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Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 27, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Sarah and Greg Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography Choosing a venue is often among the most challenging steps of planning a wedding—but that was not the case for Sarah Storms and Greg Greenwald: They made their decision on the day they got engaged, in July 2014. It was easy to settle on Sarah's childhood home in Far Hills, New Jersey. The sprawling white-brick Colonial on 26 rolling acres boasts not only ample charm and a name to match—Willow Springs Farm—but also a unique pedigree: The house was built for August Belmont, founder of the Belmont Park racetrack. For Sarah, however, it is simply the source of precious memories involving pool parties and Thanksgivings and overnight guests. "It was always a magical place to me and my brother and sister," she says. "Getting married at home is all the headache people tell you it will be, but so worth it for the feeling of watching all the people you love most convene in the place you love most." The couple's courtship was similarly natural, ever since the September 2011 day when a mutual friend introduced them in Greg's hometown of East Hampton, New York. "It instantly felt like we were old friends," recalls Greg, a construction project manager in New York City. "Everything was sort of fairy-tale smooth, which we took as a sign." For Sarah, their first day together was "one of the most memorable of my life." After Greg's proposal during a trip to Cape Cod, Sarah got to planning, using her experience as a stylist and editor (she's worked at Elle Decor and other magazines) to create a handcrafted event of lush autumn warmth. She incorporated fresh colors and plenty of fun elements—like piles of temporary tattoos of foxes and pheasants in each bathroom (the animals are visitors on the property and were included in motifs that appeared throughout the wedding). These details juxtaposed the European stateliness of the house itself, as she'd intended. "The last thing we wanted was to have a stuffy, formal-feeling wedding," she says. And so, on a cool, brilliantly sunny October afternoon last year, some 195 guests arrived to an acoustic guitarist playing James Taylor songs, and warm cider in glass mugs. Soon afterward, Sarah and Greg stood in the front courtyard of the house and recited their vows in a personalized Roman Catholic ceremony. The party then moved through the house to a cocktail hour on the back terrace and a rustic, huntsman-style feast that included fennel-crusted pork loin, Muscovy duck, and delicata squash. The dancing to a band that followed culminated at midnight in an impromptu, swaying group hug of the couple and both sets of parents. "It wasn't rehearsed or contrived, just a moment of us all acknowledging how our family had suddenly grown," recalls Sarah. A fitting ending to a day that was all about reliving memories—and making new ones. 01 of 29 The Stationery Suite Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography The letterpressed suite brought together a range of natural motifs—foxes, willows, pheasants, and lilies of the valley (Sarah's mother's favorite flower) thanks to the illustrations of Happy Menocal. 02 of 29 Welcome Home Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography With Happy Menocal, Sarah created a casual, irreverent take on the family crest for stationery and other details. Welcome bags were stamped with the image of a fox—one of the crest's elements—and filled with apples from the wedding property, local honey, an itinerary for the weekend, and a notepad and pencil. Welcome Bags from Real Weddings 03 of 29 A Stylish Sisterhood Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography The bride was flanked by her sister, Megan (left), and the groom's sister, Alexandra, who wore navy cashmere sweaters, custom silk faille skirts, and suede pumps. All three carried bouquets that featured tree peonies, ranunculus, and heirloom garden roses by Brrch. As for Sarah, she went the semi-custom route too. "I tried on a few things at a salon with my sister and mom," says Sarah, "but I wanted something simpler." Enter Delphine Manivet: At her showroom in New York, Sarah found the "Prospère" style; she and Manivet redesigned the tea-length original slightly, adding a high-low skirt. The after-dinner dancing dress was a sample, also by Delphine. "I put it on for fun and took a twirl, and it was just too perfect," recalls Sarah. 04 of 29 The Rings Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography The wedding bands were carried in a pouch made from a Japanese printed cotton originally earmarked for the bridesmaids' skirts. 05 of 29 Jewel Tones Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography Sapphires were the order of the day for Sarah and Greg—as the stone's color is one of the couple's favorite. He sourced the stone for her engagement ring from a sapphire specialist and worked with a jeweler to construct the design. The couple had a pouch made for their wedding rings from a Japanese cotton print the bride had originally planned to use for the bridesmaids' skirts. During the ceremony, Sarah wore a sentimental "something old": her grandmother's pearls, which had been recrafted into a bracelet. 06 of 29 The Guys Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography Greg's groomsmen were his good friend Tim (left, who introduced the couple and noted that he'd been friends with Greg 83% of their lives in his best man speech) and Sarah's brother Taylor. All three wore Seize Sur Vingt suits, ties from Drake's, and Allen Edmonds for Club Monaco shoes. 07 of 29 Floral Masterpieces Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography Urns placed around the property held pink roses, Russian olive branches, and amaranth. 08 of 29 Cider to Sip Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography Guests sipped warm punch made with spiced tea, lemon, clove-infused honey, rum, and cinnamon as they awaited the late-afternoon garden ceremony. Cocktail Ideas for Winter Weddings 09 of 29 The Programs Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography The programs were printed using the same pattern used in the fabric of the rings pouch. Wedding Program Ideas We Love 10 of 29 Aisle Style Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography While a string ensemble played a custom arrangement of a song called "Old Pine" by Ben Howard, Sarah and her father emerged from the front door and started the walk down the 80-foot sisal runner to join their 195 guests for the garden ceremony. "I was so excited at seeing Greg that I basically ran for him and forgot to kiss my dad in acknowledgement of this epic handover!" Sarah recalls. The feeling was mutual, as Greg notes, "The moment the front door of the house opened and Sarah began to walk out, in her amazing dress … it was such a powerful experience." 11 of 29 A Soaring View Mademoiselle Fiona The ceremony took place in the front courtyard of the farm, which featured oversize urns filled with willow branches and stunning vistas of the hillside. Just five minutes before Sarah walked down the aisle, the blinding fall sun dipped behind the clouds. 12 of 29 A Special Ceremony Touch Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography One of Sarah's favorite memories of the wedding week was working with her mother, sister, and other relatives and friends on last-minute bits and pieces—including filling envelopes with crushed dried flowers for the ceremony toss. Creative Wedding Exit Toss Ideas 13 of 29 Newlyweds Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography The couple shared a joyful moment right after the ceremony. 14 of 29 Special Gifts Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography Sarah had cufflinks engraved with a note in her handwriting as a present for her dad. And gave some of her closest gal pals fox earrings from Harrison Morgan. 15 of 29 Signature Cocktails Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography Cocktail hour featured his-and-hers specialty drinks: an old-fashioned with rye and bitters for Greg, and a pear-elderflower Champagne cocktail for Sarah. Guests sipped the beverages and enjoyed small bites as a world-music band played, among other things, Brazilian jazz, during cocktail hour. Wedding Signature Drink Recipes for Every Bride and Groom 16 of 29 Keepsake Napkins Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography Sarah collaborated with Sferra on linen napkins in an array of muted tones, embroidered with the couple's initials. 7 Ways to Fold a Table Napkin for Your Big Day and Every Day 17 of 29 Colorful Escort Cards Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography Each escort card was stamped with a wax seal sporting the couple's initials. Insanely Creative Seating Cards and Displays 18 of 29 A Vibrant Tablescape Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography The bride chose navy pillar candles "to add gravitas and a grounding element to the table," and to coordinate with the vintage blue-and-white china. Candle Centerpieces That Will Light Up Your Reception 19 of 29 The Place Settings Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography Guests dined on vintage china from Borrowed & Blu, set on hemp linen tablecloths. The bride worked with Karen Robinson of K Style Designs to come up with the color combination for the linen napkins: a rich mustard with sage green rolled edges. For a handful of guests who are extra special to the bride and groom, "We love you" and the couple's initials were embroidered in a handwritten style as a sentimental addition. 20 of 29 Dancing the Night Away Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography "I remember trying to temper the size of my smile," admits Sarah, "and not laugh with incredulity that I was actually here, marrying this amazing person." 21 of 29 A Special Performance Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography As guests danced, Sarah's dad, Brian Storms, took a turn as guitarist, playing "Wild Thing," by the Troggs. All the Times Fathers Melted Our Hearts at Weddings 22 of 29 Footloose and Fancy Free Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography All the female guests were given linen bags, stamped with the couple's initials, that contained slip-on canvas flats for dancing. Ideas for Including Your Wedding Guests in the Party of a Lifetime 23 of 29 A Sweet Spread Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography The dessert table—laid with a rich blue velvet "tablecloth" and an array of sweets, many of them on Sarah's mother's silver serving plates—provided a sumptuous, decadent finish. Offerings included three cakes (pear with salted-caramel filling, chocolate with rosewater-raspberry filling, and ginger with lavender-rosemary icing), several kinds of mini tarts, and apple-cider donuts, all baked by Lael Cakes. Amazing Dessert Tables 24 of 29 Seasonal Flavors Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography The pomegranate-seed-topped lemon-meringue tartlets were a big hit. Fall Wedding Desserts Jam-Packed with Flavor 25 of 29 Delicious Bites Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography In addition to the three cakes, the dessert table included apple cider doughnuts, mini plum pies, fig tarts, and lemon meringue tarts, also by Lael Cakes. The fox design on the cocktail napkins was a reference to an animal seen often on the grounds of the house. It also appeared (with some pheasants) on temporary tattoos set out in the restrooms—all of which were used up by the end of the evening. Apple Desserts Freshly Picked for Your Wedding 26 of 29 Fun in the Photo Booth Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography The photo booth featured a mural by Anthropologie that was repurposed as a background mural. DIY Photo Booth Backdrops to Upgrade Your Wedding Reception 27 of 29 Cutting Loose Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography Guests' favorite photo booth props included bowling pins, trophies, bearded masks, and an American flag. 28 of 29 Take Home Treats Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography Guests took home a late-night snack of pumpkin bread from a local baker. Edible Wedding Favors Guests Will Eat Up (Literally!) 29 of 29 Sources Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography Photography, Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography Event planning, David Reinhard Events Event production, Stonekelly Events Event design, Sarah Storms Design consulting, Cassidy Iwersen Catering, Olivier Cheng Catering and Events Flowers, Brrch Videography, Well Spun Weddings Officiant, Dr. Katherine Kurs Stationery, Sideshow Press (save-the-dates, invitation suite, and programs); Cambridge Street Papers (menus and welcome note), Happy Menocal (illustrations) Calligraphy, Belles Lettres Calligraphy Cakes and desserts, Lael Cakes Music, Element Music Rentals, Borrowed Blu; Party Rental Ltd Bride's gown and reception dress, Delphine Manivet Bride's accessories, Christina Addison earrings; Greenwich St. Jewelers engagement ring; Single Stone Collection wedding band; F. Gerald New bracelet; Manolo Blahnik shoes Hair, Melisande Page of Beauty Exchange NYC Makeup, Moani Lee of Beauty Exchange NYC Bridesmaids' attire, J.Crew cashmere sweaters; Dahl skirts; Gianvito Rossi shoes; F. Gerald New earrings Groom's suit and shirt, Seize sur Vingt Menswear, Seize sur Vingt Groom's accessories, Allen Edmonds for Club Monaco shoes; Drake's tie; Greenwich St. Jewelers wedding band Lighting, rEvolve Furniture Photo booth, Nelson Hancock Photo booth props, Octavia & Brown Photo booth backdrop, Anthropologie Buses and valet parking, WC Transportation Service Group Valet parking, Parking Productions Tents and restrooms, Bancroft & Partners Welcome bag, BurlapFabric.com Fabric for dessert table ("Lady Elsie" velvet in Indigo), Robert Allen Candles, Quick Candles Glass centerpiece vessels, Distinctive Decor Fabric for ring pouch, B&J Fabrics Fox earrings, Harrison Morgan Glass footed bowl (for dessert table), F. Gerald New Linen cocktail napkins, Sferra Embroidery, Artisan Silkscreen and Embroidery Dinner napkins and pocket squares, K Style Design Paper cocktail napkins, ForYourParty.com Pumpkin loaves, Bee's Bake Shop Ribbons, Mokuba New York Stamps, Rubber Stamps Inc. Silver bud vases (for cocktail hour), Two's Company Stickers (for apples), Stickershop.com Slip-on shoes, Chatties Linen bags, Nashville Wraps Wax seals, WaxSeals.com Wildflower petals (for toss), Flowerfetti Wool blankets, Faribault Woolen Mill Co. Urns (for escort-card table), Terrain Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit