One Couple's Blowout Wedding on the Groom's Family Farm in Ohio

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.

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

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Can’t get enough of this beautiful wedding? Then check out another couple’s barn bash in the video below.

Can We Invite Guests Who Didn't Get a Save the Date?

How to Be a Good Wedding Guest

Photo: Megan Clouse

So much happens during those first few months of wedding planning, from choosing a venue to putting together the guest list to designing invitations. And especially when a couple is on a shorter planning timeline, it can feel like decisions need to be made IMMEDIATELY. When it comes to guest lists, there can be a lot more politics and emotions involved than you would expect, making deciding who to send invitations to a drawn out conversation. Can you cut yourself a break by sending a smaller number of save the dates, then finalizing who gets an invitation later? Our experts weigh in.

The great answer is, yes! You can definitely add guests to your invitation list after you’ve sent out save the dates. This is great if you’re still finalizing your guest count, or are trying to figure out if you’ll invite second cousins as well as your college soccer team. Simply make a list of guests you 100% know you’ll invite (most likely your families and closest friends) and send them a save the date so they can start reserving hotel rooms and booking flights, then spend that extra month or so deciding who else will be getting an invitation.

Worried that guests who didn’t get a save the date will think they weren’t invited at all? The best way to field questions about your guest list is to respond by saying that you’re still finalizing the details. If it’s someone who you’ve decided will definitely, without question be receiving an invitation, you can let them know that they’ll be in the mail soon.

The big no-no? Doing the opposite and sending a save the date and not following up with an invitation. If you ask someone to save the date for your wedding, you must send this person an invitation to your wedding, whether you’re not as close as you used to be or you are wishing you’d cut the guest list down further.

See more: 5 Things to Remember to Include on Your Save the Date

How Denmark's Crown Prince Frederick Met His Non-Royal Wife

Crown Prince Frederick and Princess Mary

Photo: Getty Images

Ahhh, the Olympic games… The place where gold medals are won, athletic records are broken, and where the royals find love. Umm, what was that last one again? As it turns out, the man next in line to snag the Denmark throne, Crown Prince Frederick, met his non-royal wife, Mary, at the 2000 Olympic games in Sydney, Australia. Guess all kinds of fairytales come true at the Olympics!

Before their magical Copenhagen wedding ceremony back in 2004, the prince and princess of Denmark, first crossed paths at the Slip Inn, a modest Australian bar during the Olympic games, People reports. Crown Princess Mary (then known as Mary Donaldson) was an advertising executive, while the Danish prince played the part of just another guy in a bar, introducing himself to Donaldson simply as “Fred.”

“The first time we met, we shook hands,” the now-princess remembers of that first modest meeting. “I didn’t know he was the prince of Denmark. Half an hour later, someone came up to me and said, ‘Do you know who these people are?'” Hey, give the girl a break! Can you really blame an Aussie for not being totally up-to-date on Danish royalty? We bet she’s read up those history books by now!

Prince and Princess of Denmark

Photo: Getty Images

For the next three years, the long-distance couple jetted back and forth between their two countries. Eventually Donaldson renounced her Australian citizenship and learned Danish, and the regal pair became engaged, with Frederick presenting his bride with an emerald-cut diamond flanked by two ruby baguettes. They tied the knot on May 14, 2004 at the Copenhagen Cathedral, and in a lace veil and satin grown, commoner Mary Donaldson became Crown Princess Mary. Since then, the royal couple has had four children and have attended almost every summer Olympic Games ever since!

Crown Princess Mary

Photo: Getty Images

Now, is Prince Harry due to appear at the Olympics this summer in Rio de Janeiro? Time to line up, ladies! Maybe this time next year we’ll be planning for another royal wedding

See More: Kate Middleton Just Re-Wore Something from Her Wedding Day — And Totally Rocked It

Glee's Lauren Potter Receives Promise Ring from Boyfriend: See the Adorable Photos

lauren potter proposal

Photo: Getty Images

What a happy weekend for Glee star Lauren Potter — she’s going to marry her childhood friend! The actress’ boyfriend, Timothy Spear, gave her a promise ring during a picnic the two of them enjoyed in the park on Saturday.

With the ocean as the backdrop, the 26-year-old TV star picnicked in the park in Laguna with her beau, also 26. Once they finished eating, Spear asked her the question that would change both of their lives. “He picked out the ring, made payments on it, and then planned the picnic and the moment to get down on one knee to ask her to promise to be his one-and-only and marry him when they are ready,” Potter’s mom shared with People. “Then they watched the sunset together.” So romantic and sweet; it looks as if Potter was very surprised.

The two have been dating ever since Potter broke up with her last boyfriend — but have known each other since they were infants — both in the same infant stimulation classes at the Children’s Center in Riverside, CA. “We’ve kept in touch over the years, but it wasn’t until the kids were reunited while they were both living in Laguna Beach,” her mom shared. “When Lauren ended a relationship, Timothy immediately asked her out and they have been together since.”

Both Spear and Potter were born with Down Syndrome, and the actress has been a huge advocate for those with special needs. Since she became cheerleader “Becky Jackson” in 2009, she has committed to many philanthropic and charitable activities — including participating on President Obama’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. “Because ofGlee I have been given a chance to pursue another dream of mine — to make the world a more welcoming place for people who are different — especially for people like me who have always been told ‘you can’t’ instead of ‘you can.’ I want to live in a world where everyone can live, go to school and go to work without having to be afraid,” she wrote in an essay on Huffington Post. Isn’t that the truth.

While Glee is her most well-known role, Potter has also been a guest star in various award shows, movies, and TV series — including Leader of the Pack, Guest Room, and Teens Wanna Know. She’s a true inspiration to anyone who wants to follow their dreams — that’s for sure. “When I was young, my dream was to be an actress. Sure people told me I’d never be able to do it, but I replied, ‘Just watch me!’ Now they are watching me, but this time on the big screen!”

See More: The Best TV Weddings of All Time

Congrats to the happy couple — Sue Sylvester would be so proud! See below for their adorable photos.

The 4 Questions Everyone Will Ask Right After You Get Married (and How to Respond)

Congratulations! You’re married — now what? While you’re still basking in the newlywed glow, many people will begin, almost instantaneously, to ask you what’s next. While most of the time these questions are lighthearted and good natured, they can still seem overwhelming. So here’s a little bit of guidance on how to respond to help navigate those post-wedding interviews.

“So, how does it feel?”
Amazing? The same? Dream-like? Status quo? The responses are endless. This question is typically harmless and you will be asked it a ton. It’s everyone’s way of showing they are interested in your newlywed experiences during such an exciting time. It’s always a great time to gush over your happiness, or reflect on how not too much has changed (except for the new sparkler on your hand and maybe a new last name!) When people ask this, it’s typically from a great place so have fun with your response. It only means they care.

“Are you changing your name?”
Whether you want to say, “Yep! Already done, and my Gmail, too!” or “Hell no, my last name is mine forever,” there’s no harm, no foul for your response here either. As with many questions honesty is the best policy — unless you feel the person is being too intrusive or interrogative. Should you feel this way, a simple “I’m not sure yet,” or “We’ll see!” suffices. If they keep pressing, politely explain that it’s a personal decision between you and your new husband.

“So when are the babies coming?”
This is perhaps the most deeply personal, intrusive question that you’ll undoubtedly be asked at some point after saying “I do.” It can be an exciting and welcome question for those who are open books, or an uncomfortable, invasive experience for those who are more private — and you’re entitled to feeling either way. Just keep in mind that 99 percent of the time most people are asking about your future plans for children out of excited curiosity, without harmful intentions. But for many, that doesn’t take out some of the sting. If you want to be honest, its perfectly okay to say, “not yet” or “in the future, we hope!” Or if it applies to you, “no way, Jose!” If you want to avoid the baby question altogether (which is well within your new Mrs. rights) remind the asker that you JUST tied the knot and your only focus is on enjoying every second being a newlywed.

See More: The 15 Best U.S. Cities for Newlyweds

“Are you going to buy a house now?”
This question can be viewed as 50 percent interest based and 50 percent being a little too nosy for many peoples liking. Traditionally couples wed, then buy a home, then have little ones, usually all in the course of a year — right? Not so much anymore. Every single couple is different, and enjoys a different timeline. It’s okay to temper your response based on your relationship with the person that’s asking. If it’s close family and friends, be open about your situation (they probably already know, anyway). Co-worker or acquaintance? Proceed similarly. Just avoid divulging too much about finances or other personal information, as it’s just that — personal.

Jennifer Garner Just Got Real Candid About Her Marriage to Ben Affleck

Jennifer Garner Discusses Ben Affleck on Today Show

Photo: Getty Images

There are five stages of grief when mourning the loss of one of your favorite celebrity couples: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. It’s been a year since we lost the adorableness that was Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck and we’re still not willing to accept that the pair has split after almost a decade of marriage. In fact, Garner herself seems way more adjusted to her new relationship with her former husband than we are. (Good for her, but what does that say about us right?) The Nine Lives actress opened up the Today show Thursday morning about her marriage and new life with Affleck and her children, and it sounds like Bennifer is just as strong as ever — but not in the way you’d might expect.

When Affleck and Garner announced their separation last year, the world was waiting with bated breath to see if these two crazy kids would be able to work things out. But despite all the reconciliation rumors floating around since the pair was spotted vacationing in Europe this summer with their three children, Garner just cleared the air on the NBC morning show, stating that, no, her and her former beau are not back together romantically, but are still united when it comes to raising their kids. “We are definitely a modern family,” Garner explained to Today‘s Natalie Morales, stating that her and Affleck are now “great friends.”

But what about that Euro trip? No, it was not in any way a second honeymoon or an attempt to rekindle their romance, according to Garner. “Ben was working in London on Justice League and I felt like, ‘Well, the kids should have that experience,'” the actress shared. “He and I are great friends and we just all went en masse… The kids and I had an amazing time, and he worked hard and got to join us for some.”

So while the romantic relationship between Affleck and Garner is still toting a R.I.P. status, Bennifer — as a co-parenting team — is still alive and well for the sake of their little ones. “I want them to see everything’s okay,” said Garner. “We’re doing really well,” she confirmed.

That’s all we could ask for, right?

See More: Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings

BRIDES' 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up Challenge: Day 4, Perfect Your Posture

30 Day Wedding Shape Up Day 4

Photo: Getty Images

This is it… The final countdown to your big day. And along with settling those last few details — figuring out where to seat your eccentric Uncle Carl, firming up the flowers, deciding on your first dance song — you’re likely also making one last push to make sure the body that will be wearing that gorgeous white gown looks as good as it possibly can. You and nearly every other woman with an engagement ring on her finger. In fact, research shows that an overwhelming 91 percent of brides-to-be are anxious about their weight. But from here on out, you won’t have to be!

Whether you want to drop those last few pounds or look more toned — or both — we’ve got a month’s worth of daily tips (none of which require starving yourself or working out nonstop!) that will help you feel stunning and confident when you walk down that aisle. You know where to send the thank-you card. Let’s get started!

Day 4: Perfect Your Posture

Standing up straighter may not be high on your list of priorities right now, but here’s why it should be: Good posture instantly makes you look up to 10 pounds thinner, and research shows it also boosts your mood, confidence and even your attractiveness. What bride wouldn’t want all of those things as she walks down the aisle?

This simple move, from Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist and personal trainer in San Diego, will have you standing taller in no time. And it does wonders for your abs, too. Here’s what to do…

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and reach your arms straight up overhead. Keep your spine long and tall and push your hips forward as you extend your arms behind your head (but don’t arch your back). Do this 12 to 15 times in a slow, rhythmic movement, then rest for 30 seconds and repeat. Do three to four sets.

See More: Athletic Wear That Will Make You Stick to Your Wedding Workout

“This subtle exercise lengthens your abdominal muscles and is an extremely effective way to strengthen your core muscles and transform your posture,” says McCall. You’ll look even more statuesque in those killer four-inch heels.

The 5 Worst Groomzilla Stories We've Ever Read

groomzilla

Photo: Getty Images

Usually the bride gets a bad rap as a bridezilla. But in these instances, it’s clear the crazy culprit was the groom. You won’t believe what these guests and wedding pros have witnessed men do before and even at their weddings.

“As a former wedding singer, I attended a lot of wedding receptions. But the craziest one had to be when the groom was hitting on me at the reception. He kept winding his way back to the bandstand to chat with me, touch my arm, and ask me to dance. It was beyond awkward.” — Marilyn

“The groom called off the wedding a week before — via a phone call to his would-be bride. No sit down chat with her for him. Then, he had his mommy berate all the vendors and give every excuse under the sun why they shouldn’t have to pay any of us. Because, you know, Charleston weddings are so not popular and we totally don’t get booked a year in advance.” — a wedding vendor in Charleston, S.C.

“I was the guest at a wedding a few years ago, in which the ceremony and reception were held at two different venues. The groom did not attend the wedding reception. Instead, he dropped off the bride at the hotel where the reception was being held and drove off. He let her attend the reception alone. She sat at the table alone. There was no first dance. I guess the groom told one of his family members that he didn’t like what was being served at the reception, so he decided not to attend. It was very awkward, to say the least!” — Steffanie

“I was working on a very elaborate wedding with a huge installation on a private property. It took a crew of 15 people three days to install a 60-by-90-foot tent and all of the decor inside. But on the Friday before the Saturday wedding, the groom demanded that the tent we erected be taken down and moved 15 feet to the left so that he and his wedding guests to get a better view of his putting green. The crew worked overnight and the next day all of the guests enjoyed a fabulous view.” — Lauren, a wedding planner

“The last wedding I attended had a total groomzilla. You could tell he was on edge the entire day, but he totally lost it during his best man’s speech. He didn’t like what the guy was saying — the best man was making some pretty tame jokes about the couple — so he grabbed the mic and proceeded to give his own spur-of-the-moment speech about how none of could possibly appreciate all the time and money that went into the wedding, and all of the people who were laughing inappropriately at the last toast while they were drinking booze he paid for could go to hell. True story.” — Abigail

See More: How to Recover from a Bridezilla Moment

BRIDES Florida: Miami Wedding Bands That Will Please Every Wedding Guest

After saying your vows and eating an incredible meal, the perfect wedding is usually accomplished with a full night with your friends and family dancing under the stars. Top 40 bands have some catchy beats and latin flare can get the dance floor grooving, but sometimes a couple is begging for songs from another era — that guests across generations will know and love. Whether you’re the couple that prefers Frank Sinatra’s well-known hits or the couple that wants the vintage rock of ’70s Rolling Stones, the below bands provide you with the best of Miami while celebrating your wedding reception in the way you’ve always dreamed.

Jerry Wayne’s Private Party Band
Jerry Wayne’s Private Party Band has years of experience and performance knowledge, meaning that they have the background necessary to perfectly deliver the classic wedding of your dreams. They pride themselves on avoiding a “cookie cutter” approach to weddings. Rather, the group much prefers to be open to any changes you may request to make your wedding customized to your tastes and preferences. Included on this list because of their unique, fun take on classic singles, the group enjoys mixing in some current trends with the goal to achieve a memorable wedding that your guests will be talking about for years to come. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Jeff Grainger & The Hoboken 11
If the swinging styles of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin are your cup of tea, then Jeff Grainger & The Hoboken 11 are the band for you. Fully clad in tuxedos, the group’s deep baritone voice and incredibly skilled musicians will make you feel instantly transported through time. While the group is full of youthful energy, their fun vibe is matched only by their professionalism and musical talent — as many of the band-mates played in the Symphony Orchestra together in Cuba prior to coming to Miami. Whether you’re interested in Jeff playing a solo show over your cocktail hour or you’d prefer a full 17-piece band complete with a string section, Jeff Grainger & The Hoboken 11 will set the scene perfectly for your classic event.

See More: These Miami Wedding Photographers Will Capture Everything from Your First Dance to the Very Last Song

The Cat Daddies
The Cat Daddies are Miami’s premier band for the classic rock-loving couple. After playing together for the past 11 years, these four band-mates are incredible musicians that still love to have a lot of fun on stage. While willing to be accommodating to any couple, The Cat Daddies pride themselves on playing the top songs on the B side of albums — the songs that you love, but you forgot how much you loved them. Being a group of two guitars, one bass, and one drummer, this group can fit perfectly in any size venue, from a small space to 500-person weddings.

Dancing to the beat of a different drummer? Browse our Miami Bands page to find dozens of other wedding musicians in the sunshine state!

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Happy Birthday, Mr. President! Looking Back at Barack and Michelle Obama's Wedding Photos

barack obama wedding photos

Photo: Getty Images

Happy Birthday, Mr. President! As President Barack Obama celebrates his 55th birthday, we’re of course taking the opportunity to reminisce about the Obama’s endearing love story. These two are always giving us #MarriageGoals — whether it be gushing each other on Twitter, or sharing sweet romantic moments in the White House (fist bumps, flirting, and dancing galore!). And while we love ogling the First Lady’s every fashion choice, now it’s time to look back on Barack and Michelle Obama’s gorgeous October 3, 1992 Chicago wedding day.

How They Met:
Barack and Michelle met in 1989, while the future President was a summer associate at a Chicago law firm. Michelle, then Michelle Robinson, was his advisor. At first Michelle refused to accept a date from Barack, but fate took over. Their first date itinerary? A picnic, long walk, tour of the Art Institue, Baskin-Robbins ice cream, and a movie — Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing.

“We clicked right away…by the end of the date it was over…I was sold,” Michelle has said about their first date.

The Proposal:
The couple dated for two years before Barack proposed at Gordon’s restaurant in Chicago — where they were celebrating finishing the bar exam. “And he got me into one of these discussions again, where, you know, he sort of just led me down there and got fired up and it’s like you’ve got blah blah blah blah, and then dessert comes out, the tray comes out, and there’s a ring!” Michelle told the New Yorker.

obama wedding photos

Photo: Polaris

The Wedding:
On October 3, 1992, Michelle and Barack said “I do” at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. The bride’s brother walked her down the aisle, while the groom’s brother served as best man. After the vows, a reception was held at the South Shore Cultural Center. Of course, self professed Stevie Wonder super fan Michelle chose the singer’s “You and I” for their first dance as husband and wife. After the wedding the couple took off for a California coast honeymoon.

obama wedding photos

Photo: Courtesy of Michelle Obama via Instagram

The Dress:
Way before she wowed us with her spot on fashion sense (Jason Wu, Narciso Rodriguez, Christian Siriano!), First Lady Michelle Obama was a picture perfect 90s bride. Wearing one of our favorite resurrected 90s trends, the future First Lady was lovely in an off-the-shoulder long sleeved gown, pouffy veil, and statement drop pearl earrings. One a fashion maven, always a fashion maven.