Anna-Rae + Anthony’s Publick House Tent Wedding

I get asked pretty regularly: “What if it rains on our wedding day?” Anna-Rae & Anthony’s Publick House tent wedding in Sturbridge will demonstrate the answer. This 2018 wedding season has quite possibly been the rainiest we’ve seen. But we’ve yet to see a washout…so our first suggestion is: don’t sweat it. It will work out.

Anna-Rae loves all things girlie – sparkle and ruffle and pink. My kind of girl. I’m obsessed with her Jimmy Choo heels. It doesn’t get more glam than that. We first met her when we photographed her cousin Jess’s Zukas Hilltop Barn wedding in 2014, so I was thrilled when she called me for hers! She’s a sweetheart, and Anthony became a quick friend. I love the difference in moments as they got ready – tears & sentiment with the ladies, and laughing & drinks with the guys!

So remember we talked about rain? Well, these two had enough time for their first look and the majority of family pictures in record time before the DARKEST clouds I’ve ever seen rolled in. Lightning and all. So instead of outdoor pictures before the ceremony, we had a blast taking pictures indoors while it poured outside. It was a total celebration of family & friends, and no one cared for a moment about the weather outside.

I love that she stopped to kiss her mom on her way down the aisle.

Their plan was an outdoor ceremony, but the rain forced the ceremony under the tent. Which leads me to my second rain suggestion: keep an eye out for ways to improve your Plan B. We’ll help! Just before the ceremony, we suggested the tent sides be tied back to let the beautiful greenery show. Thanks to Jess for helping make this happen! It made for a beautiful backdrop for their sweet ceremony.

Anna-Rae & Anthony were married by Deb Edgerton, who is Anna-Rae’s religious mentor. They’ve done mission trips & taught Sunday School together. #angels.

Just days before, I was telling a friend that we had never photographed a wedding with a horse-drawn carriage. Not even kidding. I was so excited when Anna-Rae told me there would be one at their wedding! They booked it to not only take her to the ceremony, but also to give rides to guests during cocktail hour. How cool is that?! But A+A got the first ride.

Another rainy-day suggestion: Be flexible. We planned to take all of their portraits before the wedding, but the weather was PERFECTION during cocktail hour. So in just a few minutes, we captured some beautiful outdoor portraits. Kudos to the best-behaved wedding party EVER. I had zero faith that they would all be ready once A+A returned from their carriage ride. Especially considering how big this party was! But every. single. person. was present and ready for pictures. You guys rock.

The tent was ready for dinner & dancing, filled with tall, romantic centerpieces & sparkly gold table numbers and tablecloths. Anna-Rae’s smile during their first dance is everything.

These two met in college, and she realized quick that he was the nicest person she’d ever known. They’ve worked so hard over the years, and have grown so much since their college days. This was a big moment for them, and they were both beyond excited to celebrate with the people who mean so much to them. I loved catching the little glances they gave to each other throughout the night. The look that says “yep, you’re my one.”

Before we get to the dancing, I wanted to share a couple of my favorite details. Since their wedding was on 8|18|18 they incorporated an infinity theme throughout on signage, and even etched into Anthony’s wedding band (photo towards the end of the highlight). They had their favorite love quotes throughout the tent, and they had a photo memorial table for loved ones. The photo table had pictures in celebration of their parents and grandparents, and they also had a polaroid and album on hand for new memories.

And then the dance floor opened up. YESSSS.

What an incredible day – every minute. Congratulations A+A. We loved celebrating your marriage, and have so many more pictures to share!

Wedding Venue: Publick House, Sturbridge MA

Officiant: Deb Edgerton

DJ: Champagne Toast

Florist: Lori D’Antonino

Wedding Gown: Madison James via Elizabeth Anne’s Bridal

Cake Artist: The Publick House Historic Inn Bake Shoppe

Hair & Makeup: The Hair Gallery