An Intimate Outdoor Rehearsal Dinner in the Grove
Rehearsal dinners should feel different from the wedding day.
They’re not about production. They’re about grounding everyone before the celebration begins.
This dinner was held in the Grove — the cluster of mature trees in the lower pasture at Saint Basil Farm. It’s one of the most peaceful areas on the property and my favorite “secret” spot for many reasons. The trees create natural shade and enclosure without feeling closed in. In the afternoon the light streams golden hues through its green leaves. In the evening the Italian lights bring a nostalgic longing for times past. On one of the grove’s trees hangs an icon of the Theotokos we received from a special priest. We carried it with us across the country from California and it found its home in this perfect hideaway.
As for the couple, this was the first place where Nina and David bonded a few years before at my 30th birthday tea party in the grove. It was also the place where Nina requested to celebrate their new life together.
Why We Chose the Grove
The lower pasture gives you space, but the Grove keeps it intimate. We have other areas on the farm that are just as magical, like the apple and peach orchard or on the far side of the pond. But this is different.
Guests can gather without feeling scattered. Conversations carry easily. Children can move around safely. There’s room for long-table setups or separate rounds depending on the party size. Plus, there have been some seriously fun dance parties in the past in this grove.
As the sun lowers, string lights overhead take over naturally. There’s no dramatic transition — just a steady shift from daylight to candlelight. It’s nearby landscape is the garden which allows couples to get away and pick off a ripe tomato or strawberry. From there, children and adults alike often enjoy taking a turn about the pond, searching for fish and sitting on the dock with the water wheel.
All of these elements allow the evening to unfold instead of feeling scheduled. It allows introverts to find solace away from the party while inviting extroverts to experience everything the farm has to offer. The background music usually sings of birds, cicadas and frogs enjoying the party too.
Simple Details We Enjoyed in the Grove
One thing I appreciated about this dinner was the restraint.
The setting didn’t compete with the land. It worked with it. Neutral linens allowed the trees and pasture to stay the backdrop. Gold flatware added warmth without being flashy. Beeswax taper candles and beeswax tea lights were sprinkled in between simple mason jars filled with seasonal flowers.
I wanted it to be simple, thoughtful, and sweet.
Just like the couple we were celebrating.And easy to clean up as well.
At the end of the table, a small dessert station held pie on a wooden cake stand and cookies under a glass dome.
Food and Flow in the Grove
Rehearsal dinners work best when the pacing is unhurried. Long tables encourage passing plates and lingering conversations. Toasts happen organically. People relax into the setting.
On a farm, especially in the lower pasture, there’s no rush to turn the room over. No tight ballroom schedule. Just time. That’s what made it special and fit the couple’s style.
Because there is so much space in the grove, there was plenty of room to style a comfy seating area for guests as well as to offer multiple food and drink tables. As a buffet, guests chose their favorite dishes from the catered Greek cuisine by Zito Greek Kitchen. We offered coffee, tea, and a self-serve drink bar that offered variety and kept things simple. Finally for dessert, we enjoyed simple favorites chosen by the couple that complimented the rest of the menu.
What The Grove Offers
The Grove isn’t a manicured event lawn. It’s a living part of the farm.
Mature trees
Open pasture views
Space for long tables
Room for children to run
Golden hour light
A natural canopy for string lighting
It’s best suited for couples who want something intimate, grounded, and centered around gathering with their favorite people. And yet, it provides a dreamy, delightful and romantic setting that makes you feel like you’re in a fairy tale.
If you are interested in celebrating an event in the grove, please reach out to us and we’d love to discuss sharing your special occasions with you. Otherwise, we hope you took some inspiration to create your own sweet, simple party with strung lights and beautiful people. Cheers.
All photography by Meghan Ford Photography
