Real Wedding: Jessica Philbin & Leonard Greco

Draw inspiration from their stylish celebration.

September 15, 2015
Green Meadows Farm
South Hamilton, Massachusetts

Photograph by

Photograph by Addie Roberge Photography

When Mother Nature is your best guest, your wedding has no choice but to be incredible.

“We were married in a huge open field. It was so beautiful and, honestly, did not feel like we were in Massachusetts,” says bride Jessica Philbin of her recent wedding to local photographer Leonard Greco.

A “relaxed pastoral elegance” was what the couple wanted when planning their big day. “We wanted it to feel natural, laid-back, and cozy, like a big party that we just happened to be getting married at,” she continues.

The Beverly couple had their hands in the entire process, creating a unique celebration where they let nature makes its presence known. Their outdoor venue, Green Meadows Farm, which offers organic vegetables and heritage meats, had several spaces for them to use—a large field for the ceremony, the shade of giant oak trees for their cocktail hour, and a bonfire pit complete with blankets and s’mores. Organic florals spilled onto their tables, the wooden trellis used as a vows backdrop remained au naturel, and their color palette of greens, whites, and light pinks kept things very down-to-earth. Even Jess’s gown’s clean lines and timeless style, what she calls “Kate Moss-meets-Carolyn Bessette Kennedy,” was an elegant nod to the beauty of simplicity.

Here’s a look into the celebration that was this couple’s field of dreams.

jess 4

Photograph by Addie Roberge Photography

Flowers were kept ‘”purposefully loose” like they were just picked. “I liked the idea of using a mix of antique brass and glass vessels, so they had an individual look to them,” says Jess. They scoured antique stores and flea markets to find the perfect vessels for the accent arrangements done by friends Chrissy Beale and Janelle Bannon. 

Photograph by

Photograph by Addie Roberge Photography

Jess walked down the “aisle” with her father Austin. “I was grateful that we had a long entrance. We were able to relish in that time together, and it helped to calm both of us,” she says. 

Photograph by Addie Roberge Photography

Photograph by Addie Roberge Photography

The couple left the trellis purposefully bare. “The surroundings on their own were enough, and we wanted that to be highlighted,” says Jess. “The trellis looked like it had just been pulled out of woods and fastened together just for us. Adding flowers to it just didn’t feel necessary.”

Photograph by Addie Roberge Photography

Photograph by Addie Roberge Photography

As a professional photographer himself, Leonard wasn’t going to miss the chance of capturing the wedding from their point of view, snapping shots along the way. 

Photograph by Addie Roberge Photography

Photograph by Addie Roberge Photography

The couple wanted formal black and white portraits similar to that of their grandparents, so they asked fellow photographer friend Buck Squibb to break out his 4×5 view camera for timeless keepsakes.

Photograph by Addie Roberge Photography

Photograph by Addie Roberge Photography

Jess couldn’t ignore the fun family tradition of photo cakes, so her mom helped out with the confection. They also had a variety of whoopee pies out for guests to eat, including traditional and red velvet.

Photograph by Addie Roberge Photography

Photograph by Addie Roberge Photography

Vintage metal garden chairs found in Essex and a few wooden chairs from Todd Farm in Rowley draped in blankets and faux fur created a cozy “camp” vibe around a bonfire, complete with a s’more station. 

THE FILE

Bride’s Jewelry: Dogeared
Cake: Family friend
Catering: American BBQ
Music: Noel Snow
Gown: JCrew
Bride’s Shoes: Vince
Florist: Luna Moss
Groomswear: JCrew
Hair: Kira Bourque Maloney of Rouge Cosmetics
Rings: Groom’s by Cartier; bride’s vintage band from Brodney’s in Boston
Invitations: Minted

Getting married? Start and end your wedding planning journey with Boston Weddings' guide to the best wedding vendors in the city.