1. Real Weddings

Jessica & Christopher: A Rustic Wedding in Mount Tremper, NY

After having been college friends for a year, Jessica and Christopher decided they needed to take a break from studying for their midterms and headed

After having been college friends for a year, Jessica and Christopher decided they needed to take a break from studying for their midterms and headed to one of their favorite bars. That night, Jessica realized she wanted to be more than friends. A few days later, I declared that I wanted him to call me his girlfriend -- the feeling was mutual, Jessica says. The Bride Jessica Sheehan, 27, project manager The Groom Christopher Curtis, 31, teacher The Date October 7, 2006 Jessica took Christopher to Walt Disney World for his 30th birthday and while they were visiting the Magic Kingdom, Christopher insisted they get their picture taken in front of the castle. When they got to Main Street, U.S.A., Christopher proposed in front of hundreds of people with Jessica’s late paternal grandmother's ring. Soon plans were underway for a rustic, autumn wedding in the Catskill Mountains with beautiful nature-inspired accents.

The autumn-inspired centerpieces featured three birch bark candles of different sizes set on ceramic chargers. Inspired by the season and locale, pine cones and berries were added to each centerpiece.
Jessica put her graphic design degree to work when she created all the wedding-day stationery. The programs were green, accented with brown tree silhouettes.
Jessica's six bridesmaids wore chocolate-brown tea-length dresses with wide champagne-colored sashes by Bill Levkoff. To set her apart from the rest, the maid of honor’s sash was a sage hue instead.
The reception unfolded in the same spot as the ceremony was held. Reception tables were covered with champagne and sandalwood linens, accompanied by rust-colored napkins. The perimeter of the pavilion was lined with the lanterns from the ceremony, along with candles and tiny white lights.
Jessica and Christopher's ceremony spot was outdoors under a small pavilion, overlooking the Catskill Mountains. A large grapevine and wreath, along with some draped fabric, framed the altar area.
Jessica and Christopher opted for cupcakes instead of a large cake so guests could have their own. The cupcakes ranged from chocolate buttermilk with vanilla buttercream to vanilla with chocolate ganache. The cupcakes were set on a tiered stand decorated with sunflowers and other fall blooms.
The Favors
The ceremony aisle was lined with standing lanterns and connected with draping fabric. Flowers in fall colors hung from each lantern and petals were scattered down the aisle.
To go along with their green theme, the couple chose to give Colorado Blue Spruce seedlings, wrapped in burlap, as favors. They chose the Colorado state tree because Christopher’s family lives there. The favors also doubled as escort cards.