A woodland fairy wedding theme inspired by Lord of the Rings

Woodland fairy wedding photos by Becca Gleason Photo, Upstate New York Wedding Venue The Maples Estate — Photos by Becca Gleason Photo

It’s true what they say about rain on your wedding day, and this couple is proof! Rachel and Nick’s whimsical fairy wedding at The Maples Estate was blessed with a drizzly day that was just what the couple called for. Nick’s parents celebrated their wedding with rain, and it was so fitting for this Lord of the Rings loving couple to have drizzly, moody photos to match their ethereal, woodsy aesthetic. This wedding strikes the perfect balance of being low-key but visually stunning. If you have fairies anywhere on your mood board for your wedding… you’re going to want to see how Rachel and Nick created a beautiful fantasy world for their guests! Plus, we can’t wait to share their crafty use of the flowers at their ceremony and the ways they incorporated traditions old and new into their big day.

The decor at this fairy wedding took us to a fantasy world

Rachel and Nick connect over their mutual admiration of moss they find during hikes or their shared pining for the beautiful rolling hills in Lord of the Rings. From enchanted, witchy bridal party photos, Lord of the Rings entrance music at the ceremony, and a dagger used to cut the cake, this couple found little ways to personalize their big day and showcase their love of magical worlds. We especially love the long tables with vintage candlesticks, the colorful florals, and their mossy guestbook area. Does it not look like a little fairy sanctuary?! We’ll take any opportunity to be whisked away to a magical fantasy world these days, and Rachel and Nick delivered!

Their guests were in awe of the world they created here at The Maples Estate!
Katie Hammon of The Maples Estate

This ethereal fairy wedding had a flower crown station

Speaking of flowers, we’re obsessed with how this couple invited their guests into a little crafty moment… After the ceremony, the flower arch (which was gorgeous, by the way) was disassembled and brought to the reception tent, where their guests made flower crowns using the flowers from the arch. Not only is this super creative and sustainable, but it gives guests something to do when they want to take a break from the dance floor. And let’s be honest, who DOESN’T look good in a flower crown?!

Our hearts are melting for the “first touch” at this fairy wedding

If you haven’t figured it out by now, Rachel and Nick were very intentional about every aspect of their wedding, including their ceremony. They aren’t religious, but they wanted to honor their Jewish heritage, so they decided to incorporate traditional elements into their ceremony and hired a local rabbi to officiate their wedding. They also wanted to keep another tradition: not seeing each other before the ceremony. But they knew their hearts would be racing with nerves that morning, so they decided to have a “first touch,” an alternative to the “first look.” This moment made for some pretty dreamy photos – mostly for how sweet they are together, but the colonial farmhouse’s vintage wallpaper makes for a stunning background!

True love isn’t just a fantasy at this fairy wedding

Given the way Rachel and Nick crafted a gorgeous world for their wedding day, we have no doubt they’re going to create a beautiful life together! From mossy forests to rolling hills for miles, we’re sure your love is going to take you to some magical places. Cheers to you, Rachel and Nick!