“Being able to look up at the stars while having dinner felt like I was in heaven.”

For the reception, the bride was determined to create a space that felt elegant: “I used the phrase ‘nature meets glam,’” explains Jillian of the concept. “One difficult part of having a wedding in the middle of nowhere is that you have to bring in everything.” A huge, wooden tent-like structure was created and paired with stunning chandeliers suspended over each guest table for added glamour. Long garlands of greenery decorated tables, in addition to centerpieces of white hydrangeas, gardenias, and roses.

Over 1,000 candles provided a romantic ambience while subtly releasing the couple’s signature scent. “Having a specific scent to connect a special memory is a great idea because you can revisit it every time you light the candle or smell that certain flower,” describes Jillian of the sense often overlooked.

After a delectable dinner that included fresh local fare, the newlyweds offered slices of cake to attendees from three different confections. “We are sugar addicts,” confesses the bride. Butterscotch pudding, strawberry shortcake, brownie batter, cookie dough, and s’mores were some of the delicious flavors. As favors, Jillian and Dean boxed their beloved chocolate chip cookies from a bakeshop in New York. “We wanted our guests to try some of our favorite snacks,” Jillian says.

Though the location was naturally lovely but initially empty, the bride wouldn’t have had it any other way. “Being able to look up at the stars while having dinner felt like I was in heaven,” she remembers. “And during the speeches, it would get really quiet and we could hear the sounds of hundreds of crickets. It was such a blissful moment.”

As the dance floor began to fill, Dean surprised his bride with a special serenade. “Being a musician, I feel especially vulnerable when performing, and hopefully she could see how much I meant every lyric,” he expresses.

As the couple reflects on their big day, the groom confides: “Jill thought through everything in such depth… our wedding had so many great features. It was the best day of my life.”