Christin and Edward Carswell grew up in the same hometown in South Jersey and had been together 7 years before they tied the knot. They had been searching for the perfect venue for several months, and found their dream rustic wedding venue at La Massaria at Bella Vista. “As soon as we saw it, we knew we were going to have our wedding there.” It is an old restored barn with a beautiful rustic exterior on breathtaking golf course grounds. The reception space inside is so elegant with tall wooden beams, stone rock walls, high ceilings, and amazing large windows. It was so beautiful, it barely needed decorating.” Christin and Eddie were married in a nearby church, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta in which the aisles were lined with baby’s breath to fit their rustic decor at La Massaria.

Guests were greeted at the hotel with beautifully designed brown bag gift bags with tons of goodies inside, made by Eddie’s parents and sisters.Christin put on her wedding dress and got ready at the bridal suite with her parents and three sisters, where they shared extremely emotional moments and exchanged sentimental gifts while the groom got ready with his father and groomsmen at the hotel. Eddie’s sisters and best girlfriends met them at the bridal suite to take pictures outside of La Massaria with the full bridal party before the trolley arrived to pick them up and drive them to the wedding!Inside the barn at the reception, Christin and Eddie added their own DIY touches to personalize the space for their wedding celebration.

They had individual mason jars with each guest’s name and table number on hearts tied with twine around the jar which acted as their place cards and also as a favor. Several chalkboards and portraits were drawn by the groom’s sister to add to the rustic feel. Tablescapes were topped off by wood slabs hand cut by the couple, showcasing arrangements of beautiful Juliet garden roses in mason jars. To cap off the night, the bride’s mother arranged a beautiful Smores station and the staff at La Massaria lit fire pits on the back deck so guests could roast marshmallows for a late night treat!