A Garden Party at the Crossed Keys Estate in Andover

It was a perfect summer day. Women in colorful dresses leaned on wooden fences, while men in bow ties played a rousing game of cornhole on the grassy slopes of Andover’s Crossed Keys Estate. This idyllic garden party was the backdrop for Allison Morris and Andrew Zalk’s casual, country chic wedding on June 29, 2013.

Allison and Andrew met as seniors at Millburn High School, bonding over physics homework and a shared appreciation for reality TV shows. They parted for college—Allison to Indiana and Andrew to Georgia—but beat the odds and kept their relationship strong over 500 miles and four years apart. Upon graduation, the couple reunited in New York City. Shortly after, during a walk through Madison Square Park, Allison started telling Andrew how it was her favorite spot in the City. She was raving about the Flatiron building, the clock tower and the art installations when Andrew got down on one knee.

To commemorate their nine-year journey to the altar, they incorporated favorite activities and food into DIY projects: popsicle-stick fan programs, hand-painted monogrammed cornhole sets, embossed welcome bags, personally decorated place cards, a lemonade and iced-tea stand, Mexican Coca-Colas in vintage glass bottles, mini grilled cheeses with tomato soup, Ralph’s Italian ice stand and jars of homemade granola favors.

These personal touches added a homespun feel to the sophisticated affair, while Event Designs by Katherine prepared a classic red Dodge pick-up truck for a photo-op, along with delicate floral arrangements and a chalkboard menu and signs.

Keeping with the pastoral venue, the bridal party aimed for less black tie and more plaid bow tie.

The bridesmaids and groomsmen were decked out in charming pastel tones and mint green accents from J.Crew.

The bride opted for a simple strapless gown by Watters, covered with elegant lace.

After all the planning and DIY projects, the bride recalls her favorite moment as the unplanned one. Andrew jumped on stage with the 10-piece funk band and serenaded his new bride with an impromptu performance of “You Are So Beautiful.”

After a honeymoon in Hawaii, Allison and Andrew are at home in New York City.