Every detail from Catherine and Sam’s intimate wedding was nothing short of stunning! Their February celebration was proof that intimate weddings, although small in size, can still be filled with big design and attention to detail. From the dramatic drapery and lighting installations, to the immersive dining experiences, their wedding featured some of the most anticipated trends for 2025! Read on for more from their gorgeous day.

Vendor Team

Following an offsite ceremony, The Hutton House Fireside Room offered the perfect setting for an intimate wedding reception with the couple’s closest family and friends. Phos Events gorgeous chandeliers and sparkling overhead lighting cast a romantic ambiance, while the dramatic drapery installation by Après Event Décor and Tent Rental created a stunning backdrop for their candlelight dinner.

Just as stunning was Catherine and Sam’s thoughtfully curated menu, which didn’t miss a detail. Complete with unique and immersive dining experiences for their guests like the Oyster Bar served from The Hutton House’s custom chilled cart. Loved ones gathered for dinner around long harvest tables, lining each side of the room. While a sparkling champagne tower and cutting cake created a central focal point. The bar served Maple Old Fashioned Signature Sips; a nod to their family’s maple syrup harvesting traditions.

Get the Look

Dramatic drapery and unique lighting installations are two of this year’s most sought after wedding trends! We asked our friends at Après Event Décor and Tent Rental and Phos Events for their top tips on how you can recreate Catherine and Sam’s stunning reception look at your upcoming wedding celebration.

“One thing many couples don’t always think about? Lighting makes a huge impact — even during the day. The new hanging points in the Fireside Room are a total game changer for this space. They’ve opened up so many design possibilities, from full-room décor to focused installations right above the ceremony or aisle.

For Catherine and Sam’s wedding, we approached the design like we do with many of our clients: we wanted to create a full-room “wow” factor while also making the space feel cozy and intimate. We brought in lower-hanging chandeliers to draw the eye and guide attention, especially to key focal points. Twinkle lights draped down the side walls and peaked up toward the center to beautifully frame the aisle, making space for three pendant lights hung right down the middle. The final look? Absolutely breathtaking!”

-Adam Welz
Phos Events

What fabric do you recommend for creating a dramatic drapery installation?

“Velvet! It drapes beautifully and has it all; warmth, depth, and a luxurious feel! We also love mixing sheers or satin fabrics in with the velvet for additional dimensions. Plus we have so many colors to choose from in the velvet collection!“

– Emily Peter
Après Event Décor and Tent Rental

Where is the best place to create a drapery install?

“The swagged drapery look, ‘tree top draping’ as we have come to call it, is a great option for ceremony backdrops turned to a photo op, the focal point of your reception space, or accenting the architecture of the space (like we did in The Hutton House space!)“

– Emily Peter
Après Event Décor and Tent Rental

How can clients plan for quantities with an installation like this?

“Clients can call Après! All we need is the desired length and height, maybe an inspiration photo, and we can create from there. If creating a backdrop we recommend extending out past the focal point by a few feet. For height we have found 12 feet to be a great height when applicable, but can work with shorter.”

– Emily Peter
Après Event Décor and Tent Rental

For couples getting married at The Hutton House, what are your go-to recommendations for décor in our Fireside Room?

“Flat Panel Drapery Package: This is an affordable and elegant way to add drama. It swoops from left to right and looks amazing in the space.

Battery-Powered Chandeliers & Pendants: These eliminate the need for cords, dimmers, or any visible mechanics — just clean, seamless beauty.

Installations Over the Fireplace: With the new hanging points, floral and lighting installations above the fireplace are now totally possible. This opens up so many options for unique ceremony designs.

Ceiling Twinkle or Café Lighting: These give off a dreamy, romantic vibe that enhances the entire room.”

-Adam Welz
Phos Events

All images by Rachel McElmury Photo

LEARN MORE: Contact our team to learn more about hosting your own intimate wedding celebration at The Hutton House. And be sure to visit our website to learn about working with any of the Recommended Vendors featured throughout this blog.