Jessa Kurzman and Ryan Francis
Married in New Marlborough, Massachusetts on November 5, 2011

It was a festive time of year when Jessa Kurzman and Ryan Francis first met — a Christmas party — and they sensed from that moment on that life was going to be a bit different. Circumstances didn’t allow them to meet again until the spring where they were able to rekindle what they felt months before. And three years later, they found themselves buying their first home moving in just before Christmas setting the scene for a perfect proposal.

On their rooted Christmas tree, Ryan hung a one-of-a- kind ring that he designed and with Train’s “Marry Me” playing in the background, he asked Jessica that timeless question: “Will you marry me today and every day?” The tree is now planted in their yard, and the ribbon from which the ring was hung still remains as a reminder of that gifted moment.

The wedding was elegant, yet comfortable, down to earth, natural, organic and simply unforgettable. The couple vowed to only do only what was important to them and what could be done well. They wanted to make sure it would be a day filled with surprises and that both they and all of their guests could enjoy themselves.

It wasn’t long before Ryan and Jessa found the perfect venue: Gedney Farm in the midst of the Berkshires. A rustic, yet classic barn with 40-foot ceilings and multiple levels, they felt that the location expressed their kinship with nature, flora and fauna. Jessa and Ryan were married in the third floor loft under the spreading branches of live trees, still replete with yellow, red and orange leaves reaching above the rafters.

Cocktail hour was on the first floor and the reception on the second, all tied together with cold, crisp fall birch trees, while the inside was kept warm with stone fireplaces on each level. The tables and mantels mirrored a fall harvest with centerpieces of herbs, turnips, artichokes and other decorative vegetables.

Five food stations were located around the perameters of the barn encouraging movement during dinner keeping the energy high. Dessert consisted of a variety of individual, miniature pies instead of a traditional wedding cake and, as a surprise to their guests, midnight snacks of grilled cheese, pulled pork sandwiches and French fries filled the tables one last time.

Jessa’s dress was created especially for her by New York haute couture designer Angelo Lambrou. It was graceful, elegant and comfortable. The groom and groomsmen wore black suits, thin ties and copper wire boutonnieres that were inspired by the copper in the wood floors.

A surprise for all the guests was a sky of glimmering splashes of color in a fireworks display, highlighted by one shaped like a heart symbolic of a perfect day and a perfect love.

Cinematography: Fairytale Studio Wedding Films, Milford, CT; Rehearsal Dinner: Mepal Manor, New Marlborough, MA; Wedding Location: Gedney Farm, New Marlborough, MA; Florist: Crocus Hale Flowers, Lenox, MA; Band: The Soul Sensations; Wedding Gown: Angelo Lambrou; Photography: Art Image by Sam Chingo, Preston, CT

We wish you countless years of happiness Jessa and Ryan and a big thank you to David Ruzicka of Fairytale Studio Wedding Films for letting us share this with our viewers!