Today’s Fernstone Retreat wedding from Oakwood Photo + Video is both captivating and romantic, and proof that everything that happens in the fall is absolutely beautiful. Jess and Ben’s love story began eight years ago, and everything from their chance meeting to their engagement seems like a story written in the stars. Held at a beautifully boho woodsy Pittsburgh wedding venue, their celebration was natural, organic, and represented everyone and everything Jess and Ben hold dear. Inspired by adventure and her favorite color – burgundy – Jess chose accents of reds, pale pinks, and grey as the palette for the day. With touches of silver and gold, lavish fall blooms and greenery, and DIY projects, their wedding was pure magic. From their gorgeous portraits in the woods to the incredible reception space, and of course, the way these two look at each other, this wedding is sure to be one of your favorites this season!
About the Couple
Eight years ago, Ben and I met two blocks down the hill from where we live now. I felt someone to my left looking at me. As I looked over, I saw a young man in the exact black peacoat I was wearing. I offered him a drink, and he lifted up the same drink I offered him. We smiled at each other and I felt an instant connection with him, also being swayed by the fact that he was, and is, so devastatingly handsome. We casually introduced ourselves to each other, and his personality and kindness immediately stole my entire heart.
About the Wedding
Our wedding look was natural, magical, and romantic. We matched our look to our enchanting venue, Fernstone Retreat. The woods, rustic cabins, fire pits, and lanterns were perfect. The Edison-lit wooden pavilion, the sounds of the river running by the wedding archway, and all of the elements captured our hearts.
Our wedding theme was inspired by our lives together, our family and friends, and the love we have shared thus far. We had our special features – I painted a window pane from Construction Junction with acrylic paint the night before we left for our weekend. The morning of our wedding, our dear friend Laura arranged fake flowers we had bought from Creative Reuse to the original bike Ben bought me to ride in the city. We had so much support and help from our family and friends, and that really made our day what it was.
Growing up, my parents offered me the choice of what color my bedroom would be painted. I chose burgundy. It feels deep and calming at the same time. We chose colors with burgundy that felt right; other reds, pale pinks, lavender, and grey because I had to see blue-eyed Ben in his grey suit. We chose both silver and gold to be elements as well. We had to have lavish greenery. A gift to us on our day were the fall colors of the trees, the bright sunlight, and the glowing sunset that occurred.
Favorite Moment
My favorite moment was our ceremony. Walking down the aisle with my father by my side to my best friend and the love of my life was truly amazing. Standing across from the man that asked me to marry him and be his life partner is a feeling I will never forget. I could feel the love and compassion from our family and friends. It’s a sentiment that has washed over me time and time again since it happened, and I believe it will be with me for the rest of my life
