Melissa + Stephen: June 28, 2008
My second June 2008 wedding was Melissa & Stephen’s reception at the Harding Allen Estate in Barre, MA. It was a nearly two-hour drive for me, but I don’t mind traveling so I was happy to make the trip up 495, past Worcester and through the towns of Paxton, Rutland, and Oakham. Up until then, I wasn’t aware those towns existed.
The location itself was really very unique – an old mansion with an elaborate garden terrace and an adjacent function room. Getting in and out wasn’t entirely easy (I actually had to walk all of my gear in through the garden), but the Harding Allen staff were very accomodating and did all they could to make things as easy as possible for me.
Of course, the reception itself was fantastic – everyone had a great time and the dance floor was never empty. At the end of the night, the owners of the estate asked for my business cards and offered to add me to their referral list. Hopefully, I’ll be back there soon.
Introduction Music: “The Boogie Bumper” – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Melissa & Stephen’s Introduction Music: “More Today Than Yesterday” – Spiral Staircase
Melissa & Stephen’s First Dance: “Something In The Way She Moves” – James Taylor
Song played during the cake cutting: “More” – Bobby Darin
Bride/Father Dance: “The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra
Groom/Mother Dance: “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” – Stevie Wonder
Last Dance: “You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You” – Frank Sinatra
The garden terrace at the Harding Allen Estate:
Inside the reception room:
The dance floor at 10:00 PM:
