If you’ve been thinking about planning an eco-conscious wedding, let today’s Real Wedding feature be your guide. Bernadette and Alex planned a sophisticated celebration that focused on elegance…not excess. Guests took an earth-friendly walk (or a fun pedi-cab) from the ceremony to the reception. Organic, local food & wine was served, and charming DIY decorations added colorful style. Now, Bernadette completes her vision of the perfect eco-friendly wedding by passing her gorgeous gown on to another lucky bride!
Bernadette + Alex | August 13, 2011 | Carlisle, Pennsylvania
The ceremony
Our wedding ceremony was held at St. John’s Episc beautiful 18th century church, and the first church we attended together. It is on the town’s main square and is within easy walking distance of the downtown hotels and our reception space. Immediately after the ceremony, the entire wedding party and all of the guests walked the two blocks from the Church to our alma mater, Dickinson College, where the reception was held. Once there, we took pictures, played lawn games, and drank lemonade on the historic limestone academic quad. We also had pedicabs to transport those who didn’t want to walk (or who simply wanted a fun ride!).
The reception
Our reception then took place about 2 blocks away in an old ribbon mill that is aptly named…The Ribbon Mill. We dined on an organic menu, with 100% of the produce and meats being locally sourced. Our meal was served on biodegradable dinnerware (“Bambu” plates) and our food scraps were composted and used for fertilizer at a nearby farm. Our guests were served organic wine and locally brewed beer. We fell in love with the space as soon as we saw it.
How Bernadette felt in her wedding gown
Classic, elegant, “like myself”
Why Bernadette decided to sell her wedding dress
We aimed to make our wedding as eco-friendly as possible, including reusing and repurposing various items (including my veil, which was my mother’s!). It only feels natural to me to “recycle” the gown by reselling it. I absolutely loved wearing it and am certain it will make someone else feel just as special as I did.
