Real Wedding: Emily & Drew
Photography: Shem Roose Photography
Floral Design: Stray Cat Flower Farm
For Emily Blistein and Drew Palcsik, it is impossible to pinpoint the exact moment they fell in love. It was more a collection of moments: laughter shared over stories and songs, the exchange of love letters, and their similar sense of humor — her wit to his wry. As Emily explains, “I always say that we really fell in love on sidewalks and on beaches in very quiet moments.” It wasn’t the story of an epic romance, but something even better: true love, pure and simple.
As in all great relationships, things sounded, tasted, and looked better when they were together. One Sunday in May, Emily and Drew were at home, enjoying the wonderful quiet of a sunny morning. As a light breeze blew through the open windows, Emily recalls how she felt it was the absolute perfect Vermont day — and about to get even better. “Drew came into the room and began what seemed like an innocuous conversation that became sweeter, and voilà!” Much like falling in love, their engagement was simple and effortless. It just felt right.
Drew has two young sons from a previous marriage, and they were looking forward to an intimate wedding that celebrated their becoming a new family. The couple had briefly toyed with the idea of a beach wedding before ultimately deciding that a winter wedding in Vermont sounded too beautiful to pass up. As a Vermonter, Emily knew that winter weddings have their risks. “A friend said to me, ‘that sounds enchanting…or potentially treacherous,’” she says, but the couple was happy to settle on an indoor venue — The Firehouse Center for the Visual Arts — after watching seemingly endless rain showers all summer long.
As a child, Emily had always been encouraged to pursue art, and she loved DIY-style crafts and projects, so she was excited to get started with the planning. “Don’t get me wrong, loving Drew was the most important thing, but a wedding meant a fluttering of projects that I couldn’t wait to get started on.” She began by making their own save the dates, invitations, and ring pillows using antique lace from her grandmother’s wedding gown. She made small feathery pompoms for her niece to throw during the ceremony instead of flowers, and took the opportunity to peruse her favorite antique shops in search of vintage linens and glass bottles for the special day.
Relying only on the tiny Christmas lights strung throughout The Firehouse Center for the Visual Arts and a smattering of candles, Emily and Drew created a warm and romantic atmosphere while snow fell enchantingly outside on the evening of their wedding. With the help of her mother and a few friends, Emily set up dozens of vintage glass bottles, each holding a simple bouquet. She also displayed her own antique typewriter and utilized it as a guest book for guests to type notes to the newlyweds. Drawing inspiration from their shared love for Italy, the bride and groom served Italian-style food and chose an overall rustic tone to the event. The resulting décor was simple and elegant, with classic touches, and the feeling inside the gallery was all the couple could have hoped for. “I underestimated how wonderful it would be to be surrounded by friends and family and have a true moment of celebration with them all,” says Emily.
In the midst of the festivities, Emily and Drew stole away to enjoy a private moment on Church Street. Standing outside, as the snow fell around them, remains Emily’s favorite moment from the wedding. “It was chilly and we were outside, but those moments of being warm beside him grounded me and left me with a sweet still-frame memory.” It was an uncomplicated moment, purely sweet and simple, just as love should be.
Emily & Drew's Advice
#1 Thank everyone who helps you in any way by writing thank you cards while you’re planning. I was shocked at how many vendors told me they were never thanked.
#2 It really all goes by in a blur - take a few minutes to step away from the bustle of the celebration & just spend time with each other.