A Rare Al Fresco Wedding at The Gardens at Elm Bank

Photographed for Lena Mirisola Photography, Edits by Amanda Macchia

Elm Bank is known for its lush gardens and historic charm, but it’s rare to see a truly al fresco wedding unfold across its breathtaking grounds. An open-air celebration that embraces the beauty of nature is truly a rare thing in New England. Anything outside needs a rain plan. Yet, this couple had a vision, and they went for it - and it’s a striking example of how beautifully things can work out sometimes. Their vision came to life magically, with a sun-drenched ceremony in the Italianate Garden, a cocktail hour woven through Elm Bank’s botanical wonders, and an enchanting reception under the stars.

A First Look to Remember

After getting ready at their hotels and arriving at Elm Bank, the couple shared an intimate first look in the half of the Italianate Garden not included in their ceremony, a secluded and serene space surrounded by lush greenery and delicate blooms. As they saw each other for the first time, the emotion was palpable—a mixture of excitement, love, and sheer joy. The soft summer breeze rustled through the trees, and the golden light filtering through the garden’s archways added a dreamlike quality to the moment. This private exchange allowed them to soak in the significance of the day, grounding them in each other before stepping into their celebration.

Wedding Party Photos in the Italianate Garden

The Elm Bank Italianate Garden was the perfect place for wedding party photos. The day was bright, sunny, and nothing short of picturesque. The lush greenery and manicured hedges provided a stunning backdrop, while the elegant stone pathways and vibrant floral displays added a touch of timeless charm. The wedding party’s laughter echoed through the garden as they posed for joyful, candid, and classic portraits, capturing the essence of celebration before the ceremony began.

A Picture-Perfect Ceremony by the Fountain

The couple exchanged vows in the heart of the Italianate Garden, with the grandeur of the Manse as their backdrop and the gentle trickle of the fountain setting a serene tone. Guests were seated amidst blooming florals, their view framed by the elegant symmetry of the garden’s architecture. As golden-hour light filtered through the trees, the scene felt like something out of a fairytale.

A Strolling Cocktail Hour Through the Gardens

Instead of a stationary cocktail hour, guests were invited to wander the grounds, discovering hidden garden paths, vibrant floral displays, and shaded alcoves to sip and mingle. Signature cocktails were served at scattered stations, each offering a unique perspective of the estate’s natural beauty. It was an experience—an invitation to explore, to savor, and to fully immerse in the surroundings.

An Al Fresco Reception Under the Stars

The reception was held in a lightly wooded field, where long tables stretched beneath a canopy of twinkling string lights. The couple made their grand entrance at dusk, just as the sky turned soft shades of pink and violet. The transition from daylight to evening brought an almost cinematic quality to the celebration—candlelight flickered, laughter filled the air, and the sounds of clinking glasses and live music carried through the open space.

Dinner was a feast of farm-to-table delights, complemented by the warm glow of lanterns strung between the trees. As the evening unfolded, the dance floor became the heart of the celebration, with guests dancing under a blanket of stars. The night felt endless, filled with the kind of joy that lingers in memories forever.

The Magic of an Outdoor Celebration

A fully al fresco wedding at The Gardens at Elm Bank is a rare and extraordinary experience, and this summer celebration proved just how breathtaking it can be. With nature as their venue, they created a wedding that was not just an event, but an experience—one that their guests will talk about for years to come.

If you're dreaming of an outdoor wedding filled with charm, elegance, and the magic of the natural world, let this be your inspiration. There’s something undeniably special about dining under the stars and dancing beneath glowing lights, surrounded by the beauty of Elm Bank.