Autumn Wedding in Morris Plains, NJ

Although they were friends since their freshman year at Drew University, Raelyn and Steve didn’t start dating until just before graduation. Three-and-

Although they were friends since their freshman year at Drew University, Raelyn and Steve didn’t start dating until just before graduation. Three-and-a-half years later, the couple went to a bed-and-breakfast in Connecticut for Steve’s birthday. After dinner, they decided to walk around, and Raelyn sang “Happy Birthday” to him. The Bride Raelyn Richards, 28, fundraiser The Groom Steve Lagerstrom, 28, operations manager The Date October 19 Then it was her turn to be surprised: Steve pulled out a box of her favorite chocolates and, as she lifted the lid, she saw a diamond ring. When she recovered (and said yes!), Steve told her how he planned it. She was brought to tears when he said that the diamond had belonged to her grandmother, who had recently passed away. He had it reset after telling her grandmother he was going to propose. For their estate wedding, the couple chose a brown-and–apple-green color scheme.

The three bridesmaids paired brown, satin, tea-length dresses with green shawls to incorporate both of the wedding colors into their looks. The groomsmen followed suit with green-striped ties.
Paper cones filled with baby’s breath decorated the ceremony entrance.
Guests took home Blue Spruce seedlings and waterproof plant markers printed with the couple’s names. “Many of our friends and family keep up-to-date on how big their tree is getting,” says Raelyn.
Green honey jars filled with water kept guests refreshed during the reception and added an extra pop of color to tables.
The groomsmen wore beach-leaf bouts with hypericum berries, which matched the bridesmaids’ bouquets. Steve stood out by pinning a white rose and beach-leaf bout to his lapel.
Table cards with the names of different types of trees were placed in baskets filled with green apples. Mini pinecones helped fill empty space.
The bride carried a handkerchief that belonged to her maternal great-grandmother down the aisle.
Raelyn brought photos of different bouquets to her florist and was thrilled when she saw the natural-yet-formal arrangement of hydrangeas, roses, and hypericum berries made for her.
Pearled piping and ribbon made of icing decorated the four-tiered, buttercream-frosted cake topped with three faux apples.