Photo: Adam Lowe Photography
When Rachel Satterfield and Jay Hirsh first planned to meet, they were simply pleasing their parents, who work together and sensed that sparks would fly between their respective children. Sometimes Mom and Dad really do know best — the duo hit it off immediately.
In 2014, the pair spent the Fourth of July holiday at Jay’s family farm, Stoney Creek Farm, in Gransville, Ohio. Jay invited Rachel a romantic walk through the woods before getting down on one knee while surrounded by sunflowers, Rachel’s favorite flower. Family members were ready to celebrate their engagement back at the farm with champagne and balloons.
In the spirit of their engagement, Rachel and Jay went back to Stoney Creek Farm on September 19, 2015, this time with 250 guests for a rustic-chic wedding. Adam Lowe Photography captured all of the gorgeous details.
It took Rachel a couple of shopping trips before she found the ivory silk Nicole Miller wedding dress she wore down the aisle. How did she know it was time to commit? This was the only gown that checked all of her boxes. “I felt comfortable, knew Jay would like it, was sure it wouldn’t go out of style, and loved that it showed off my body,” Rachel says. With the addition of a pair of diamond earrings, Jay’s grandmother’s diamond bracelet, and other gold embellished rings and bracelets, Rachel made for a classically beautiful bride.
To add a personal touch to her bouquet, Rachel embellished her bundle of ivory and blue flowers with her grandmother’s broach. She finished her bridal look with a bloom-embellished braided up-do.
Jay wore a Bonobos tuxedo paired with American flag cufflinks and an antique Rolex watch. His wax flower boutonniere was perfect for the relaxed, outdoor setting.
Rachel’s bridesmaids wore Lily Pulitzer shift dresses with gold detailing that they accessorized with strappy gold heels and Kate Spade stud earrings. It was important to the bride that her ‘maids could wear their dresses for future occasions. The couple’s twin flower girls wore matching long-sleeved ivory lace dresses paired with satin ivory flats and a cohesive headband.
Jay’s groomsmen wore black tuxedos and added showed off their personal style with different patterned socks.
During the ceremony, musicians on the cello and piano played songs like “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri and “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles. Rachel had her dad by her side as she made her way down the aisle towards the handmade wooden arch, that was created from materials found around the property. For a romantic touch, the couple’s florist draped the ceremony focal point with a mix of pale blue and white flowers. Guests sat in Chiavari chairs as they watched Rachel and Jay exchange traditional vows before being officially announced husband and wife.
To celebrate their newly-minted marital status, friends and family showered the bride and groom with white flower petals as they made their exit.
Cocktail hour and the reception were all about entertainment. Guests enjoyed live music and sipped on signature cocktails — Jack and Coke and blueberry mojitos. To keep things exciting, the couple hired a live painter to capture the reception and created a “Selfie Station” where guests could tap into their playful side and pose for photos with cutouts of Rachel and Jay.
But there was some additional entertainment that even the bride and groom hadn’t know about: The couple’s parents surprised Rachel and Jay with a firework show, a nod to their Fourth of July engagement.
Once everyone settled down for dinner, guests found their seats at round tables covered in white linens and blue runners. They kept the décor sweet and simple, with a mix of different centerpieces including lanterns paired with Lily of the Valley and silver stands with a mix of different blooms in bud vases. At each place setting, Rachel and Jay’s guests also found a gift from the bride and groom: Bottles of local honey from the farm.
Dinner was a choice of chicken with mushroom champagne sauce or prime rib. For dessert, guests enjoyed slices of cinnamon wedding cake.
Photo: Adam Lowe Photography
Rachel has this advice for future brides: “The day goes by fast so try to take time to enjoy it and celebrate together. Lean on your family. They are your biggest supporters and helpers!”
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Private Residence || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Lilly Pulitzer || Groom’s Attire: Bonobos || Florist: Posy Floral Design || Invitations: Ink & Ivory || Music: Fermata Music || Catering: Bosc & Brie || Cake: McClain Creations || Videographer: Jonah Epps Videography || Photographer: Adam Lowe Photography
Can’t get enough of this beautiful wedding? Then check out another couple’s barn bash in the video below.