Allentown, New Jersey
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So exciting being back at one of my favorite venues, Ashford Estate! From my first conversation with Mackenzie and Michael, I knew not only were they going to have a stunning day but they were also the absolute sweetest couple. These two actually grew up in the same town, but didn’t meet until middle school! As Mackenzie tells it, “We met when the two schools merged into one and became friends when we did the eighth grade play together. Mike played Charlie, and I played Veruca. To say it was love at first sight might be a true statement for both of us — but we didn’t officially start dating until our senior year of high school after our friend groups merged at a party. I walked up to Michael, grabbed his cute face, and said, “Michael VannnHoutenn!” And almost ten years later, here we are.”
As Michael tells it, “We dated long distance during college while she attended Stevens Institute of Technology in NJ and I went to East Carolina University in NC. After moving in together and eight years dating, we were eager to get engaged. She is a big skier and grew up skiing Mount Snow in VT. She was itching to go skiing last winter season, but with busy schedules it looked like we weren’t going to make it that year — or so she thought. I planned a surprise trip to Mount Snow back in January of this year and emailed her manager to ask if Kenzie can have off on Friday, 3/3. She came home late from work 3/2 and, to her surprise, I had all bags packed and ready to go at the door when she arrived home. I explained to her that I already spoke to her manager, bought the tickets, booked the inn, and had dinner reservations made as this was a surprise trip to relax and reset. We drove up to VT early Friday morning and got right on the slopes. At the top of the mountain, I proposed and she was so surprised! It was a long time coming but worth every minute!”
When I asked Mackenzie about selecting their venue and what inspiration they drew from for their wedding day, she told me, “Our vision is just romance, laughter, warmth, and fairytale vibes. We really just pulled together a few things that we love, such as handmade paper, linen, unique florals, etc. and put it together. We chose our venue when my parents were in Italy. It was the only venue we saw without them so it made the decision really fall in mine and Mike’s hands — which was scary at the time, but felt right that we really felt at home at the Ashford.”
These two incorporated several meaningful heirlooms into their day, which I absolutely loved. Mackenzie used her great grandmother’s jewelry box, Mike wore Mackenzie’s father’s watch, and they honored deceased grandparents with charms and custom suit lining. They also used a custom vinyl as their guest book, which was such a unique idea. “Music means a lot to us, and we love our record player. We will have our favorite meaningful songs burned on a record for us to play when we want to think of our wedding.” They chose to gift guests their favorite maple syrup from Vermont as wedding favors, which was such a thoughtful touch.
Ashford was the perfect setting for their special day. Mackenzie stepped into her dress in the stunning bridal suite, while Michael and his groomsmen got ready in Ashford’s brand new groom’s cottage. From their emotion-filled first look and private vows, to their breathtaking reflection pond ceremony, to the incredible florals incorporated into every aspect of the day, this wedding was absolutely beautiful and I couldn’t be happier to have been a part of it. Congratulations, Mackenzie and Michael!
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Vendors:
Photography: Jill Sahner Photography
Venue: The Ashford Estate
Videography: Wavelight Studio
Hair: Hairstyled by K Team
Makeup: Makeup by Michele Eva Team
Florals: Daybreak Flowers
Band: The Suyat Band
Invitations: Paradise Invitations
Cake: The Bake Works
Gown: Rebecca Schoneveld, Kleinfeld Bridal
Veil: Marry Bridal US
Bridesmaids Dresses: Vow’d Weddings
Groom’s Attire: Tessuto Menswear
Vow Books: Fervently Vows
Personalized Dress Hanger: The Boondock Quilt Co.
Favor Stickers: Blooms Print
Linen Welcome Sign: Linen and Poppi
Table Numbers: Into the Grain Designs
Music: Ceremonious Strings
Vinyl Cover Guest Book: Gather Gifts
