Wedding Date: July 8th 2023

Nestled on the outskirts of Cottage Grove sits the rustic and elegant Hope Glen Farm. This green oasis is like a breath of fresh air just outside the city and was the perfect place for Cece and Andy to host their wedding celebration. They teamed up with the brilliant minds of Jenna Culley Events to create a dreamy and light hearted day with some good ‘ol country vibes paired with the elegance and style you can always expect from that amazing team.

When I walked up to the bridal suite I was met with big smiles and could hear the girls giggling from inside. The room was bustling while everyone did their hair and makeup and Cece showed off her dress in the colorful red doorway. The guys were calm and laid back while they tied their ties and walked outside to take in some fresh morning air. Andy and I walked down a little path and found some shade that was perfect for their first look. I met Cece halfway there and she grinned a mischievous smile and showed me the little bottles in her hands, perfect for a shot to start their day. Their faces lit up when they saw one another and Andy couldn’t help but laugh when she showed him the bottles in her hands. They toasted for luck and just like that the day was under way!

We explored the beautifully manicured grounds and went to their outdoor ceremony site to get a glimpse before the ceremony began. Then as the sun shone overhead, we walked through the vines and their laughter carried on the cool breeze that welcomed friends and family as they arrived. Their wedding party looked sharp and were all ready to get the party started. I haven’t laughed this hard with a group in a while. If you need some jokesters, this is definitely the crew to call! I had tears streaming down my cheeks as they struck poses and cracked jokes. It was the perfect lead up to the ceremony and everyone went in wearing big smiles and filled the space with so much love and joy.

The guests stood as Cece walked down the aisle and they held delicate parasols overhead to shelter from the afternoon sun. It felt like we were in a secret garden all our own and everyone watched their sweet exchange of vows and promises to one another. They kissed and ran down the aisle with everyone cheering behind them. They grabbed a bottle of bubbly and with perfect timing from the sun, we made our way out to the vineyard for a celebratory toast. Champagne sprayed into the golden light as the pair laughed and the bubbles reflected in the sunrays. It was the perfect way to celebrate and the joy on their faces says it all.

Back inside, Jenny Culley’s team had transformed the pavilion into a wonderland of whimsy. With flowers dripping from every space and the tables decorated with pops of color, I felt like I was seeing a perfect illustration of the joy Cece and Andy felt. It was perfect. After a grand entrance and toast after toast, we all enjoyed a delicious dinner and laughed along with the stories and memories that were shared. Then as the music started playing the party really started. This is what I would define as a barn burner. Great country music, boots dancing on real wood floors, and the last bit of sun peaking through the barn wood walls. They stepped away from the party for one last toast and quietly smiled listening to the party going on inside before rejoining the fun and dancing the night away.

Vendors: Hope Glen Farm (venue), Jenna Culley Events (wedding planner), Studio C Floral (florist), Linen Effects (decor), A'Brin Tin (catering), Nothing Bundt Cakes (dessert), Time Into Pixels (photo booth), Colton John (dress designer), Ivory Bridal Co (dress boutique), Milbern (suits), Primped (hair and makeup), Epitome (stationery), Hunter Quin (music)