Ellen & Jeff

Vegetarian with no alcohol??? Really????

When I first met Ellen & Jeff, I started the conversation as I always do asking them to share with me their vision for their big day. They had a very clear vision which was, unlike any other I had ever heard before. So, when they said they wanted a complete vegetarian menu and did not want alcohol available, needless to say, I was very skeptical. In spite of my best efforts to convince them that this was a major departure from the normal and might not be the best “party” for her guests, they were unwavering.

Realizing that they were so passionate about their vision, I jumped in with both feet and said “we will make this the best vegetarian, dry wedding EVER”! I spoke with the chef, who also got excited about creating a custom vegetarian menu (even with some vegan options) that would appeal to the 150 expected guests. And so, it began….

 Ellen & Jeff held their wedding reception under a tent, provided by Clifton Park Rental, on her parents property in Greenfield Center which they acquired in 1967.  The property, which was originally owned by the Scott family (Scott Paper Company)  was built in the 1920′s.  All of the fossil stone and wood that were used to build the house were found on the property. 

The weather was absolutely perfect and made the day even more amazing. Ellen’s dad, John, outdid himself with the little extra touches, such as these pots of flowers at each tent post!

The ceremony was a real family affair with all the nieces and nephews participating. They were all SOOO cute!

After the ceremony the cocktail hour featured such vegetarian hors d’oeuvres as vegetable spring rolls, mini quiches and vegetable sushi rolls. While the guests were enjoying the cocktail hour, the newly married couple were busy taking photos.  Ellen & Jeff did not hire a professional photographer and used friends and family to shoot their big day. One of my favorite photos is this one showing the orange Converse sneakers worn by all the groomsmen…too funny!

The dinner was served buffet style and our kitchen team went above and beyond all expectations and prepared a vegetarian feast. The menu included such vegetarian delights as Vegetable Lasagna and Tofu Stir Fry. Every guest enjoyed dinner and were so happy with the food! I don’t think anyone missed the meat at all! Guests enjoyed chilled lemonade, iced tea, soda and water…again, I don’t think anyone missed the alcohol!

After dinner, the party really got started as guests took to the dance floor. The band, friends of the groom, kept the dance floor full all afternoon!

The tables were decorated with orange gerber daisies in mason jars (of course). The table numbers were made by the bride & groom and featured photos of them at the age of the table number! What a great way to personalize the little details. 

As the afternoon fun continued, many guests found another activity to keep busy…the hula hoop! The laughter and fun could be heard for miles!!!

This wedding was a perfect example of a well thought out vision that was executed perfectly! As a bride and groom, you should never let anyone talk you out of the ideas that you have for your special day. It is so important that your wedding reflect who you are, and, Longfellows was quite honored to help this special couple turn their vision into reality!!