This Magical Middle Earth Fairytale Wedding Will Take You To Another World

The photography credits for this blog post go to Jessie Casey. The team behind the scenes includes the offbeat partners Melanie and Eric Morgridge. The event took place on October 22nd, 2022 at Seven Ponds, located in Summit, New York.

Last week we featured Melanie and Eric’s beautiful, heartfelt vows (heed our words: you will cry equally beautiful tears). We now present to you the main event!

Our wedding at a glance:

Our special day was a true celebration of fantasy and romance, heavily inspired by The Lord of the Rings, which is a shared favorite among Eric and me. The picturesque location was a hilltop farm in upstate New York, boasting breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountains. The ceremony took place on a serene hill overlooking a lake, surrounded by majestic willows and flanked by a romantic walkway. It was a perfect October Saturday, with warm sunshine casting a golden glow over the entire scene.

The bridesmaids looked stunning in their elegant rust-colored gowns, which harmoniously blended with the autumnal hues of the mountains. Each carried a lantern adorned with lush ivy instead of a traditional bouquet, adding to the whimsical atmosphere. As a thoughtful touch, they received elven-like leaf earrings and green hooded capes to don in the evening, further immersing themselves in the fantasy world.

The best man made a dashing impression by donning the coveted ‘Hand of the King’ pin from Game of Thrones. Guests were encouraged to add their own medieval flair with crowns, fairytale jewelry, and earthy-toned attire, which only added to the enchantment of the day. Eric and I took a moment to share a romantic ‘first look’ by the pond under the watchful gaze of a willow tree, with the majestic Catskill Mountains serving as a stunning backdrop.

I wanted Eric’s initial reaction to be nothing short of magical, and the warm October sun couldn’t have shone brighter on our love. Eric had only glowing words for my wedding dress, praising its elegance, simplicity, and confidence-boosting qualities. He could see the joy and adoration radiating from me as I wore it, knowing that it made me feel like the best version of myself.

The dress was more than just a garment – it was an extension of our love story, a symbol of our commitment to each other, and a testament to the beauty we found in our special bond.

Tell us about the ceremony:

As we exchanged vows, the air was filled with instrumental renditions of iconic fantasy movie and video game scores. We put a personal touch on our non-denominational ceremony by including nods to Tolkien’s world – for instance, a custom-made ‘House Sword’ served as a unique ring holder during the proceedings.

Our best man took part in the ceremony by plunging the sword into the ground, where it stood tall as a symbol of our commitment.

We also took the time to craft our own vows, which were filled with heartfelt sentiments. One excerpt stands out:

Melanie: Eric, what I cherish most is that you see me for who I truly am. After years of longing for someone who shares my passion for all things medieval and fantastical, you’re the one who understands me at my core.

From our elaborate medieval-themed engagement shoot to archery competitions at Renaissance Faires, and even purchasing a forest to transform it into a mystical sanctuary – through it all, you’ve been by my side, embracing life’s fantastical adventures together.

I’d like to conclude with a quote spoken by an elf to her ranger, which I’d love Dave to help translate for our non-elfin guests:
Mel: Ae ú-esteli-o ach nad…Dave: If you trust nothing else…Mel:.

…estelio han –Dave: …trust this –Mel: estelio ammen. Dave: trust us.

As we sealed our union with a kiss, we were introduced as ‘Lord and Lady’ – the perfect finale to an unforgettable day.

Tell us about the reception:

As the reception unfolded, each wedding party couple made a memorable entrance, drawing inspiration from beloved movie themes. The air was filled with excitement as they arrived, accompanied by iconic tunes from Star Wars to Harry Potter. Our first dance, a beautifully choreographed waltz, played out to the enchanting ‘Once Upon a Dream’ from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. The atmosphere was further elevated by the whimsical decorations that transformed the space into Middle Earth.

Watercolor paintings of the Shire, Gondor, and Rivendell adorned each table, complemented by lush greenery, twinkling candles, fall blooms, lanterns, and fairy-tale-inspired wine charms. The photo booth offered a treasure trove of props, from Viking helmets to Harry Potter wands. As night fell, the open barn doors framed the crisp autumn evening, with trees aglow in fairy lights. A roaring bonfire beckoned guests to gather ’round, creating an unforgettable experience.

What was the most important lesson you learned from your wedding?

Make your wedding truly one-of-a-kind by infusing it with personal touches that reflect your love story. Write vows that speak directly to your partner’s heart, and choose a theme that perfectly captures the essence of you both.

The key to creating an unforgettable celebration lies in embracing what makes you unique as a couple.

We’ve found that when couples take the time to personalize their wedding, it not only sets the tone for a memorable day but also becomes a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Just ask the happy couple who recently exchanged vows amidst a medieval backdrop – their guests are still raving about the whimsical details and how they so perfectly reflected the couple’s playful and adventurous spirits.

It’s this kind of thoughtful planning that turns a wedding into an experience that will be treasured by all.

Don’t miss the prequel to their adventure over here!

Vendors:

Melanie Rose and Eric Morgridge’s special day took place at the picturesque Seven Ponds Farm, with the lovely couple surrounded by a talented team of professionals. Jessie Casey Photography expertly captured the memories, while Leah Francesca worked her magic to create stunning makeup looks for Melanie. Brittany Burl of Krystal Rose Studios ensured that the bride’s locks were perfectly coiffed, and Amanda Kingsley of Allora Farm & Flowers brought the venue to life with beautiful florals.

The bride herself looked radiant in her Martina Liana Bridal gown, which was expertly altered by Selene Alterations. Melanie’s bridesmaids added a pop of color with their CreatiVision Weddings dresses. As the couple exchanged their vows, Officiant Goldstein Weddings brought a touch of humor and heart to the ceremony. The celebration continued into the night with DJ Matty Stuart of MD Music & Entertainment keeping the party going, and Hans of Behold Films capturing it all on camera.

For those who missed the action, the wedding video is available to view at https://vimeo. com/780880535.