Katie & Chris
Chocorua, NH
The Brass Heart Inn
A Natural Pair
The Bride: Katie WilcoxThe Groom: Chris Hall
Wedding Date: October 10, 2009
Venue: The Brass Heart Inn
Chris Hall and Katie Wilcox literally fell head over heels for each other during one of their encounters while attending the University of New Hampshire, when Katie playfully pushed Chris and they tumbled off the porch where they were sitting. After untangling themselves from the shrubs they landed in, they filled their first years together with a shared love of the outdoors. So it was a simple decision after Chris proposed while they were living in Denver that they would return to New Hampshire for their wedding.
During the ceremony, Chris and Katie planted an acorn as a symbol of their new beginning together. Chris’s parents provided the soil while Katie’s mother watered it, representing their families’ roles in establishing the roots for their journey together. The natural progression of the symbol was that their love together would grow into a sturdy oak tree. Even their vows spoke of celebrating the seasons and turning over a new leaf.
In line with the symbol in their ceremony, Katie chose an acorn image for the programs. Her godmother helped her to collect the nuts, bake them, and adorn the burnt orange napkins with brown ribbon acorn ties. Katie jokes, “I thought this would be such a simple detail, but my godmother collected acorns for months! She said she was happy to do it. The theme was such a hit with our guests.”
Katie moved freely throughout her celebration in an Exclusive by Allure design. The ivory gown of ruched taffeta featured a sleek mermaid fit with a dramatic V-neck, which could be seen in the front as well as the back.
Katie’s bridesmaids shone brightly in green strapless, tea-length dresses, while scarlet Gerber daisies, mango calla lilies, and bright green mums – to name a few – popped perfectly from the backdrop. The groomsmen matched appropriately in green striped ties with mango calla lily and green berry boutonnières.
The couple's unique wedding cake, created by Denise of Tastefully Wright, resembled a birch tree and was inspired by their fall theme. The choice of carrot cake was a fitting and delightful choice. In addition to its intricate, tree-like qualities it boasted a carving of KW+CH encircled by a heart.
Chris’s mother was instrumental in the planning. She hand-made small burlap bags and tags stamped with the same leaf image that was used throughout the stationery. She then wrote the phrase “Happy Trails!” on each tag and they filled the bags with delicious trail mix. One of Katie’s fondest memories is sitting down with her just before the wedding to put the favors together.
The beautifully restored barn at The Brass Heart Inn fit well with the natural motif and also provided some great vantages of the dance floor via the second-story balcony seating. “My goal was for everyone to dance and literally everyone did. Even Chris’s aunt got out on the dance floor with her walker! People were loving it; everyone was cheering her on,” remembers Katie.
Vendor Resources
Photography:
Philbrick Photography
North Conway, NH
603-356-9822
philbrickphoto.com
Flowers:
Ideas in Bloom
New Boston, NH
603-620-8743
ideas-in-bloom.com
Music:
AudiblEvents
Eric Pomerleau
603-502-5241
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
audiblevents.com
Cake:
Tastefully Wright
Wilton, NH
603-654-9219
tastefullywright.com
Catering:
The Brass Heart Inn
Chocorua, NH
603-323-7766
brassheartinn.com
Wedding Gown:
Exclusive by Allure
allurebridals.com