Western Massachusetts

There are few things more beautiful than fall in New England. You’re engaged. You’re in love. And now you face the daunting task — of planning the wedding. Sure, you can be like everyone else and get married in May or June. OR, you can go the other way. Plan for fall instead of summer. Work with saturated reds and yellows instead of pastels. Wear the dress with long sleeves, the three piece suit made of wool, and the flower crown made of begonias. 

In this three-part series, we’ll show you that in Hampshire County, we have the makings of the perfect fall wedding. The only problem? We’re popular. So take a gander at the amenities we have on offer, and then get to planning. Fall 2020 has a nice ring to it, don’t ya think? 

Welcome to Part Two: Local Food, Flowers, and Photos

In Part One, we laid down the law about the stunning venues in Hampshire County — book them now, because 2020 is filling fast! And today, we’ve got the HIGHLY anticipated Part Two you’ve all been waiting for. This is the moment when you start to face the truly important decisions about this big and important day. First off, what will people eat? Secondly, what fabulous florals will make up your bouquet? And finally, how do you plan to document this blessed occasion? Whew! Let’s get started.

Fabulous Food 

In Hampshire County, we’re food connoisseurs. And no matter your style, we have a chef ready to wow you. Wheelhouse Catering boasts farm fresh food, made from scratch, with nearly 100% of their produce and over 90% of their meat, dairy, and grain are sourced from local farms. Interested? Call them today. These chefs are in high demand. Another incredible local option is Hamel’s Creative Catering at the Summitview — family owned, locally focused, and offering service to almost any location in Western Massachusetts. This team has been operating in the Pioneer Valley for almost 20 years, so you know for sure, your wedding won’t be their first rodeo. Union Station Banquets is a gourmet caterer in Northampton, with high-quality food, five-star service, and the attention to detail that comes from catering hundreds of weddings and serving over 17,000 guests. If you’re still unsure about you location, add the Roosevelt Room at Union Station to your list of places to check out. This 100-year-old former train station was recently renovated and restored to its original splendor. Very cool. Historic charm. And right in the heart of downtown Northampton. Ok, so does anyone prepare vegan food? Don’t make us laugh. This is the Pioneer Valley, and of course you can have a veg-forward wedding here. Beets and Barley is a vegetarian event catering company that uses the finest local, seasonal, and organic ingredients available to them. Their sweet spot is between 20 and 100 guests, and you can build your own menu from their collection of seasonal dishes or choose from one of their thoughtfully crafted themed menus. 

Geez, Hampshire County — you really get us.

Unforgettable Flowers  

For flowers, you really can’t go wrong. Located in downtown Northampton for over a decade, Forget Me Not Florist is one of the favorites for wedding day bouquets. If farm fresh is what you’re seeking, Many Graces Flower Farm offers custom, elegant, and unique floral design for weddings and other special events throughout New England. Flowers are sourced from their fields as well as from other local growers throughout the region, and they provide everything from full-service design to DIY flower buckets you can pick up to create your arrangements yourself. Does experience spark your fancy? Annmary Boruchowski, owner of Dandelions in Easthampton, has been in the florist biz since 1981, and really knows her stuff. She graduated from the UMass Amherst Stockbridge School of Agriculture with a degree in Floriculture, and in 1995 opened her shop to provide the personal touch she felt was missing from the world of floral arrangement. Finally, we have the Florence Village Flower and Gift Shoppe, where there’s a beautiful selection for every season and style. They don’t have a website, so you’ll have to pay them a visit and see some of their beautiful buds in person.  

Fabulous Photographers

A wedding day goes by in a flash. Make sure you have a photographer you can trust, who will capture the day in the way you want it captured. Choosing a photog is a little like selecting a therapist (or a date) — you may have to meet a few before that magic feeling hits you. Luckily, we have a lot of incredible people to choose from, so you won’t be searching for long.

Sandra Costello Photography — Photos that show you are loved, just as you are. 

Lynne Graves — Natural, spontaneous, and happy "slice-of-life" imagery. 

dani.fine Photography and Image Studio  — Capturing life's best moments, every time. 

Derek Fowles Photography — A sports photographer by training, a wedding and family photojournalist by choice, and a storyteller at heart.

Shana Sureck Photography — An award-winning photojournalist who delights in making authentic, storytelling images.

Get Ready for Part Three: How to Pamper Your Bridal Party

Venue, check! Food, flowers, and photos, check! Now it’s time to take care of the people who have your back, on both the day of your wedding and the days, weeks, and months leading up to it — the bridal party. Stay tuned for Planning the Perfect Fall Wedding in Hampshire County: Part Three — where we’ll school you on how to properly spoil your wedding VIPs.