Libby and Ernie’s rustic Americana wedding is one for the books! The ceremony was held at Second Baptist Church in Suffield, Connecticut, followed by a tented reception at Suffield Academy field. This wedding included handmade details like custom-cast belt buckles, handmade paper heart garland, custom-designed bridal shoes, bridesmaid clutches, table numbers, bridesmaid hangers and more. The day was beautifully captured by photographer Michelle Gardella. There is so much inspiration in this feature… read on to see this Americana wedding as it unfolded!

First, let’s take a peek at the ‘getting ready’ shots before the ceremony.

And the lovely ladies! Check out the bride’s details in red from head… to toe.

Bridesmaids were gifted with these charming gingham print clutch purses.

The bride even showed off one of her favorite wedding books… ;)

The church was a beautiful place to have their wedding… complete with red carpet and a horse-drawn carriage for the newlyweds.

The aisles were adorned with photos of the bride and groom when they were kids.

Oh my, what a cute ring bearer!

I love this photo… look at the bride’s big smile and how her groom is looking at her with such sincerity.

Married!

Libby and Ernie took a scenic trip in a horse-drawn carriage to their reception spot.

Guests were eager to check out the reception site which was filled to the brim with delightful handmade details.

Reception tables tied in the red, white and blue Americana wedding theme beautifully.

There was an array of appetizers…

… a bar with signature cocktails (like sangria)…

… and a delightful ‘let love grow’ favors table filled with wildflower seed packets.

Before dinner, guests grabbed fresh fruit from a custom-painted monogram cart.

Libby and Ernie thought of everything… even a spot for kids to sit, draw, and solve puzzles from their ‘I Do’ wedding books. Coca cola and boxes of Cracker Jack, too!

There was even a bug spray station, flip flops (aka “magic dancing shoes”), and blankets to warm up guests.

Michelle captured sweet snapshots of Libby and Ernie on the pickup truck…

… and other photos just before sunset.

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, Libby and Ernie served pie with hearts cut into the crust.

And, instead of a guest book, guests were invited to sign a wedding quilt.

After dinner, the bride and groom shared their first dance.

Guests were invited to snap photos in a photo booth, complete with hay bales and rustic sign. At dusk, photo booth snapshots began playing on an outdoor screen for guests to view.

Libby and Ernie had a bonfire set up at night with hay bales for makeshift seating.

To finish the night, there was a sparkler send-off…

… and the newlyweds were off to their honeymoon!

Americana Wedding: Libby + Ernie

Here’s who contributed to make this a beautiful day!

Hair: Jenn Wendel

Make-up: Jen Hauck

Belt Buckles: Designed by Libby, Cast by Ace Buckles

Groomsmen Outfits: Polo Ralph Lauren blue oxford shirt and suffield pant, ililily cotton flat beige cap, navy Dickies suspenders

Bridesmaid Dresses: Ailka Circle Navy Dress from Bettie Paige Clothing

Bridesmaid Bags: Nautical Tote by Oriental Trading

Heart Garland: Paper hearts & hemp, designed by Libby, made by Ernie’s Mom, Sue Schneller

Libby’s shoes: Designed by Libby, made by Milk & Honey

Typewriter tags on Bridesmaid Bouquets: Gloria Alexander from Kindred Souls Studio

Bridesmaid Hangers: Made by Libby

Bridesmaid Gingham Clutches: Made by Libby’s Mom, Linda Murphy

Ernie’s Outfit: Polo Ralph Lauren white oxford shirt & suffield pants, white linen tie from The Tie Bar, Paul Frederick vest, Dockers navy jacket

Dress Shop: Bancroft Bridals in Agawam, MA (Kristin Black)

Libby’s Jewelry: inherited from Mema (maternal grandmother)

Directional Sign, bar sign, coffee table, ring for a kiss bell, program, table numbers: by Libby

Birch stands for table numbers made by Linda & Don Murphy

Framed photos of Ernie & Libby growing up: Made from old pallet wood by Don Murphy

Flower girl dresses: Sweet Heart Rose eyelet dresses

Ring Bearer Pillow: made by Mema before she passed (Libby’s grandmother)

Seed Packets: custom printed by SeedPackets2U

I Do Activity Book: Made by Libby, inspiration from Pinterest

Stamp on napkin holders: custom made stamp by Invitation Box

Hay bale couches: built & set-up by groomsmen (wooden stakes supporting top bales)

Flowers: purchased wholesale. Bouquets were made by Linda Murphy, table flower arrangements and boutonnieres made by ,a href=”mailto:[email protected]”>Sue Schneller, Plants by tent poles and large flower arrangement (with peppers in it) made by Marjorie Begin

Apply Pie: by Sue Barron

Two Pour Guys Bartending: Contact (Lesa)

Sangria recipe
Red/white/blue sangria (recipe by Libby)

Ingredients:
Strawberries, sliced
Blueberries
Apples, cut into star shapes (cut by Joanna Begin using a fruit popper)
2 bottles Reisling
3/4 cup Triple Sec
1/2 cup berry-flavored vodka
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup pineapple juice

Wedding Rings: Jewelry Designs in Danbury, CT – Ernie’s ring has Libby’s fingerprint inside, Libby’s has Ernie’s inside

Hearts leading to reception: Flour hearts (stencil by Libby, hearts made by USJ students)

Cards ice cream churner bucket: lid made by Libby’s Dad, Don Murphy

Sassafras Vintage Rentals (Windows) (Kathy Glass)

Groomsmen bags (when getting ready) custom-made by Hartford Denim Co

Catering done by Cliff Barron, family friend and the Second Baptist Church’s “Kitchen Krew”

Libby’s Truck: 1976 Ford F250 Camper Special, interior headliner re-done by Libby (with help from her parents)

The bar made by Ernie & Ernie’s grandfather, Dick (Pepere) Begin, of vintage mahogany diving boards from Ernie’s uncle’s pool company (Michael Drenzek – Top Notch Pools, Suffield, CT). The barrels for the bar are used Jim Beam Whiskey barrels, purchased from Bob “the barrel man” in Scarborough, Maine

The veggie/appetizer cart was built by Libby’s Dad, Don Murphy, as a set piece for Ridgefield High School’s production of Les Miserables, was re-painted by Libby and her Mom, Linda Murphy

The signs were all made by Libby (either hand-painted on old wood (found on the side of the road), or hand-made out of wood frames from Michael’s and poster board)

All the wooden napkin holders were handmade by Libby’s Dad, Don Murphy

The runners were made by Libby’s Mom, Linda Murphy (out of lace from Joann’s Fabrics and red gingham ribbon)

The stockade fence (from home depot) barriers were designed and stained by Ernie – with homemade “strap hinges”

Wedding Invitations/RSVPs/Information Cards: Designed by Libby, made by Libby & Ernie’s Aunt, Laurie Gokey

Fleece blankets + guest quilt: made by Linda Murphy

Custom getting-ready shirt for Libby: Pretty Personalized Gifts

Straw bales: rented from Sheldon Farms in Connecticut

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Special thanks to Michelle Gardella for this gorgeous wedding submission. Congrats to the happy couple, Libby + Ernie!

xo,
-E.