Liz and MJ’s story began with a Hinge match and a first date that broke all the traditional rules. MJ suggested a group date—an idea Liz initially thought sounded a little crazy. As it turned out, the unconventional introduction was a success. MJ made her laugh more than anyone ever had, and from that point forward, the two were rarely apart.
In September 2023, the couple escaped to a cozy A-frame cabin in upstate New York. On a crisp fall afternoon, MJ proposed during a quiet moment that felt simple, private, and entirely true to them.
When it came time to plan their wedding, Liz knew exactly where she wanted to celebrate. Having spent summers growing up in Rhode Island, she loved the idea of sharing a place that held so many memories with family and friends. Their wedding at Shepherd’s Run, planned with help from Ashley Lynn Events and photographed by Lauren Hawkins Photography, embraced the beauty of a New England summer while creating a celebration that felt joyful, expressive, and distinctly their own.
Design inspired by a Rhode Island summer
The wedding aesthetic embraced a playful approach to elegance, blending garden romance with unexpected details. Rather than leaning into tradition for tradition’s sake, the design celebrated color, texture, and personality. The palette felt warm, layered, and expressive, creating an atmosphere that encouraged guests to relax, celebrate, and fully enjoy the experience. Throughout the day, every design choice felt intentional yet effortless—a reflection of a couple who valued creativity and authenticity above perfection.
Contemporary & romantic bridal style
Liz’s bridal style struck a balance between fashion-forward and timeless. She wore a gown by KYHA, paired with Gucci heels and one of the season’s most sought-after bridal accessories: a chic neck scarf. The combination felt modern and editorial while remaining elegant enough for the garden setting. Against the backdrop of Shepherd’s Run’s blooming grounds, her look felt both contemporary and romantic.
Garden portraits at Shepherd’s Run
One of the standout features of the venue was its abundance of flowering gardens. Hydrangeas spilled across the property, creating natural settings for portraits throughout the day. The lush blooms added softness and color while reinforcing the feeling of a classic Rhode Island summer celebration. As sunlight filtered through the gardens and caught Liz’s veil, the portraits took on a dreamy quality that perfectly complemented the atmosphere of the day.
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Intentionally simple ceremony design
The ceremony was officiated by a close friend who crafted a thoughtful and deeply personal speech for the couple. His words made Liz and MJ feel fully seen, loved, and celebrated by the people who know them best. As vows were exchanged and rings were placed, the ceremony unfolded with an ease that felt genuine and unhurried. Rather than relying on elaborate production, the moment drew its significance from the people at its center and the relationships that surrounded them.
Seating display in the round
Detail we love: clusters of grapes
The floral design by Shade Studio was, in Liz’s words, “an absolute dream.” Playful yet structured, each arrangement was thoughtfully designed for its specific placement throughout the celebration. The flowers brought movement, color, and personality to every space without ever feeling overly formal. One of the most memorable details was the incorporation of clusters of grapes woven throughout the floral arrangements. The unexpected element blurred the line between centerpiece and still-life composition, adding depth and character to the overall design.
A showstopping tent installation
As guests transitioned into the reception, they were greeted by one of the day’s most striking design moments. Suspended above the center of the tent, an installation of baby’s breath and disco balls floated overhead, creating an atmosphere that felt both whimsical and sophisticated. The combination transformed the space, catching light from every angle and adding a sense of movement throughout the evening. The design perfectly captured the spirit of the celebration—elegant, creative, and never taking itself too seriously.
An outfit change for the dance floor
After dinner, Liz changed into a Reformation set featuring silk shorts, a matching top, and a coordinating jacket in the softest champagne hue. The look felt playful, modern, and perfectly suited for the second half of the evening. It also reflected the overall spirit of the wedding—a celebration that embraced elegance while making room for fun.
Advice from the couple
When asked what advice they would share with future couples, Liz offered a simple but powerful reminder: “Hire people you admire and trust.”
By surrounding themselves with talented vendors and allowing them the freedom to do what they do best, the couple was able to let go of the urge to micromanage and fully enjoy the experience.
The best wedding gift
Following the wedding, Liz and MJ traveled to Japan for their honeymoon. It was there, while exploring a new country together, that they discovered they were expecting. What many couples would consider life-changing news quickly became, in their words, “the best wedding gift.”
From a first date that broke convention to a wedding day that embraced creativity, Liz and MJ approached every chapter of their story with a sense of adventure. Their Shepherd’s Run wedding captured everything they love most: beautiful surroundings, meaningful relationships, thoughtful design, and plenty of room for laughter.
