Jen & Cal’s “Backyard” Wachusett Mountain Wedding

Jen & Cal combined the relaxed vibe of a backyard party with the beauty of Wachusett Mountain to create their own unique wedding day earlier this June. The weather was absolutely perfect, despite the forecast predicting storms. As Cal and I remarked on the beautiful day, Jen stated proudly. “It’s because I didn’t care. I literally didn’t care if it rained on our wedding day. I knew it would be perfect regardless of the weather and that’s why its so beautiful!”

And it was this carefree approach to their wedding that inevitably made the day so relaxed and fun. Exactly what they were hoping it would be.

Jen & Cal got ready separately at the Lodge at Wachusett Mountain. Love that they have so much room for everyone! Once they were dressed, we planned to meet at the mountain summit for their first look.

Their first look was at high noon so the sun was bright and hot. We found a nugget of beautiful shaded light and gave these two a little time to take it all in before wedding party portraits.

You won’t even believe how quickly the girls went from laughing to snarling, in honor of their grandfather! The snarl picture below might have been take 2 because I laughed so hard at the transformation, the snarls went away quick the first time. hehe.

Jen was LOVING the coy in the pond. But I reminder her that today was about Cal 🙂

We met family at the bottom of the mountain for formal portraits and a few more of just the two of them before the ceremony.

The deck at Wachusett Mountain doesn’t get much more picturesque, with the pond and fountain on one side and the lodge and mountain on the other.

Best part of getting married at Wachusett Mountain?? The chair lift ride! It adds an extra adventure to the wedding experience for bride and groom, and their guests. It also makes for a fun, informal receiving line of sorts!

Jen & Cal’s reception was in the tent at Wachusett. I L.O.V.E. this tent. It’s bright and beautiful and at the foot of the mountain, perfect for summer weddings.

I didn’t include too many black and whites in their highlight, but I thought their first dance pictures were so incredibly touching that color didn’t quite do the emotion justice.

A blessing by their trusted friend Roger, and toasts by Cal’s brother and Jen’s sister. Both did an awesome job and had everyone laughing.

Parent dances. I was without a doubt bawling during Jen’s dance with her dad. As were oh, about 90% of their guests. Thankfully a few tissues and Cal and his mom brought us back with their upbeat, fun dance.

Their meal was barbeque complete with chicken and ribs, so this bride was prepared with a floral apron. Look at her…how adorable is she?! And how smart is that?? Jen’s aunt made the cake and it was DELICIOUS. Probably one of the yummiest, perfectly-moist cakes I’ve ever had.

The dancefloor opened and lawn games resumed after dinner. Everyone chose their sport and dove in while Jen & Cal made their rounds and mingled with everyone.

Exactly as they wanted it to be. Congrats, Jen & Cal!