Madeleine and Michael at Updike

Madeleine and Michael met during their third year of attending Lafayette College. After Madeleine gave a speech one day in class, Michael approached her to tell her she did a really good job and asked if she wanted to get coffee after class. A couple of hours after getting coffee, Michael invited Madeleine to a Halloween party, and since that day, they became inseparable. Six years later, the two took the train to Cold Springs, New York, to get out of the city for the day. As they were walking along the Hudson, Michael got down on one knee and proposed. They celebrated back at his apartment building’s rooftop, where family and friends were waiting for them to arrive.

BEAUTIFUL BACKDROP

Updike Farmstead provided the backdrop they dreamed of for their reception. They particularly loved the history of the location (part of George Washington’s visit to Princeton) and the uniqueness of having an Albert Einstein Museum for guests to explore during cocktail hour. Not to mention, the flow of the space allowed for drinks on a sunny green lawn to a candlelit dinner in the cozy barn and dancing under the summer stars.

THIRD TIME’S A CHARM

Trying on so many beautiful dresses was one of Madeleine’s favorite parts of wedding planning. She visited eight bridal salons and tried on nearly 80 dresses but ended up choosing a classic ivory crepe gown she first tried on at BHLDN in Pennsylvania, then again at BHLDN in NYC, and a third time at Jenny Yoo with her mom. “It’s a classic and timeless style. I knew I’d love it for years to come when looking at our pictures,” Madeleine shared. She accented her wedding day look with small diamond studs, pleated heeled sandals with knotted bows, and her engagement ring.

SIMPLE STYLE

Guests dined at long tables decorated in white linens and gauze runners, accented with mismatched vintage candlelight and garlands made of eucalyptus, olive and ivy greens, and white roses. Table numbers were placed in simple frames, while each place setting had sage-green napkins with place cards on top of white dinnerware for a clean and minimalist style.

THE PARTY CONTINUES

The following morning the couple had a brunch in the Harts’ backyard. “This was such a fun way to keep the celebrations going and spend more time with everyone,” Michael mentioned. Jammin’ Crepes was on-site making fresh crepes, while everyone enjoyed Bloody Mary’s and mimosas while playing lawn games.

WEDDING VENDORS

Ceremony Location: St. Paul’s Church • Celebrant: Msgr. Nolan • Reception Location: Updike Farmstead Caterer: Emily’s Café & Catering • Cake Designer: The Gingered Peach • Photographer: Monica Mendoza Photography Ceremony Music: Sweet Harmony LLC • Entertainment: Simply DJs • Floral Designer: Magnolia West Events Wedding Gown Designer: Jenny Yoo • Shoes: Loeffler Randall • Tuxedo: Bonobos • Tie: Dolce & Gabbana Bridesmaid Dresses: Anthropologie • Invitations: Minted • Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist: MJ Bridal Artistry Honeymoon: Hawaii