Katelyn Kiernan and Andrew Brooks
September 27, 2014
First Congregational Church and private estate
Manchester, Vermont
Photograph by Renzi & Hawkens Studio
It’s true. Home is where the heart is. Particularly for Katelyn Kiernan and Andrew Brooks, who kept this notion front-and-center throughout their journey to becoming husband and wife.
The couple got engaged in 2013 during Katelyn’s family’s Christmas-caroling party at her parents’ primary home in Chappaqua, N.Y.—a surprise question, a “yes” answer, and the rest of the evening was spent surrounded by family and friends.
After some time planning their nuptials, the couple decided once again, to keep that “at home” feel. So they held their celebration at her parents’ vacation home in Vermont.
“We wanted our guests to have an outdoor experience that took advantage of the beautiful Vermont setting at the base of Mount Equinox, just as the leaves were beginning to change,” says the bride of the wedding’s laid-back, fun atmosphere. The property is on 56 acres and overlooks Mount Equinox, the highest peak of the Taconic Range.
During the cocktail hour, the couple served a signature cocktail of rum punch, while guests mingled by the light of tiki torches and to the bluegrass sounds of their wedding band, The Grift. An elegant-yet-rustic affair followed, with flickering candles, glittering chandeliers, luscious flower arrangements, get-to-know-your-neighbor farm tables, and a cozy fire pit just outside the tent.
Here’s a small glimpse of their big day, using all the local beauty that Mother Nature affords in the hills of Vermont.
Photograph by Renzi & Hawkens Studio
Katelyn’s sister found these adorable flutes on Etsy, which also give a nod to the bridal party’s purple gowns.
Photograph by Renzi & Hawkens Studio
The embroidered robes for the wedding party (10 ladies strong) to wear while having hair and makeup done were made by the mother of one of Katelyn’s bridesmaids.
Photograph by Renzi & Hawkens Studio
“The bodice of the gown was very heavy,” remembers Katelyn of the beautiful crystal beads. The seamstress at Mark Ingram sewed a corset into the dress so it would stay up. “The beads picked up and reflected whatever color they were near.”
Photograph by Renzi & Hawkens Studio
The couple took a walk for pictures on the way to the cocktail hour.
Photograph by Renzi & Hawkens Studio
Lanterns and a tiled entranceway showed guests a warm welcome as they entered the
property for the cocktail hour.
Photograph by Renzi & Hawkens Studio
To link their Irish heritages, the couple had a bagpiper to add a special touch for the celebration.
Photograph by Renzi & Hawkens Studio
Under glowing chandelier lighting by Celebration Tent, the farm tables with Chiavari chairs created a country-elegance vibe.
Photograph by Renzi & Hawkens Studio
Paper bags filled with sand and small candles showed the couple’s new status. A table was set up outside the tent next to the fire pit for cigars with matchboxes that read “Katelyn and Andrew.”
Photograph by Renzi & Hawkens Studio
“My aunt bought these fun headpieces from Target for people to use as props in the photo booth,” Katelyn says. “And they ended up being a big hit on the dance floor!”
Photograph by Renzi & Hawkens Studio
Although a cake-cutting “incident” almost ended in disaster, the couples’ strawberry shortcake cake was saved and provided a sweet treat for the wedding’s 334 guests.
Photograph by Renzi & Hawkens Studio
In the evening, they followed a family tradition of having guests lighting wish lanterns. “Having all of our wedding guests set off wish lanterns definitely ended the evening on a magical note,” says Katelyn.
Photograph by Renzi & Hawkens Studio
Guests lit about 350 biodegrable wish lanterns made by Birando.
THE FILE
Bride’s Jewelry: Earrings that belong to her mom
Cake: Dina’s Vermont Baking Company (Manchester, VT)
Catering: Bistro Henry (Manchester, VT)
Music: The Grift
Gown: Mark Ingram Atelier; Designer: Naeem Khan
Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Florist: Michael S. Cifrino of Clare Frances Events
Groomswear: Brooks Brothers
Hair (Bride, Mother of the Bride, Maids of Honor): Donna Hair Design (Chappaqua, NY); Hair (Bridesmaids): Michael Rodriguez Hairdressing Studio (Manchester, VT)
Bride’s Band/Engagement Ring: Radcliffe Jewelers (Baltimore, MD); Groom’s Band: Northeastern Fine Jewelry (Manchester, VT)
Wedding Planner: Michael S. Cifrino of Clare Frances Events
Lighting: Celebration Tent
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