I have to admit I am a tad bit jealous when it comes to our next bride and groom. Not only are they completely style-savvy but they also seem to have more glamour in their pinky fingers then I have EVER had in my entire life and one glance at their Connecticut wedding is living proof. Sixpence For Your Shoe lent their keen eye for design and whipped up a perfectly styled event to match this adorable couple and all of it was captured by one of our favorite photographers, Jonathan Canlas who has sooo many more gorgeous images in the gallery. Definitely worth a look!
Shade Tree Films shot the perfect little number to finish up this Connecticut beauty and give you a little insight into such a lovely day. So, without further ado…
Receiving the phone call from California based wedding photographer, Brian Khang, with a request to help him, and his long time love Helen, plan their Connecticut wedding was music to my ears. We have admired Brian’s work, dating back to his roots in Connecticut before moving West to make it big, and that he did. We met in person on one of their few East Coast trips and formed great bonds from the beginning. Brian has an incredible eye, a keen sense of design, and a love of beautiful things. This made planning with him and with Helen an exciting challenge! Every decision made, every component incorporated, every design element selected was carefully thought out with the aesthetics through a photographer’s eye and lens in mind. The color palette was selected early on. A vibrant mix of aqua and teal, lilac and plum, with accents of silver and cream, all feminine and sweet, set the stage for a gorgeous contrast off the rich masculinity of the interior of the Branford House Mansion, in Groton, Connecticut. A bit of preppy and a bit of whimsy, balanced with vintage nods to create a sophisticated and polished event that was down right current and fun. Honoring Helen’s Chinese heritage, the formalities began with a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony at the Griswold Inn, in Essex, Connecticut. During this ceremony, it is tradition, that Helen is formally introduced to Brian’s family, and tea is exchanged as a symbol of respect. Helen wore a stunning plum colored, peacock inspired Chinese Wedding Dress, known as a Chi Pao, Brian was quite dapper in a Teal and Gold Chinese 2 button jacket, custom made at J. Crew.
Attire was one large detail, not to go unattended. Helen wore three gowns throughout the day, her jaw dropping wedding gown, Sabelle, by Maggie Sottero, her ultra feminine Chinese Wedding Dress, and her flirty one shouldered frock for dancing. The maids kept it modern and preppy in one shouldered short dresses with floral embellishment on the trim from the Limited. Brian, known for his love of ties, especially bow ties, and vests, wore not one but two outfits as well. In addition to his Chinese Jacket, he wore a well fitting three piece suit from J.Crew, a fun bow tie from Brooks Brothers and argyle socks! The guys kept it cool in matching gray vests and pants, and various neck ties from Burberry. They kept in tune with Brian, with matching argyle socks as well! At the Branford House, guests were greeted to the seaside ceremony location, overlooking the expansive lawn and exposed rock behind the mansion. Two large garden inspired arrangements flanked the front of the ceremony space, and the rear row of chairs was dressed with ribbons, blowing in the breeze. Always fashion forward, Helen wanted the ladies to be dressed to the nines, right down to their toes, so the maids, in gorgeous heels from Aldo, stood on slices of tree stump, stained to match the Walnut chairs selected for the ceremony. The cocktail hour was fun and festive, casual and cool. Guests enjoyed American favorites both stationary and passed, while they mingled the grounds, gathered around the photobooth, and selected their escort cards, strung amidst images from Brian and Helen’s engagement session.
Inside the mansion, round tables doned rich aqua linens, topped with scalloped china, amethyst goblets, Victorian lilac lamour napkins, and modern styled silverware and chopsticks greeted guests. Two styles of centerpieces, incorporating lilacs, roses, peonies and greens, added height and variety to the grand space. Individual menus detailed the traditional eight course Chinese meal, guests were about to receive. Warm uplighting and a purple ceiling wash finished the look. As the evening progressed, guests danced away, delighted in assorted Tazo Teas, and snacked on delectable treats from a fabulous dessert buffet. Brian and Helen bid farewell to a sparkler send-off and rode off in a vintage Roadster Porsche. A spectacular end to a spectacular wedding!
Vendor Credits: Jonathan Canlas Photography / Cinematography: Shade Tree Films / Flowers: Stems Floral Design / Event Design, Planning and Coordination: Sixpence For Your Shoe / Ceremony and Reception Location: Branford House / Mansion Caterer: American – A Thyme To Cook, Chinese – Victor Huynh / Invitations and Stationery: Papeterie / Bride’s Wedding Attire: Maggie Sottero, Chi Pao, Badgley Mischka / Groom’s Wedding Attire: J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, Cole Haan / Beauty: Jennie Fresa Beauty Library / DJ: Rob Waldron, Standing Ovations / Lighting: Shindig Lighting / Rentals: Party Rental, LTD., BBJ Linen, Linen Hero / Custom Wedding Dress Designer: L’ATELIER / Classic Car Rental: Classic Cars and Byways / Officiant: Sara Carson, CT Justice of the Peace