Matrimony in the Mountains: A DIY Rustic Chic Eco-Friendly Autumn Wedding at The Catskill Mountain Foundation Red Barn in Hunter, NY

Laura and Kenneth at the alter made by groom

Breathtaking mountain views with Autumn hues of red, orange and yellow, set the unforgettable scene for Laura Jackson, 31, and Kenneth Johnson, 35, to exchange their lifelong vows to each other. One hundred and ten of the couple's family and friends were in attendance to witness the love between them. The ceremony took place on top of the hill next to the stone foundation ruins of a depression-era hotel that was never finished. Large purple, yellow and white mums and white pumpkins, provided by Secor Farms, lined the aisle leading up to the arbor constructed by the bride and groom out of old windows from Laura's childhood home, framing Hunter Mountain and the Red Barn behind them. The wedding party entered from a hill behind the ceremony space, their entrance a surprise from behind a curtain the bride and groom assembled themselves. Laura allowed her four bridesmaids to choose their own dress style in the same eggplant hue, matching her man of honor, father and uncle's ties to the ladies dresses. Ken and his groomsmen adorned gray suits with sage ties and boutonnieres in the wedding color palette that were handmade by the bride. The bride enters to Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years" escorted by her mother and father, as her ivory and pewter Sophia Tolli gown and handmade brooch bridal bouquet shimmered in the sunlight. The couple was married by Laura's cousin. After Laura and Ken exchanged vows, they performed a tree planting ceremony to symbolize their growth as a couple and the life they will share together as one. The tree will be planted in the front yard of the couple's new home. The bride and groom recessed joined by their 3 year-old fur-baby Jessie, wearing pearls and decorated leash made by the bride, and were showered with seed paper confetti. The reception was held in the elegant ballroom of the Red Barn at the Catskill Mountain Foundation, with touches of eggplant and sage carried throughout. The tables are set with white linens, burlap runners, wildflowers and glass pumpkins, which were hand blown by Star Glassworks, in North Carolina near the couple's home. The couple chose to use mason jars as place cards, take away gift and to hold their guest’s beverage of choice for the evening. Laura and Ken created their own wedding playlist and had a close friend monitor the music throughout the night. Dinner was provided by American Glory Barbecue and dessert consisting of assorted pies and cupcakes were provided by Karen's Country Kitchen, both local business in the Hunter area. The bride tossed her bouquet from the Romeo and Juliet balcony then had a quick costume change to rejoin her guests as the dancing continued. As Ken and Laura prepared to depart for the evening, the guests lined the exit with theme colored ribbon wands in hand that were crafted by the bride and groom. Ken and Laura hopped in the getaway car, driven by the bride's brother, as the guests continued to cheer and wave goodbye.