Apr 4, 2018
Birchwood Vinyards Wedding
I met Rico and Jillian for a consultation at a local coffee shop in Dover New Hampshire. When meeting with any couple who inquires with me, I like to get to know them: their story from the time they met to the time they knew each other was the one.
Rico and Jillian met while studying at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Jillian was starting her sophomore year at UNH and Rico his junior year. They both had just recently separated from their high school sweethearts and weren’t expecting to meet the love of their life while training to be RA’s on campus. Jillian had even swore to herself she wouldn’t get involved with anyone this next year but the minute she saw Rico that theory went out the door. They spent the next two weeks they bonded over traveling, food, cooking, and the rest is history.
I asked Jillian how 6 years and a long road trip later, Rico proposed to her and she said, “After giving Rico 50 restrictions about how/when I wanted to be engaged, he realized no time was a good time so he planned the proposal for 4/8/16 – mind you I’m a tax accountant so 4/15 is a big deadline and I was absolutely not expecting a proposal the week before. That Friday, I was actually headed home on time which sent Rico into a panic. He sent me on a wild goose chase to the grocery store to buy time. He was setting up a wine barrel and wine crates (he had them hidden in the basement) and candles and flowers, etc. all around our apartment. He actually lied to me saying he had to work one Saturday where really, he went up to his parents house to frost dozens of vases and glasses for candles. When I walked through the door, I knew exactly what was happening! We blogged the experience (and others) HERE.”
For their wedding they decided to combine their love of wine, traveling, and Italy throughout their day. The bridesmaids wore a gorgeous red wine colored satin dress which made the green cascading bouquets of white roses pop. The men wore dapper navy tuxes. I was absolutely obsessed with Jillian’s choice of a simple satin mermaid gown.
Jillian and Rico decided they wanted to enjoy as much of their wedding day as possible and opted to do a first look at Benson’s Park in Hudson New Hampshire. The park actually used to be a zoo but now has no more animals but is a great place to walk around with a lovely little pond right in the middle of it. The only problem with this first look was that Jillian and Rico had just rented one limo – so they decided to blind fold Rico from the time he got into the limo until Jillian took the blind fold off so he could see his beautiful bride for the first time. (PS – Kudos to you and your Groomsmen Rico for guiding you blindfolded through the dirt paths in the woods unscathed!) After explore the park for a bit we headed to Birchwood to take family formals as well as wedding party formals.
A few hours later, surrounded by their closest family and friends – Jillian and Rico said “I do!”. Their sequin rose gold table runners sparkled against the candle light of the reception room giving off such a beautiful glow. For centerpieces, these two chefs decided to pot different herbs and had their guests take them home at the end of the night. Lastly, instead of cake, the two decided to have a cider hole donut station instead – and where it was the end of September in New England- absolutely no one objected this sweet cinamon treat!
Jill & Rico – Thank you so much for trusting me to capture your day! I am looking forward to watching your adventures on SnapChat all throughout your honeymoon in Italy – hope you have an amazing time EATING ALL THE THINGS!
Wedding Team:
Photography: Alexsandra Wiciel Photography
Venue: Birch Wood Vineyards
Floral: Ford Flower Co LLC
DJ: Jeremy Guilbeault // Get Down Tonight Entertainment, Inc.
Dress: 125 Bridal Boutique
Hair: LeeAnn Gamble
Make Up: Emilie Garcia
