Groom Fashion

Chanteclaire Farm has certainly seen more than its fair share of beautiful brides in gorgeous gowns, but our grooms are equally as fashionable and cut quite a dashing figure.  While you may think men's fashion doesn't provide the variety of options that wedding gowns afford, you would be surprised at how creative and sophisticated our grooms manage to be for their big day.  It's true that when everyones heads turn to watch the bride glide down the aisle, the bride has eyes only for her man.  Our grooms give their brides something great to see.  We find ourselves drawn to the men that focus on the details to make sure they stand out.  Here are a few of our favorite groom fashions over the past few seasons.

Photocredit: The Happy Couple              The fun colors and coordinating patterns of the tie and pocket square                                                                                                        make this groom's look really pop.

Photocredit: Grace Photography                                   Bowties and suspenders hit the mark for this groom's party.

Photocredit: Kirsten Smith                        The paisley tie and unique boutonniere really pop against this gray suit.

Photocredit: Amberlee Christey                               After this couple's butterfly release, the groom had an addition                                                                                                                          to his boutonniere look.

Photocredit: Sonlight Imaging                        Who says the groom has to wear a three piece suit?  Wearing a vest is                                                                                       trendy, and perfect for hot summer weddings.

Photocredit: Karlo Photography                                   Gorgeous gray with a pop of color make for a striking combo.

Photocredit: Karlo Photography               A tartan tie with matching pocket square is ultra chic...extra points for                                                                                                        matching the bride's bouquet wrap.

Photocredit: Vicki Grafton         Your initials and wedding date in your suit jacket is a hidden, but adorable, detail.

Photocredit: Amberlee Christey              This gorgeous gold pocket watch is the perfect accent for the groom who                                                                                 knows the importance of making it to the ceremony on time.

Photocredit: Karlo Photography                      A message from the bride sewn into the groom's tie is a lovely idea.

Photocredit: Higher Focus                                             We were in love with this group's matching jeans and boots.

Photocredit: Higher Focus                                                                                                A belt buckle fit for a groom.

Photocredit: Karlo Photography          This daring groom rocked quite the dashing hat.  And who says denim has                                                                                to be styled casually?  This denim tux is gorgeous.

Photocredit: Vicki Grafton    The argyle socks and perfect fit of this suit make this groom's look an instant classic.

Photocredit: Kelsey Kradel                               A three piece suit is a classic that will never be out of style.  Try fun                                                                                                   colors, like navy, to give it a fresh spin.

Photocredit: Amanda Briscoe                                                                                           We love a well tailored suit.

Photocredit: Karlo Photography                   There's no better opportunity to have your own custom suit created                                                                              than your big day.  We especially love the fun lining this groom chose.

Photocredit: Derek & Diane                                                                     What could be better than a man in uniform?

Photocredit: Cassidy Duhon                                          Classic black and white with a skinny tie always looks chic.

Photocredit: Karlo Photography                                                                       A classic tuxedo is never out of style

Furry Attendants: Including Your Dog In Your Big Day

Photocredit: Leah Hewitt

Chanteclaire Farm is no stranger to animals- after all, we were a working farm until the 1970s. Many of our couples choose to include their pups in their big day.  We understand the desire to have your fur babies be part of your festivities.  Weddings are all about celebrating with your nearest and dearest, and pets are part of our families.

Photocredit: Chad Heller

Photocredit: Karlo Photography

We welcome your four-legged best friends to take part in your Chanteclaire wedding.  Here are some practical considerations to keep in mind when planning to include your furry friends. 

Photocredit: Higher Focus

Pet Personality

While each of our pups is perfect in our own eyes, be honest with yourself about your dog's personality.  Some dogs are fine with crowds and noise, while others may be intimidated by the hustle and bustle of a wedding day.  Make sure that you've seen how your pup reacts in a crowded, loud environment to test their readiness.  If Fido barks and jumps, you may want to consider pet training, or including them in a more quiet environment, such as pre-ceremony photography.

Photocredit: Karlo Photography

Photocredit: Joe Appel Photography

Practice Makes Perfect

No matter how well trained your dog is, this will probably be his first time making a trip down a wedding aisle.  Be sure to start practicing with your pup well in advance of the big day to make sure he is comfortable with his duties.  Make sure your pet is present at your wedding rehearsal, along with his day-of handler, so both can be confident in their tasks.

Photocredit: Higher Focus Studios

Photocredit: Higher Focus

Inform Your Guests

Please check with guests about any potential dog allergies prior to the big day.  Nothing can spoil the flow of a well-timed affair like a trip to the emergency room.  Most guests are delighted to celebrate with your pet, but it's best to make sure no serious problems will arise.

Photocredit: Higher Focus

Inform Your Photographer

Give your photographer a heads-up about your dog's involvement in your celebration, and make sure they are comfortable working with animals.  Your photographer will want to discuss which aspects of the day your dog will be present: pre-ceremony, ceremony, formal shots, etc.  You may want to give yourself extra time in your schedule to account for delays caused by Fido's unwillingness to pose for the camera...and for everyone to pet and cuddle.

Karlo Photography

Make Time to Play

Your wedding day is always jam packed with things to do, but make sure you take some time to play with your pet.  This has the benefit of letting your dog use her pent-up energy prior to her appearance, and helping you relax.

Photocredit: Joe Appel Photography

Designate a Pet Sitter

If your dog is walking down the aisle, you will want to make sure a trusted friend is responsible for escorting them.  You will also want to put someone in charge of making sure your dog is well taken care of throughout the day when you are preoccupied with wedding tasks.

Photocredit: Higher Focus

Provisions

You spend a lot of timing choosing what options of food and beverages you're providing your guests, but don't forget about your pet's needs.  We recommend having bowls of food and water available.  The summer days can be pretty toasty at the farm, so be sure your pet is well hydrated.  It's also a good idea to have some bags handy in case Fido leaves you an unexpected wedding present.

Photocredit: Karlo Photography

Plan B

If your dog just isn't ready for the ruckus that is a wedding day, you can still make his presence felt during your celebration.  Consider having your pet take part in your engagement photos.  A popular idea at the farm has been to give your dog a starring role on your wedding cake.  Be creative, there are lots of ways to show guests that your dog is part of your family even if he can't attend.

Photocredit: Karlo Photography

Photocredit: Joe Appel Photography

Let Them Eat Cake

When Leigh bought Chanteclaire Farm in 2011, she took on the task of decorating the wedding cakes herself.  The project is always a labor of love, with hours spent bending over each tier to create the couple's perfect vision.  Leigh has studied boxes full of magazines and combed the recesses of Pinterest to make sure that her creations are modern and gorgeous.  The results speak for themselves.

Naked Cakes

Naked cakes are all the rage, and Chanteclaire creates some gorgeous examples.  With cakes as moist and delicious as ours, your guests will never miss the extra icing.  This design lets local produce take a staring role.

Photocredit: Row 1- Karlo Photography Row 2- Karlo Photography, Karlo Photography, Karlo Photography, Happy Couple Photography Row 3- Chrisman Studio, Karlo Photography, Chrisman Studio, Higher Focus Studios

Tree Inspired

Our couples are often drawn to Chanteclaire Farm for the natural beauty that surrounds us.  What better way to honor that love of nature than with a tree inspired wedding cake?

Photocredit: Row 1- Leigh Hewitt Photography, Derek & Diane Photography, Karlo Photography, Grace Photography Row 2- Kirsten Smith Photography, Karlo Photography, Derek & Diane Photography, Derek & Diane Photography

Modern

Clean lines, unique shapes, and fun geometric patterns make for some stunning modern wedding cakes.

Photocredit: Row 1- Karlo Photography, Karlo Photography, Leigh Clarke, Rebecca Kiger Fotografia Row 2- Karlo Photography, Higher Focus Studios, Life on Location, Leigh Clarke Row 3- Leigh Clark, Leigh Clarke, Higher Focus Studios, Leigh Clarke

Glitz and glam

Who says a country wedding can't sparkle and shine?

Photocredits: Karlo Photography, Karlo Photography, Karlo Photography, Leigh Clarke

The More the merrier

From cupcakes, to pies, to a farm favorite- Swedish Princess Cakes, Chanteclaire has options for the couple who aren't interested in a traditional tiered wedding cake.

Photocredit: Row 1-Julia Rendleman, Leigh Clarke, Kaypea Photography, Karlo Photography Row 2- KayPea Photography, Karlo Photography, Sonlight Images, Higher Focus Studios Row 3- Karlo Photography, Karlo Photography, Karlo Photography, Leigh Clarke

Rustic

Rustic cakes are some of our most popular.  Burlap, twine, and delicate florals make a beautiful statement on your cake.

Photography: Row 1- Amanda Ivy Photography, Amberlee Christey Photography, Karlo Photography, Photography by Amanda Row 2-Karlo Photography, Higher Focus Studios, Derek & Diane Photography, Amberlee Christey Photography Row 3- Higher Focus Studios, Higher Focus Studios, Amberlee Christey Photography, Leigh Clarke

Romantic

Dreamy and feminine, with hints of floral, ruffles, and scallops, romantic wedding cakes are a beautiful finishing touch for your wedding meal.

Photocredit: Row 1- Derek & Diane Photography, Kuirsta & Seth Photography, Kuirsta & Seth Photography, Karlo Photography Row 2- Karlo Photography, Kelsey Kradel Photography, With Love & Embers, Higher Focus Studios Row 3- Sonlight Imaging, Joyeuse Photography, Karlo Photography, Jamie Brashear Photography

Style & Nuance- Wedding Shoes

“A Woman with Good Shoes is Never Ugly”

— Coco Chanel

Photocredit: Derek & Diane

Here at Chanteclaire Farm we admit to being a bit shoe obsessed.  There's nothing quite as satisfying as finding a gorgeous pair, and spending the next few days daydreaming about the perfect outfit to wear with them.  If shoes are that important on a regular day, you can imagine how captivating  it can be for brides to find the perfect pair for the biggest day of their life.

Being a farm that specializes in outdoor ceremonies, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind.  We love a good pair of stilettos, but they don't pair particularly well with soft grass.  Don't let this make you think for a second that the sky isn't the limit in choosing the most amazing pair for your big day at Chanteclaire Farm.  Here are just a few examples of swoon-worthy shoes our beautiful brides have rocked in recent seasons.

A hint of bling peeking out from your gown is fun and gorgeous.

Photocredit: Joyeuse Photography

Flats are far from boring when they're made of delicate lace.

Photocredit: Kuirsta & Seth

We're in love with the sparkly rhinestone accent on these ballet flats.

Photocredit: Karlo Photography

These booties hit the mark on so many levels- ruffle trim, gorgeous lace, and a delicate bow accent on the back.

Photocredit: Karlo Photography

Photocredit: Karlo Photography

Boots are a fun choice, especially with the delicate lace detail

Photocredit: Higher Focus Studios

Two brides are better than one...and two pairs of matching teal flats are made even more adorable with the gold accents.

Photocredit: Chad Heller

We were swooning for these green peep toe classics.

Photocredit: Leah Hewitt

These bright red heeled oxfords manage to be fun and comfy at the same time.

Photocredit- Cassidy Duhon

We love the saturated color of these royal blue beauties, and polka dots are always a yes.

Photocredit- Karlo Photography

Now it's your turn, Chanteclaire ladies.  Show us your favorite pics of your wedding shoes to inspire this season's brides.

Baby Blue

Everyone who loves Chanteclaire Farm also loves Beau, our vintage blue Ford truck.   But recently we decided that Beau needed a classy little sister for our couples to enjoy. 

We are proud to introduce....Baby Blue!

Baby is a gorgeous 1965 Triumph TR4, available for our couples starting in the 2016 wedding season.   

The Triumph was the epitome of the British sports car in the 1960s, driven by wealthy men wearing racing gloves, a blazer and a wool tweed cap.  They raced through the countryside, and pulled magnificently up to their humble castles.    

Here is a cousin of Baby Blue's in a scene from The Avengers TV Series, 1961-1969Ep. 6.04.

Chanteclaire Farm sprinkles this country chic ideal over the American countryside, so we think Baby Blue will fit in perfectly.

Right now she is snuggled in a garage for the winter, but we can't wait to get the first shots of her with a Bride and Groom waving goodbye down the lane.  Email leigh@chanteclairefarm.com if you'd like to learn more about featuring her at your event.