The lovely summer nuptials of Justine Schreyer and Howard Lewin were a study in joy, minting a new, blended family over three beautiful days of festive celebrations. “We welcomed everyone’s family for the weekend, and provided childcare throughout in hopes that the kids would have a ‘wedding camp’ experience and the adults would relax and enjoy the festivities,” says Justine. The result was that guests were truly able to spend time with the wedding couple, as well as get acquainted with each other. 

“I think the most noteworthy feedback we've gotten is that people who had never even met before have now become close and are keeping in touch without us as intermediaries,” shares Justine.

With a gorgeous mountain resort as its chosen backdrop, the wedding paired the couple’s love for the great outdoors with timeless elegance. A tallit secured to poles of birch formed a simple, elegant chuppah on a platform dotted with hydrangea blossoms arranged in containers of bark. A low-standing lectern of natural logs was on hand for the ceremony, and additional arrangements of snowy flowers accented a natural aisle of lawn

Striking accents of cobalt and ginger in the form of wedding-party attire enlivened the ceremony’s canvas of pale wood and natural greenery. Floor-length gowns worn by the bridesmaids matched yarmulkes and ties worn by the men and contrasted beautifully with nosegays of vivid gerbera daisies. The graceful calla lilies that composed the bridal bouquet were echoed in boutonnieres pinned to the groom and his attendants, coordinating seamlessly with the all-white décor. Justine’s lush fit-to-flair gown featured an Art Deco pattern seamed and stitched into the luxurious Duchesse satin.

“As I was walking down the aisle, I felt so much warmth coming from our close friends and family members in the crowd,” the bride recalls. “As I turned the corner and saw Howard standing under the chuppah with our kids and siblings circling him on both sides, I wanted to run into his arms and complete our family circle.

The couple exchanged touching vows that had been authored by their close friend and mentor, John Barron. “His intimate knowledge of us, and the care he took in writing vows that were significant to our lives and our relationship, made the ceremony feel so personal and so magical,” asserts Justine.         

The reception that followed was also alfresco, held on a stone patio with beautiful views. Tables were swathed in alternating linens of cobalt and white and topped with festal centerpieces of white hydrangeas and orange dahlias. Each place setting featured a menu edged in blue and orange, and was accented with a fresh, auburn bloom. Pumpkin-colored lanterns were strung overhead, casting a comely glow as night began to fall.

A live band encouraged celebrants to make use of a shiny white dance floor, and a very special guest sang for the couple’s first dance. A stone fire pit held court as the place to make s’mores, delighting children and adults alike. “People were truly joyful, engaged, and had a great time sharing the occasion with us and with each other,” says the bride. It was a beautiful day that truly reflected the meaning of marriage: family, faith, commitment, and love.