A Whimsical Garden Party Ceremony and Elegant Tent Reception

Hailey and Gus got married at the Estate at Eagle Lake on August 18, 2023.

Their Story

Hailey and Gus are high school sweethearts. When their senior prom rolled around, neither of them had dates yet and a mutual friend suggested that they go together.

“This grew into something much greater than a casual friendship and we decided just before the prom to take a chance and begin dating,” says Hailey. “Our connection was almost instant and from that time on, we knew this was it!”

They dated all throughout their college years and as soon as graduation rolled around they started talks of moving in together. They got their first apartment in 2021.

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The Proposal 

They got engaged on July 17, 2022. “There was something so natural and organic about the engagement that forever will be a hard moment to beat,” says Hailey.

Knowing that Hailey had a love for European-inspired gardens, Gus proposed at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA.

Gus’s sisters walked her to the fountains and strategically positioned her for a photo, and while she was distracted, Gus came out of nowhere with a bouquet of Hailey’s favorite flowers and got down on one knee.

Afterward, he planned a photoshoot throughout the grounds. Later that day, Gus had also coordinated an engagement party with all of their closest friends and families.

“It was the most wonderful day filled with so much excitement for their future together,” says Hailey.

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Details of the Day

They opted to go for a classic and timeless garden party theme. From romantic neutral florals to paper fans, classic signature cocktails to a firework exit, they wanted the day to remain classy and elegant but still provide their guests the whimsical feelings of summer.

They picked a neutral color palette, consisting of ivory, nude/champagne, gold, light pinks and greenery. The girls dressed in champagne satin and the guys dressed in dark navy with black satin detailing.

The event started with a lakeside ceremony, complete with romantic fountains and a beautiful floral display. Once complete, guests transitioned to a garden oasis atop the roof of the building for an extended cocktail hour.

They decided upon a stations style dinner, where guests indulged in four different stations. “Post dinner, we just wanted a big dance party and that’s exactly what happened!” says Hailey. “Our guests danced the night away.”

Guests enjoyed an after-dinner cigar and beverage bar. They offered a champagne cake with white chocolate cream cheese frosting and caramel filling for dessert along with some specialty Italian cookies and homemade waffles with ice cream.

They opted to forgo physical favors and instead provided a breakfast sandwich to-go station for a snack to head home with.

They ended the evening with a fireworks display and sparkler send-off from the guests.

Choosing the Venue

“A summer wedding was always our vision, as it reminded us of some of our best times together and so this venue felt like home,” says Hailey. “It provided the garden party feel with the rooftop garden cocktail hour space, while also providing a classic and timeless summertime reception tent complete with elegant drapery and chandeliers lined with greenery!”

Favorite Moment 

The couple’s favorite moment was definitely the first look. They also decided to write their own vows to share with each other in that moment and have something more standard stated at the ceremony.

“That was one of the best decisions we could have made, as after all the day is about our love and devotion to each other,” says Hailey. “It gave us the ability to share in the intimacy, sacredness and importance of that moment and that day on our own and really allowed us to take it all in!”

Detail They Couldn’t Live Without

A favorite detail was a custom photo of their pup gold-etched onto cocktail napkins for the cocktail hour.

“Having her at the wedding would have been too much for her since she is a doodle with lots of energy,” says Hailey. “But with her being such a big part in our lives, we wanted to include her in some way. All of our guests absolutely loved this playful little nod to our pup!”

Advice For Other Couples

“Physically plan time into your day-of timeline that is solely for you and your new husband/wife,” says Hailey. “Whether it’s a walk around the venue or a private dinner together, you will be glad you had a little bit of time to take in the memories of that day with your significant other, as it flies by all too quickly!”

Honeymoon 

The newlyweds vacationed for a week to the Bahamas and stayed at Baha Mar Resort.

“It was the perfect spot to relax after all of the wedding planning was complete but yet also had plenty to do on days we were feeling adventurous,” says Hailey.

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