Wedding Review 1: Breezy Romance at Chanticlaire Farm
By Julie Perine on June 10, 2012
It was as if the town was named for the merriment that w
ould cultivate there.Friendsville, MD was where friends and family of Derek Satterfield and Ashley Beth Jackson gathered to witness their union as husband and wife.
The setting was the picturesque Chanticlaire Farm, featuring rolling green hills, a barn-turned-reception hall and pond complete with spraying fountain. Massive hydrangeas spilled from metal buckets which climbed up a ladder stretching to the top of a silo. Moss, ferns and other greenery delicately trimmed the outdoor seating area, surrounding a stone walkway and center aisle, pre-scattered with white rose petals.
One by one, couples proceeded down the cobblestone walkway. Each groomsman was attired in a charcoal gray suit, crisp white shirt and pale yellow tie. Appropriately enough, a matching bachelor button was perched upon his lapel. On his arm was a bride’s attendant, adorned in a halter-style, yellow satin knee-length dress, showcasing a below-the-bust cumberbund and died-
to-match strappy 
heeled sandals. In her hair was a single charcoal flower and she carried a simple bouquet of daffodils with hand-tied stems.Steps were careful and casual, as a sunny early-evening breeze and an upbeat processional, “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz, combined for perfect accompaniment.
But the real star was the bride, arriving via horse and carriage, her strapless Maggie Sottero “Shaylyn” gown cascading over the rails of the carriage.
With a clean and simple bouquet of dahlias and on her grandfather’s arm, she approached her groom under a tastefully-decorated archway as an instrumental version of the bridal march played. He awaited, dressed similarly to his groomsmen, but opting for a white tie – and a pocket square in camouflage – a small detail reflecting his love for all things outdoors.
The ceremony was light-hearted but heart-felt, featuring unique dialog which combined vows and ring exchange. Guests sigh
ed affirmatively when the bride and groom each spoke the words: “I thank God for designing me with you in m
ind.”A slight wind created some challenge for the lighting of the unity candle. Some improvisation took place and worked like a charm. The wedding went off without a hitch and the couple was presented for the first time as husband and wife before their closest family and friends.
Immediately, the newlyweds jumped into the carriage to share a ride and a moment, then met up with the bridal party for photographs.
There was no waiting around by guests, who were summoned into the balcony area of Chanticlaire Farm for champagne and mimosas, then invited into the lower area of the building for an array of hors d'oeuvres –veggies and dip served in miniature bread bowls and generous shrimp skewers becoming immediate favorites. The wine was sparkling, as was the conversational mingling. Unique accents of the facility – a barn-turned shabby chic reception hall – served as great conversation pieces. A p
hoto booth, complete with feather boas and Mardi Gras-style glasses and beads, provided further fun.
hoto booth, complete with feather boas and Mardi Gras-style glasses and beads, provided further fun.
Guests were then called upstairs for dinner and introduction of the wedding party. The shabby chic theme continued as guests were delighted to find everything from class act chandeliers to strategically placed horseshoes for good luck. An inviting red canoe housed the salad bar and further spawned fun conversational exchanges. Also on the buffet were filet mignon and stuffed chicken breasts, along with a mashed potato bar featuring traditional and sweet spuds, with every imaginable trimming.
Ashley Beth and Derek took the dance floor, embracing as they danced to the romantic “Then” by West Virginia’s own Brad Paisley. Guests raised their glasses multiple times to the happy couple and when it was appropriate, took their spots on the dance floor for a full night of celebration.
Originally from Clarksburg and Carmel, NY, respectively, Derek and “A.J.” met while attending West Virginia University. They reside in Martinsburg, where he is a West Virginia State Trooper and she is furthering her education in the health field, specifically graduate studies in nursing.
Thank you, Mary Beth Winters, for suppying some of the above photos.
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