Lorinda Leigh
- Jun 25, 2019

Claudia + Will | Belmont Manor

I had the pleasure of working with Claudia and Will from the very beginning of their wedding planning, when they decided to hire NoLo full-time. They both had busy schedules, and were already feeling discouraged with their venue searches, so we got right to work finding somewhere that would fit their love of greenery and wood, allow their sweet pup to attend the wedding, and have the potential for an open-air reception.

Originally, the plan was for a backyard wedding... something that felt comfortable and relaxed. It was also important for Claudia and Will to have an intimate ceremony, with just their close family and friends in attendance, before the rest of the guests showed up for cocktail hour. We looked at a few different options but when an actual backyard wasn't going to happen, I focused my search on venues that would provide the same atmosphere. Enter Belmont Manor! We've done multiple weddings at Belmont in the past and my favorite thing about it (other than their acceptance of fur babies!) is the HUGE property. With small garden areas perfect for private ceremonies, and a tent behind the manor house, you definitely feel like you're in your own world, in an amazingly stunning and well-manicured backyard!

Once the venue was set we got to work hiring the other vendors and selecting details. Claudia and Will were so sweet, wanting to focus on their guests having a great time more than anything else. This led to Will making multiple lawn games for their wedding, along with wooden coasters for their favors. That's right-- Will MADE all of it... the coasters, corn hole sets, and lawn jenga and connect four!

The couple also choose to incorporate other fun details like a meal that was served family-style, personalized m&ms, unique beer selections and donuts for dessert!

The weather decided to throw us an extra challenge as Claudia and Will's wedding day grew closer. We went back and forth for most of the day, but ultimately decided on going through with the ceremony outside and moving everything else under the tent. We were able to get the ceremony in just in time, but they were gifted with a bunch of "good luck" throughout the remainder of the night. It didn't effect the party though! The lawn games were moved inside, the DJ kept everyone on the dance floor and all of the guests had an amazing night, just like Claudia and Will wanted all along.

Claudia and Will's wedding kicked off our 2019 wedding season and we couldn't have asked for a better wedding or couple. Their vendor team seriously rocked and we had the best time with them and their family and friends!