By Kaitlyn Murray
September 13, 2014
Together since they were seniors in high school, Dave and Janelle’s engagement became a family affair when Dave took Janelle to the rooftop deck of her family’s home and surprised her with a ring on Easter morning, 2013. About a year-and-a-half later, their self-described “casually elegant” wedding on the gorgeous grounds of Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum in Bristol was no different: many of the couple’s closest family and friends arrived early to help build the chuppah for their ceremony. Janelle says, “Dave’s family is Jewish, but not particularly religious. That said, we really liked the meaning of the chuppah. It is supposed to symbolize a home, and as long as you have each other and a roof over your heads, you have a home together.” The sentiment rang true as the day went on: Some showers managed to crash the cocktail hour, but the newlyweds remained unfazed. With a luxurious reception tent overhead and their loved ones by their sides, Dave and Janelle were home.
All photos (above and in gallery) by Oggi Photography.
![](https://www.engagedsne.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/tent_sm.jpg ""Honestly, it didn’t take much away from the day at all," says Janelle of rain. "As long as you are there and enjoying yourselves, you’ll do fine.”")
![](https://www.engagedsne.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/stone-arch_sm.jpg "The couple chose Blithewold not just because it's beautiful, but because it's a nonprofit. "We liked having our money go toward a nonprofit, and can now go back and visit any time we like,” says Janelle.")