A Fall, Nature-Inspired DIY Wedding at Settles Hill Tree Farm in Altamont, New York

Jill Siegfried (30 and a pharmacy intern) and Mark Frament (30 and a salesman at a golf pro shop) knew each other in high school, but didn’t connect until after graduation. One September day, they went on a hike on the Indian Ladder Trail in Thatcher Park, and had a chance to sit, talk and get to know one another. The couple realized they both enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, camping and being in nature, and consider that spot in Thatcher Park the place they fell in love. About three years after that special day, the couple went on another hike to Thatcher Park. Around that time, the couple adopted the practice of geocaching, an outdoor recreational global treasure hunting game using a GPS receiver. While in their favorite hiding spot on the trail, Mark suggested they look for a spot to set up a geocache, and while searching, Jill happened upon a container hanging in a tree. She opened it up to find a love note that Mark had planted the night before. Thinking it was a “just because I love you surprise,” Jill kept reading until the note ended with “I revisit our secret spot… and on bended knee.” When Jill looked up, Mark had the ring in his hand and asked her to marry him. The ceremony took place at Jill’s church, officiated by the heads of church from both her and Mark’s houses of worship. The reception moved to Settles Hill Tree Farm Banquet Hall in Altamont, New York near the couple’s engagement spot at Thatcher Park, with a classic ballroom for dinner as well as landscaped outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy. The color inspiration was old, sepia-toned photographs for a rustic, earthy atmosphere, accented with orange, the groom’s favorite color. Jill made all of the woodsy decor, from the bouquets to the centerpieces, which included lots of natural elements the couple found while hiking, including bark from downed trees and rocks. The entire wedding reflected Jill and Mark’s love of nature, hiking, geocaching and their friends and family, especially the favors: Guests took home compasses from their escort cards, trail mix from a buffet, photos from the photo booth and a thank you card from the couple with a note that a tree would be planted in a national forest in their honor. “We felt like happiness and love were just everywhere,” says Jill.