ilana + ben | elegant garden wedding at Tusculum Farm

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As soon as I arrived at Tusculum Farm for Ilana + Ben’s intimate wedding, I knew it was going to be a beautiful day. The gardens were lush and in bloom, the sky was full of fluffy clouds and Ben’s dad happened to meet me as I parked my car.

Shortly before my first conversation with Ilana and Ben, I had recently photographed a wedding here. I mentioned it to them since they were still looking for a venue to get married that would allow their closest family and friends to stay and relax in a serene setting for a few days. Ben’s dad mentioned to me how grateful they were to have found this incredible wedding venue / family retreat after I suggested it… I’m just so glad it resonated with them!

The idea of a wedding as a relaxing retreat with your favorite people is the best thing ever — isn’t it?! While at Tusculum Farm, it truly feels like an escape from the rest of the world. I’m so excited to share Ilana and Ben’s wedding with you that was full of SO many memorable and magical moments unique to them, their values and beliefs.

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These two beautiful souls share immense joy in just being present and it’s so easy to see how they are better together. Ben’s calmness is a perfect compliment to Ilana’s joie-de-vivre; at their engagement session, Ilana surprised Ben with a chess board because he loves games, strategy and puzzles. They share such a deep love of food, family and togetherness; I hope you enjoy these moments from their elegant farm wedding!

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8 DETAILS FROM ILANA + BEN’S TUSCULUM FARM WEDDING THAT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE:

Ilana got ready in the Fox Den suite of the modern farmhouse while Ben got ready and enjoyed time with his family during the Tisch in the Hay Barn. Both settings were incredibly relaxed, spacious and comfortable.
They wed under a chuppah that Ilana hand-painted, her veil was made from French lace that had been worn by 4 generations before her and Ben’s kittel was also passed down to him.
A whimsical garden feel was woven throughout their details; Ilana’s gown was modern, elegant and full of lace florals while her heirloom lace veil had the most intricate detail – I couldn’t stop staring at it!

Ben and his brother / best man, both wore floral shirts from Paisley & Gray.

Ilana’s wildflower bouquet, chuppah florals and bud vases at the reception from Lucky Penny Floral were the perfect variety of scale, color and texture.
While seeing each other for their first look, they chose to read notes to each other. Ilana mentioned that hers wasn’t fully complete yet; the full version was on the computer, she just didn’t get to finish writing it all out… made for such a fun, honest, laugh between them!
The ketubah signing was followed by the bedeken and prayers for both Ilana and Ben by each of their parents. Since the veil was so long, Ilana got tangled up in it and it made for such a fun sequence of photos (see below)!
With such an intimate group, they invited most of their guests to come up individually and say a blessing during their ceremony.
Guests waved fabric streamers at the end of their ceremony to celebrate as they recessed down the aisle; colorful ribbon was also strung from the barn and the back of their chairs, to add a festive touch to the outdoor reception!
Cocktail hour was held by the pool, dinner was held under the stars overlooking the fields and dancing began as the full moon rose. There are SO many places to take photos (I guess I shouldn’t be surprised since they own 500 acres!), I could have easily spent all day taking their portraits… at the pond, near the greenhouse garden, the courtyard and gardens behind the house, the pool, the large lawn with the enormous trees, the Hay Barn, the rolling hills and fields…