Susan and Rob
Susan and Rob held their intimate sunset rehearsal dinner on a rustic farm in the Berkshires, where they also celebrated their wedding. Al fresco dining on a topiary-framed terrace lent a romantic Tuscan quality to the event, while a post-dinner bowling trip kept with the weekend's chic, laid-back vibe.
Table Settings
To match their crisp blue-and-white checkered palette, Susan decorated round tables with blue plaid linens and milk glass vases filled with wild flowers. The vases were later placed in guests' rooms and then used again for the Sunday farewell brunch.
Rustic Menu
With its "RS" knot monogram, typewriter font, and kraft paper, the menu matched the rest of the stationery suite.
Family-Style Fare
Guests dined on seasoned crostini with assorted spreads; mesclun greens with julienned apples, dried cranberries, toasted pine nuts, and red wine vinaigrette; haricot verts; farfalle with pesto; penne Amatriciana; chicken; and pork chops. All of the dishes were served family-style.
The Toasts
Friends and family made speeches, and Susan summoned the courage to toast her groom, tearing up (predictably) along the way.
The Bride's Style
Susan, a fashion editor, borrowed her rehearsal dinner outfit — a blue Chanel cocktail dress and tan Valentino heels — from a friend just four days before the wedding. Her diamond and ruby charm bracelet was a family heirloom.
A Memorable Presentation
After dinner, guests made their way to the main barn, where Susan's dad had set up a slideshow featuring photos of the couple — a series of both sweet and semi-embarrassing snapshots set to the tune of "Love and Marriage."
The Kiss
The couple share a kiss.
Post-Dinner Activities
Susan and Rob wanted to maximize the time they got to spend with the group, so post-dinner (and after Susan changed into a vintage, baby-blue Betsey Johnson romper and sandals) everyone drove to Great Barrington for beers and bowling at The Cove.
Bowling at The Cove
The duo had driven by the bowling alley when they were location scouting. When they saw the retro-chic sign and the promise of "disco bowling," they knew they wanted to kick-start their wedding weekend there.
Mixing and Mingling
The festively-decorated bowling alley had ample space for the couple's guests to mix and mingle.
Drink Tickets
Guests could cash in these cleverly-packaged tickets for drinks at the bar.
Sources
Photography: Gemma and Andy Ingalls
Venue: Gedney Farm
Dessert: Roma Foods
Table Linens: Century 21
Bowling: Cove Lanes