Let me just start by saying that The Starting Gate at GreatHorse is gorgeous spot for an outdoor wedding! That view! Gah! It was my first time shooting at this location, but luckily I was able to visit a few weeks prior to scope it out!! The views from this place are seriously amazing. If you’ve never been to GreatHorse Country Club, it’s located on a rolling hillside in Hampden, MA and offers majestic views of the entire Connecticut River Valley. The landscape is immaculate with lush greenery, gorgeous flowers, tall grasses, and beautiful old trees. It’s perfect for an elegant New England outdoor wedding!

The Happy Couple

Rachel and Jim met over 10 years ago in Spanish class, during their senior year in high school and have been together ever since. They love spending time with their two dogs, traveling, kayaking, fishing, and getting together with friends. In 2017, Jim proposed to Rachel during a trip to Disney World in front of Cinderella’s Castle… sooooo sweet considering Rachel LOVES Disney! Jim also incorporated Rachel’s love for Disney by gifting a bracelet with cinderella’s coach on it for on their wedding day!

The Venue

When it came time to plan their wedding, they knew they wanted a venue that would allow them to have the elegant, romantic and equestrian chic wedding of their dreams! They looked at a few venues but Rachel and Jim knew instantly that The Starting Gate at GreatHorse was where they would host their 160 guests. The outdoor ceremony space, gorgeous views, style and décor is what won them over. Rachel is a horse lover and as you can imagine based on the name, GreatHorse has an elegant equestrian theme throughout.

The outdoor wedding ceremony space at GreatHorse boasts a gorgeous Adirondack gazebo, manicured garden and waterfall, all overlooking the valley. Rachel and Jim were lucky enough to have the perfect June day, sunny and warm! Which made for incredible lighting for portraits after the ceremony and sunset shots later in the evening.

A Gorgeous Wedding Day for a Princess Bride

To say Rachel looked stunning is an understatement!! Her hair and makeup were done to perfection by Honey Hair and Beauty and her lace gown was breathtaking. See for yourself!! All of Rachel’s ladies also looked amazing with their blush colored dresses, romantic up-do’s and beautiful floral bouquets.

Ummmm can we talk about the flowers??!! Rachel and Jims florist, I do flowers of Easthampton, MA did a superb job! Rachel chose a bold and whimsical mix of white, burgundy and blush flowers and greenery for their bridal bouquets, ceremony arrangement and centerpieces. Everything looked beautiful, classy, & elegant!

Thank you for letting me capture your special day Rachel and Jim! I had such a great time getting to know you and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!

 

Invitations: Lasting Impressions – Linda Raffa, Wilbraham, MA

Justice of the Peace: Sal Fiore Weddings by Sal

Hair & Makeup: Honey Hair and Beauty – Amber & Ashley, Westfield, MA

Dress: Essence of Australia – Pearl Bridal Boutique, Holyoke, MA

Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Hair Piece/Veil: Pearl Bridal Boutique, Holyoke, MA

Groom’s Attire: Mens Wearhouse, Holyoke, MA

Florist: I do flowers, Easthampton, MA

Ceremony & Reception Location: The Starting Gate at GreatHorse, Hampden, MA

DJ: Marx Entertainment – DJ Craig, East Longmeadow, MA

Videographer: Embark Films, Chicopee, MA

Cake: Cakes by Amanda, Barre, MA

 

Looking for a photographer for your outdoor wedding? I’d love to chat! CONTACT ME to set up your consultation!