After a 10-mile run with her half-marathon training group in Raleigh, Kelsey Clarke was introduced to Ian Melville when her friend learned he was from Kelsey’s hometown. Though they discovered they had mutual friends throughout elementary and middle school, they didn’t remember ever crossing paths, but Kelsey knew she would regret not agreeing to go on a date. 

The pair spent a great deal of time together during the pandemic, when Ian worked from home and Kelsey was on summer break from teaching. “We fostered a floppy-eared puppy, and I began to think about what life would be like to raise a family with Kelsey and decided I liked that picture a whole lot,” smiles Ian. He proposed on the beach, and she, of course, said yes. 

Though they reside in North Carolina, Kelsey and Ian chose to get married in their home state of Connecticut. “I wanted a venue where the whole wedding weekend could take place,” affirms Kelsey. They began searching and immediately fell in love with a luxurious retreat that showcases unique cottage accommodations for guests and marries New England charm with European elegance. 

Friends and family were introduced to the summery color palette and the floral-filled design scheme of the day by way of a gorgeous invitation suite, which was inspired by the floral pattern Kelsey selected for the bridesmaids’ skirts. The weekend of events encouraged guests to lounge by the pool, visit the gardens, bike around the property, and hike throughout the weekend. 

The rehearsal dinner was even followed by a “cottage crawl” the night before the nuptials that provided loved ones with the opportunity to explore some of the venue’s 18 unique cottages designed by 15 artists. Guests grabbed flashlights and followed a map to three of the cottages for desserts and drinks – plus, two beers brewed by the groom, including “Peachy Horizons,” a brew made with native North Carolina peaches that complemented the design. 

“I wanted a venue where the whole wedding weekend could take place.”

At last, the wedding day arrived. Kelsey made her way down the crisp white aisle on the arm of her father. She met her groom beneath a sailcloth canopy between two lush arrangements of ivory florals accented with greenery for the memorable ceremony, which was officiated by the bride’s older brother. 

Once Kelsey and Ian were pronounced husband and wife, friends and family enjoyed a lively cocktail hour complete with signature cocktails inspired by the couple’s cats. Guests found their seating assignments on escort cards decorated with pressed flowers arranged on a charming garden-inspired display. 

Though they initially weren’t sure if the barn would lean too rustic for the reception, the couple was in awe of the setting that had been transformed with stunning floral designs by Amaryllis Floral & Event Design. 

Statement textured linens and dinnerware were selected to complement the billowing blooms, guests were seated atop white Chiavari chairs or cane-back chairs surrounding floral-filled tablescapes illuminated with ambient candlelight, and overhead, wooden beams and pendants were embellished with fresh greenery and florals in pink, ivory, and peach. 

After a tasty farm-to-table dinner highlighting ingredients from the onsite gardens was served, attendees savored slices of a wedding cake decorated with realistic sugar flowers and danced all night to the sounds of a live, jazzy band. The couple was overjoyed with their celebration that honored the “homey, comfortable, relaxed, and spectacular” vibe they desired. With so many happy memories made, they plan to return to the venue and stay at a different cottage each year to celebrate their anniversary weekend.

This real wedding was originally published in the Summer 2024 expanded-digital issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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