Real Wedding: Kathryn Manza & John Pasinski

July 6, 2018
Willowdale Estate
Topsfield, Massachusetts

Photo by Zev Fisher Photography

After John Pasinski proposed to Kathryn Manza during a hike in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, it only seemed fitting that their wedding celebration should also reflect their love for the great outdoors. They fell head over heels for the first venue they visited: Willowdale Estate, an early-20th-century mansion surrounded by peaceful woodlands. The couple’s nature-inspired vision came to life under a sailcloth Sperry tent decorated with string lights, white roses, and garlands galore. “It felt like a fairy wonderland,” Kathryn recalls.

Photo by Zev Fisher Photography

CEREMONY
The couple hosted their ceremony in Willowdale Estate’s courtyard garden, where white rose petals dotted the aisle and eucalyptus and white hydrangeas adorned rows of wooden chairs.

Photo by Zev Fisher Photography

VOWS
“Our ceremony was really my favorite part of the day,” the bride says. Kathryn’s uncle, Matt, officiated and the couple penned their own vows. “It was fun to be able to express how we were feeling and what we were dedicating ourselves to in front of everyone,” she adds.

Photo by Zev Fisher Photography

DRESS
Kathryn had always envisioned walking down the aisle in a sheath dress, but once she tried on a ball gown, there was no looking back. “I was like, ‘Oh wait, this is so fun,’” she says. For added delight, she accessorized with a pair of glitter-adorned Keds for Kate Spade sneakers with blue insoles.

Photo by Zev Fisher Photography

TABLESCAPES
To bring the couple’s “elegant woodsy” vision to life, Flouer Specialty Floral Events topped tables with eucalyptus, olive greens, white hydrangeas, and votives.

Photo by Zev Fisher Photography

TENT
Kathryn and John had never been to a tented wedding, but when they visited Willowdale and saw the tent, they “fell in love,” Kathryn says. For the big day, they decorated the center poles with olive greens and eucalyptus.

Photo by Zev Fisher Photography

DESSERT
The bride and groom’s reception featured a dessert bar with chocolate chip cookies, mini cheesecakes, profiteroles, and other bite-size treats.

Photo by Zev Fisher Photography

SENDOFF
At the end of the night, guests sent off the couple with a wave of gold pom-poms. “It was kind of disorienting, but really fun,” Kathryn says. “We were actually walking in the wrong direction for a little bit because we could only see all of this gold and cameras flashing.”

Photo by Zev Fisher Photography

Band Young Love & the Thrills
Bride’s Dress Anne Barge, Musette Bridal
Ceremony Music Riverview Chamber Players
Flowers Flouer Specialty Floral Events
Hair and Makeup Makeup by Marlo
Invitations Paper Source
Menswear The Black Tux
Signage Lovelier Words Calligraphy
Videographer JPod Films

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