My last wedding of 2005 was certainly a memorable one! Bostonians Kate and Chris got married at Gedney Farm in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. If you haven't been to this area, you must visit. It's the scene that inspired Norman Rockwell's paintings and it so cute, I squealed around every road bend.
Their wedding took place at a rustic, yet elegant peaceful barn/inn setting among rolling hills and wide open fields. Their 90 minute ceremony, a Quaker meeting w/ Jewish traditions, took place outdoors (they were blessed with a 70-degree day in November!). As customary, guests were invited to stand at will and share their thoughts with the new couple. Sometimes serious, often humorous, it was a touching beginning to a wonderful celebration. Among the friendly guests was the cast of This Old House (the groom is a producer for The New This Old House)! It was quite cool to see the crew I grew up watching on television. And also in attendance, the bride's relative and a notable producer of Broadway's newest show, The Odd Couple (with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. Or as I said when I found out the name of the show, "Wow! That's the show with famous people!" So smooth).
Dinner and dancing took place inside the multi-level open concept barn. Beautiful tree branches and hanging lanterns broke up the vast space and created a cozy ambiance. After eating, a 14-piece 70's funk band, Booty Vortex (the best man plays keyboard), got everyone on their feet and shook that old barn floor! Beautiful day, beautiful wedding. And as I was driving back to my B&B I saw a shooting star in the clear night overhead. Congrats, Chris and Kate!