The Wedding Story of Caitlin and Ethan Flater

Photos ByJennifer Driscoll Photography

Written By

Date

November 1, 2017

Romantic, Rustic Chic: A Perfectly Personalized Wedding

After arriving home from a trip to Disney together, Ethan’s plan to propose to Caitlin upon their return was abruptly foiled by bouts of sickness. While the two were still recovering, Ethan managed to pull off his scavenger hunt proposal a few days later, and it made for a very memorable engagement. “There were ten stations and at each one was a paragraph of something he loved about me or a special memory of something we had together,” Caitlin explains. “Finally, the last message led me to him where he was so handsome on one knee.”

THE VENUE

It was important to Caitlin that her wedding reflect both her and Ethan. She also knew she wanted to hold her nuptials at the very place she got engaged—her family’s property. She envisioned a classic, romantic and feminine affair that was also lodge-like and included masculine elements. She was confident the place she called home would deliver with plenty of pretty options perfect for the personal look and feel she desired.

The Planning

Facing busy work schedules, the two reached out to Monica Richard of Mon Amie Events, as they understood they needed a great wedding planner in order to put them and their families at ease. Also key to their dream team was florist David Strohmeyer of The Empty Vase.

Armed with more than a few unique items, including a 1950’s family canoe, eight restored wagon wheel chandeliers, and an eight-foot-tall bronze elk statue, Caitlin knew she had just the right amount of personal touches to reflect her and Ethan’s tastes—and the team she needed to make her dream wedding happen.

The Dress

With its beautiful lace skirt and timeless design, Caitlin’s custom-made Romona Keveza dress was the exact style she was looking for. “I wanted to be able to move, dance and be comfortable in it!” she says.

The Florals

Inspired by the soft hues of blush, pink and ivory, The Empty Vase designed the breathtaking florals complete with roses, peonies, ranunculus, asters, goose neck veronica, pink Majolica spray roses, China Mums, Larkspur, Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, pampas grass, hydrangeas, wisteria blossoms, branches, seasonal flowers and greens.

The DÉCOR

Set against the backdrop of hundreds of beautiful acres that Caitlin’s family and landscaping team had worked tirelessly to perfect, Caitlin and Ethan had all the elements needed for a dreamy summer wedding: charming outdoor elements, an abundance of romantic florals, unique rustic elements and every fine detail considered. “My two favorite things were my family’s canoe hanging down over my parents’ and grandparents’ table, gorgeously draped in flowers and lights and the bronze elk,” Caitlin says.

ADVICE FROM THE BRIDE

Caitlin says, “Enjoy the moments where you are picking things out with your future husband. Relish the moments when you are with your family talking about the wedding...When it’s all said and done, and I think back to the process, I am so thankful for my family and my team. It was really a fun time and we did it in six months!”

What We Love

Caitlin knew the power of planning. She took her vendor selection seriously and the results speak for themselves. She says, “I really tried to just sit back and enjoy the process and not get overwhelmed and trust that Monica and my team had everything together. That is why you hire wonderful people to work with. I felt relaxed during the entire process.”