Brandon & Madelyn: Farmhouse Chic

Hummingbird Highway, Belize

Brandon and Madelyn were some of the first people I became friends with when I moved to Belize. So when they asked me to plan their wedding for two hundred and eighty people at a family farm house atop a jungle clad mountain, I quickly jumped at the opportunity.

Their home along the Hummingbird Highway was built from large stones sourced from a nearby river. Backed up against a steep mountain, the home looks down over Orange Orchards and a cloud cloaked Rainforest. The home is stocked with with antique furniture and the Saltillo tiled floors made for a great backdrop to our decorations. For the ceremony, Madelyn’s father build a twenty-one hundred square foot thatch palapa, complete with a solid wood decorative door. It was the perfect blank canvas for her beautiful wedding.

To make things a little more unique, Madelyn’s brother built us a rustic door that opened onto the ceremony space. We draped the palapa with delicate organza fabric, with lighting carefully concealed underneath. The aisle was lined with baby breath stuffed into logs, and white chiavari chairs were carefully placed. The altar was another custom built piece made from local wood, and filled with delicate flowers. Lace lined the tables, and lots of small details could be seen throughout the space.

After a traditional Catholic ceremony, the couple was whisked away for photos while the guests enjoyed fun cocktails and an assortment of appetizers prepared by Chef Sean Kuylen. Wedding goers enjoyed watching the sunset from the home’s veranda, and the photo booth opened and became a popular attraction of the night.

Once the ceremony space had been transformed, guests were lead back into the space now softly lit and accented with gold and bits of sparkle. Cala lilies lined the table, and custom menus with carefully wrapped silverware were waiting on each place setting. A three course meal including all the couple’s favorite foods was served, and lots of toasts and laughs followed. The reception resumed back at the house with tunes from DJ DZL. Terrariums with tea lights swayed above the dance floor, and colorful lights created a party atmosphere. The dancing went well into the night! At the end of the day, I couldn’t be more happy for Madelyn and Brandon, and was so honored to be part of this celebration.