when it came to planning. “We enjoyed having a short engagement because it forced us to be more decisive and not waffle or second-guess the little details,” Mindy says. —Allie Volpe

Mindy donned a classic white lace wedding dress for her fall ceremony. To cut through the chill, she wrapped a flannel blanket around her shoulders for festive photographs.
The owner of Bear Mill Estate, where the wedding was held, designed the bride's bouquet of hypericum berries, fall leaves and seeded eucalyptus. The bouquet also featured a charm with a picture of Mindy's late father to honor him. Mindy's 14K white gold, triple-split shank diamond band with a round center stone with a single, square halo engagement ring is paired with two diamond wedding bands. Christopher's ring is 14K white gold band with brush metal down the center and beveled design.
Under the large tree at Bear Mill Estate, Mindy and Christopher were wed for an intimate group of guests. The couple had no wedding party and walked down the aisle, which was covered in rose petals. Guests used blankets to keep warm in the November air.
The cocktail hour was held in the indoor first floor of the mill, separate from the ceremony area. The space featured a piano, a large couch and a large fireplace with seating in front of it for guests to enjoy. The bride's best friend played classic love songs during the cocktail hour.
Guests took home doggie bags filled with pet treats, an homage to the couple's dog-loving ways.
Branches adorned with seasonal leaves cascaded from the rafters of the reception area. Dripping off the branches were votive candles. The table was covered in pumpkins, sheet moss, candles in alternating sizes, copper containers with fall flowers and hypericum berries and bittersweet vines woven in the center of the table. Bear Mill Estate also carved pumpkins with the couple’s initials and hearts.
In addition to the doggie bag wedding favors, the two-legged guests were treated to s'mores kits, assembled by the couple. The clear containers were found on Etsy, tied with a card bearing the couple's names and wedding date.
Outside, guests could warm up by the fire pit—and use their s'mores kit for a treat.
Mindy's second look for the reception was a fitted champagne V-neck gown. It had a scallop-edged lace tank bodice with a lace and tulle tiered trumpet-style skirt and chapel-length train.
To fit in with the day's woodsy feel, Mindy and Christopher's cake resembled a tree trunk adorned with fresh flowers. The bottom layer was red velvet and the top layer was carrot cake. Buttercream filled the layers.