Kristina & Pat's Fall Wedding at The Terrain Gardens at Devon
Updated: Mar 23, 2021
Kristina + Pat’s late November wedding took place at the Terrain at Devon Yards, a beautiful space where indoor melds seamlessly into the outdoor with a lush natural vibe enhanced by floral installations and dark wood elements. Subtle rustic details at a Terrain Events Wedding include barn doors, exposed beams, and brick; add in gorgeous farm tables and you have the perfect setting for this intimate fall celebration.
Pumpkins, dried florals, hanging evergreen, and cafe lights created a warm, romantic ambiance that fit perfectly with the rich color palette of burgundy, orange, and navy. The wedding stationery features original watercolor illustrations and letterpressed on cotton. Due to Covid restrictions the guest list had to be downsized to fewer than 25 people so we created a lighthearted un-invitation to let guests know about the change of plans. The custom envelope liner with pumpkins and fall foliage was the perfect finishing touch. Some stationery photos by Stone Hill Paperie, Felicia Vo Photography captured the day.
How did you meet?
Kristina had been a member of the curling club for a couple of years so I knew her casually through that environment. In January of 2019, she was running a bonspiel and I was volunteering. I just remember being drawn to her sunny disposition and the fact that she made amazing mac and cheese. After that event, we curled together a couple of times and even won a tournament, while playing together. I found myself enjoying her company more and more.
In the curling offseason, we would go for walks at Valley Forge most Saturday mornings, after Pat already did a workout. We often met for drinks after bad days and after bad dates and it just felt right, we had far more fun getting a drink than we did on our dates.
Tell us about the proposal.
While running the Philadelphia marathon in November 2019, I knew that I was going to marry Kristina. I remember running past the art museum toward Manayunk and contemplating just stopping the race. By this time, it had started snowing and the feeling in my extremities was becoming scarce and I knew I had another 13 miles to go. However, I also remember thinking that if I stopped, she would never let me forget it and would probably use this as an example to our kids about why you shouldn’t give up. So, I finished the race, sans frostbite. Fast forward to March of 2020, the weekend before quarantine started. Kristina was at a bonspiel in Atlanta.
She was the runner-up in the B event and didn’t fly home until late. I picked her at the airport and “took the long way home” past the art museum. We ran up the steps, where my brother was waiting with a friend and I proposed in front of the museum and a handful of people who were loitering. It was basically the best way to end the weekend.
Take us back through your wedding day; share your wedding story.
Pat: I spent the night before our wedding at my parents’ house, sleeping on a couch, although I don’t think I slept very much. That morning, I went to the gym and was terrified the entire time that a medicine ball was going to hit me in the face and Kristina was going to never let me forget it when we admired our wedding photos. Luckily, that didn’t happen. I spent the remainder of the morning relaxing and making sure my vows were perfect. Around lunch time, my brother and Kristina’s dad and brother-in-law came over.
We spent some time eating lunch and watching football. A little while later, some of my best friends came over and we spent the next couple hours enjoying the weather outside and finishing a bottle of bourbon. Then it came time to suit up and head to venue. I remember my suit looking great, and really admired the color of tie and pocket square Kristina helped pick out. Once Mike, my lawyer and friend and officiant, and I arrived, we had to wait in the parking lot, where we had more bourbon.
Then Felicia let me into the courtyard and I had my first look at my bride-to-be and I don’t remember ever seeing her look so beautiful and radiant, and I think she is always gorgeous. From that point on, the day got even more perfect. Pictures around Terrain were amazing, the ceremony was flawless and I think I cried more than I thought I might. The rest of the night was spent laughing with family and friends, dancing with my wife and eating amazing food. The DJ kept the party going and his playlist was great. I am eternally grateful to all of our vendors and staff at Terrain. They made the best day of my life even better.
Kristina: We did photos with our family and I remember the sun just peeking out from the clouds and it made everything look magical. It was time for the best part of the day. My Dad and I walked down the aisle and Pat was the only person there. We held hands the whole time and despite reading my vows for weeks before the wedding I cried, because I was just so happy. Changing our plans and having a small wedding allowed us to spend quality time with each of our guests and we able to take everything in slowly and enjoyed each other’s company.
Terrain set up a fire pit outside and had so many lights in the courtyard Pat and I were able to dance outside on the warm November night. 2020 has taught me to enjoy all the little things in life and be grateful for all I have. I was so grateful we had to change our plans and we were able to plan the wedding of our dreams full of love, laughter, and lights, and just enough pumpkins!
Best resource for wedding planning?
Pat: Kristina…I would have been lost in the weeds with all the details. She had such a great insight on what would make the day perfect.
Kristina: My sister Sarah got married in August of this year and we used most of the same vendors she did. I also liked looking at Google Images, you can save photos there, similar to Pinterest.
What surprised you most about planning your wedding?
How much we were on the same page with things. We heard stories of conflicts and disagreements between couples, but this was never the case with us. Planning a wedding during a pandemic could have been impossible, but whenever one of us got into a funk, the other one was there to pick them up. We found vendors we both liked, decorations that suited both our personalities and a venue that couldn’t have been more perfect.
What was your inspiration for your wedding day details?
Thanksgiving, we are so thankful we were able to plan and have a wedding during a pandemic and have love and support of our friends and family. We wanted the day to feel like one big Thanksgiving dinner. Complete with a large table where all families could sit together. We used autumn and the foliage as a major inspiration when it came to colors and decorations.
How did your stationery set the tone for your reception or wedding day?
We were getting married in the fall, just before the Christmas season so we wanted to milk that for all it was worth. Amy’s stationery and design set that tone perfectly. From the hand-painted pumpkin water color to the font, it went perfectly with our wedding décor, which included so many pumpkins and hay bales.
We also sent out save the dates early on, hoping to have a normal size wedding. However, due to the pandemic we had to send un-invites. It was the best, classy, funny way to un-invite guests.
What was your first dance song?
Wish for the World by Ryan Hurd. “If just one wish could come true. I wish everyone could find someone to love like I love you”
Tell us about your cake.
Our cake was from Brooklyn Girl Bakery. It had a top tier of almond cake and a bottom tier of carrot cake, both with cinnamon cream cheese filling. Our owl cake toppers were hand painted to match our flowers and the colors of Pat’s tie from an Etsy shop in Canada. Owls because “Owl Always Love You”
How did you end the night?
We ended the night at an informal “afterparty” at home, surrounded by most of our wedding guests. We bought a house in April and it was the first time for some of our guests to see the house!
What was your favorite thing about your wedding?
Pat: The first look. I don’t get speechless often, but when I saw Kristina for the first time in her wedding dress, I just smiled and laughed.
Kristina: Walking down the aisle. Pat was the only person I saw, he tried to kiss me and being able to hold his hand the whole ceremony.
Best part of the wedding planning?
Pat: That I got to do it all with my best friend.
Kristina: I got to do it with Pat, my best friend and the love of my life.
What advice will you give your friends getting married?
Find vendors that share your excitement for the day. It will make all the planning even easier and the final result will be even better. Let them do their job, they are the experts and will make your vision better then you could have expected.
VENDOR TEAM
Ceremony & Reception Location: Terrain at Devon Yards | Photographer: Felicia Vo Photography | Florist: Matlack Florist | Music: Jason Remaly & Silver Sound DJs | Hair & Make up: Karen Ferriola and Becki Geiger from Marty’s Salon | Cake: Brooklyn Girl Bakery | Dress: Stella York at Country Bride and Gent
Love a Fall Wedding?
Christina + Andrew's Valley Forge Park Wedding | Emma + Johan's Gorgeous Fall Wedding with Watercolor Illustrations
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