Nestled among towering pines, open fields, and peaceful pond views, The Spruce at Tanglewood Estate is a private outdoor venue in Mansfield, CT where timeless celebrations come to life.

The Spruce isn’t named after the trees that surround this property. It’s named after the soul who taught me to dream beneath them.

Spruce was my heart dog. My best friend. My greatest adventure, and without question, one of the greatest loves of my life. He was by my side through every season, every dream, and every step that brought me here. He taught me to be kinder, to slow down, to find joy in the little things, and to believe that even the biggest dreams are worth chasing. If I was going somewhere, so was he. Together we traveled up and down the East Coast, camped under the stars, stayed in hotels, and even slept in the car on long road trips. He never cared where we were, as long as we were together.

But our favorite place was always home.

There was nothing Spruce loved more than hearing me ask, “Do you want to go run?” We’d head out into these fields, me on my ATV and him racing behind, barking with pure excitement. He’d weave through the tall grass with his tail held high, happier than anywhere else in the world. Those were some of the happiest moments of my life, too.

Why
"The Spruce?"

Even now, when I look across these fields, I can still picture his tail bouncing above the grass. I can still hear his bark echoing across the farm. And if I close my eyes, I can still see those beautiful blue eyes looking back at me, ready for our next adventure.

Spruce inspired me to become a better person. He gave me the courage to chase dreams that once felt impossible. When cancer took him, I promised him that he would never be forgotten. That I would keep going. That I would keep chasing the dreams he’d quietly watched grow over the years, and build a life that would make him proud.

The Spruce is that promise kept.

Every celebration held here honors the dog who taught me what unconditional love looks like. Every celebration at The Spruce becomes part of his legacy.
Every couple who begins their story here helps keep his memory alive. Every laugh shared, every vow exchanged, and every celebration held on this land becomes part of his legacy. I can think of no greater way to honor the best friend I’ve ever had.