1. Real Weddings

A Rustic Barn Wedding on a Family Farm in Massillon, Ohio

Abby Livengood (22, an admission counselor) and Ben Ferraro (24, in the Student Development office and answer center) met while they were participatin

Abby Livengood (22, an admission counselor) and Ben Ferraro (24, in the Student Development office and answer center) met while they were participating in organized mud game at Ohio Christian University. Over time they began to date, and so they grew together as a couple over the course of the next year, and eventually Benjamin asked Abby’s father for his blessing around the holidays. On Thanksgiving morning, the couple traveled to Salem, Ohio to go canoeing on the lake. They only made it as far as the dock, because that’s when Ben took out his guitar and sang a love song to Abby. Once the song ended, he proposed to Abby with an engagement ring. The couple held their wedding on Abby’s family farm property at The Barn on Kenyon Lane in Massillon, Ohio because of the couple’s love for the outdoors, their family, and rustic elements that they wanted incorporated into the wedding. Abby wore a ivory wedding dress designed by Morilee, made with satin and had a bodice accented with Swarovski crystals while Ben sported a tan suit with brown suspenders and a yellow tie, both sticking with a casual look to reflect their relaxed personalities. Many elements of the wedding were DIY, such as the rustic reception tables, all the floral elements and many of the dessert options. “It was a magical night filled with our hopes and dreams of sharing these special moments with our family and friends,” says Abby.?

“The minute I tried on the Morilee wedding dress, I knew it was the one,” says Abby. “It was made from soft glazed satin and featured a sweetheart neckline, a ruched bodice with a silver brooch at the hip, and a corset lace-up back. Both the neckline and bodice were accented with beautiful silver Swarovski crystals.”
Bride Peering Out of Wooden Doors
Ivory Calla Lily Boutonniere with Yellow Accents
Flower Girl Dress and Flower Crown
Ring Bearer, Suspenders and Bow Tie
Free Standing Rustic Decorated Doors
Outdoor Ceremony at Farm Venue
Wooden Table with Guest Book and Programs
“We entered the ceremony through free standing rustic doors decorated with beautiful vine wreaths and sprays, and made our way down the aisle that was lined with thousands of light blue hydrangea petals,” says Abby.
Blue Bridesmaids with hydrangeas and daisies
Guests Sitting on Wooden Log Benches
"Mason jars tied with burlap ribbon and candles burning were hanging on small shepherd hooks as I walked down the aisle," says Abby,
Couple Holding Hands in Field
Abby and Ben stood in front of her father's 1969 baby blue Ford Ranger pickup truck, which he drove to the ceremony with Abby in the passenger seat. The couple were surrounded with members of their wedding party.
“Our love for the outdoors and dreams of having a rustic, country wedding influenced our choice of relaxed wedding attire for Benny and I and for our entire wedding party,” says Abby. “The groomsmen wore khaki pants, white shirts, brown suspenders, and yellow seer-sucker ties. The bridesmaids wore sky blue sleeveless dresses with a flowing pleated skirt.”
“The venue for our wedding and reception was at The Barn on Kenyon Lane in Massillon, Ohio,” says Abby. “The reason we chose this venue is because it’s on my family’s 10 acre farm and residence, and it’s always been my desire to have my wedding at our farm. Benny and I both love the outdoors and family was the inspiration behind the rustic, laidback country wedding. The barn, rolling fields, and paths to the pond were all elements that when combined with all the love and memories, made our day a magical one.”
Beverage Table in Wooden Structure
"A rustic table setting featured white linen table runners and had an eclectic assortment of beautiful china that we had collected from thrift stores, silverware and mason jars which held the cream-colored linen napkins," says Abby. rn
Thrift Store China on Wooden Table
Black Lantern Centerpiece with Votives
"After the ceremony, guests were invited to stroll through the memory garden where we had placed pictures of deceased family members," says Abby.
Cupcake Tower and Mason Jarred Hydrangeas
Sweetheart Table with Calla Lily Centerpiece
Assortment of Wedding Cakes and Cheesecakes
Wedding Night at Rustic Barn
The couple joined their guests and released white lanterns into the night sky at the end of their wedding.