Ashley & Ethan, October, 19th, 2014, The Crane Estate, Ipswich
Ashley has been a great friend of mine since we were babies, and together with her now-husband Ethan, has been a true supporter of my business both personally and professionally since I first opened the doors of Meredith McCarthy Floral Design 7 years ago. When they asked me to be a part of their amazing big day, I truly could not have been happier!
The Crane Estate is a very special place to Ashley. It has been a part of her entire life story, she began working in the event department as an intern during college, and has been the Private Event Manager there for eight years! She, and now Ethan, truly loves this piece of property, which made it a perfectly fitting venue for their wedding day.
Ashley and Ethan celebrated their marriage on Ashley’s 30th birthday! So, we really went all out on the details, we had to do justice to two very important milestones! There were so many elements to this wedding that were really beautiful and special.
Guests were welcomed by the gorgeous exterior front door, which was adorned with a large A and E, which I covered in moss and hug with ribbon. I also created a garland that cascaded down the railings of the front steps with grapevine with hydrangeas and ribbon at the ends. We placed their guest book - a map of massachusetts with a heart marker on Ipswich! - just inside the front door and styled it with a vintagey looking wooden box and bud vases, which gave guests a teensy taste of what was to come with the rest of the decor.
I created a designed out of flower petals down the aisle, which was really one of my favorite details, the white and blush rose petals swirled down the aisle and really popped against the green grass! I framed the aisle with topiaries adorned with blush roses, which were very fitting for the setting of a 1920’s era Estate.
Ashley carried a bouquet of all white flowers: Roses, Garden Roses and Ranunculus with a touch of Dusty Miller, which was so soft and beautiful - a perfect and timeless look for a bride!
The bridesmaids wore a gorgeous dusty purple color and carried Roses, David Austin Garden Roses, Spray Roses and Brunia Berries (Grey Berries). Their Jewelry was made by Ashley’s maid of honor, Angela of Luxa Jewelry. She makes custom jewelry for bridal parties, and amazing pieces for everyday life, but of course it was extra special that she was able to add such a lovely touch to her best friend’s wedding (and Birth) day!
Ashley spent a lot of time choosing her linens and chairs, and I absolutely love what she ended up with. The linens had a subtle damask pattern, and the chairs were just rustic enough, but still fit perfectly with the setting. I filled the tables with big and lush centerpieces in a clear pedestal vase with mercury votive candles. I used flowers that added a lot of texture and volume: Roses, Hydrangeas, Garden Roses, Berries, Spray Roses and Dahlias.
The night was truly magical, and was capped off by the most amazing Harvest Moon. I’m so glad that these two, who are so special to me, has such a beautiful day!
I hope you'll enjoy these photos, taken by Derby Studios.
