Leanna and Matt's Hudson Valley Vineyard Wedding

The Couple

As a high school science teacher, Matthew Pegorari should have known that you don't need H2O to experience the power of chemistry. But he didn't learn that lesson until June 2010, when a friend invited him to join a group of pals for a weekend at a hunting lodge without running water in middle-of-nowhere Massachusetts. He also never predicted that sparks would fly in a setting devoid of electricity. When he met Leanna Richel, though, a special-education teacher, fly they did. "We hit it off immediately," she says. "He was friendly, funny, and talked even more than I did." At the end of the weekend, they exchanged numbers and headed home—he to northern Massachusetts, and she to New York. Matt called later that night, and it wasn't long before the two educators found themselves in a long-distance relationship.

Two years later, Leanna accepted a new teaching job and moved to Massachusetts—and five months after that, in November 2012, Matt proposed. "We were on a hike with Leanna's dog, Lucy, when I stopped in a field, got down on one knee, and said, 'I love you so much and want to spend the rest of my life with you,'" he recalls. But Leanna wasn't the only one who had won his heart; after slipping a ring on her finger, he tied a collar with a big faux diamond around Lucy's neck. To his delight, both gals accepted.

Before long, the couple set a date—June 14, 2014—and chose a location: Red Maple Vineyard, in New York's Hudson Valley. Not only was it located halfway between each of their families' homes, says Leanna, "the setting is breathtaking, with a gorgeous view from the hill where we had our ceremony." With the venue booked, the bride's sister, Lauren, an art director and a graphic designer, stepped into the role of wedding planner. "She took our vision of something natural but sophisticated and ran with it, helping with everything from designing the stationery to putting the finishing touches on the cake topper," Leanna says.

After all the hard work—and four years after their first meeting—Leanna and Matt exchanged traditional vows before 253 of their nearest and dearest. Guests headed to the garden for cocktails before making their way to the property's tent for a dinner of braised beef and pesto shrimp, a dessert spread of mini pies and tarts, and dancing to a live band. A bourbon-and-cigar bar and fire pit for s'mores had the party going late into the night. The next week, the newlyweds continued their celebration by heading off to St. Martin, a luxurious contrast—complete with plumbing and electricity—to where they first met.

01 of 21

The Stationery

A letterpressed suite, designed by Leanna's sister, Lauren Richel Kelly of Ditto Paper, seamlessly blended the bride's New York City preppy side (stripes and calligraphy) with the groom's rugged Berkshires style (kraft paper and a hand-painted flower motif). Gold foil pulled all the pieces together. Calligraphy by Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls was mixed with the typefaces throughout.

02 of 21

Pre-Vow Photos

The pair took pics before the I do's so they could spend more time with loved ones afterward.

03 of 21

The Bridal Bouquet

Leanna's loose bouquet featured peonies, her favorite flower. "The long grosgrain ribbon made it feel whimsical and informal, which I loved," she says.

04 of 21

The Bridal Party

Bridesmaids wore aqua J.Crew dresses, while Lauren, the matron-of-honor, donned teal Amsale.

05 of 21

Bright Bouquets

Lauren held peonies, roses, delphiniums, chamomile, and dusty miller.

06 of 21

A Personal Touch

Lauren crafted the ring pillow from three very special fabrics: a Liberty of London print, a piece of her own wedding dress, and the groom's baby blanket.

Get DIY Ring Bearer Pillow Ideas

07 of 21

Pretty Programs

Ceremony programs also featured the floral motif.

08 of 21

The Bride's Entrance

Leanna's parents escorted her down the aisle to a version of Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years."

Listen to More Processional Wedding Songs for Making an Entrance

09 of 21

Two Little Guys

The couple's nephews, both wearing Janie and Jack, served as ring bearers.

10 of 21

Hilltop I Do's

Unkempt Willow Branch Wedding Arch with Pink and Orange Flowers — Jessica Antola

The couple exchange vows beneath a canopy of flowers created by floral designer Livia Cetti of The Green Vase. "I was nervous about having the spotlight on me, but in that moment I completely forgot about everyone else," Leanna says. "I felt like it was just the two of us."

11 of 21

The Fashions

Despite the stunning upstate New York scenery, Leanna and Matt—she in a J.Crew gown and he wearing a custom suit—had eyes only for each other after their ceremony.

See More Martha Brides and Bridesmaids in J.Crew Dresses

12 of 21

Something Blue

The groom wore a forget-me-not boutonniere and a tie in a second Liberty of London pattern.

13 of 21

Cocktails in the Garden

During the cocktail hour, guests soaked up the sun.

14 of 21

Grinning Grandma

Grandparents Sitting Together at Ceremony — Jessica Antola

Clearly, good genes run in the family: The bride's beloved paternal grandmother smiled for the camera.

15 of 21

Love in Bloom

Lush centerpieces featured peonies, garden roses, ranunculus, delphiniums, chamomile, blueberry vines, sweet peas, and dusty miller. "The venue was so naturally majestic that it didn't require much more decoration," Leanna says. The farm tables had simple white runners and kraft-paper menus.

16 of 21

The Place Settings

leanna-matt-wedding-place-setting-0008-s111371-0615.jpg — Jessica Antola

Vintage vessels gave the tablescape a natural, organic feel that complemented the outdoor setting. "I really loved that no two arrangements were alike," Leanna says.

17 of 21

Tasty Treats

A mini pecan tart, placed on a napkin bearing the wedding's signature floral motif, was just one of the treats at the dessert bar. "Unfortunately, I was having so much fun on the dance floor that I never got to taste how delicious everything was," Leanna says.

18 of 21