I literally got chills as I read about our next wedding and drooled over the photography by Heidi of Our Labor of Love. Every wedding we share is oh-so sweet but there is just something so personal and touching about this this New York celebration. Dorothy and Mike were married at their own home, a family estate and the very place where her parents were married, and they even used the same (incredible!) florist. I really can’t get over the flowers. They are just breathtaking! There is so much more in the full gallery so check it out!
Click here to see more inspiration in the full wedding gallery!
The wedding was at our house overlooking the Moriches Bay, East Moriches, NY. It has been in the family since the 1920’s and my parents were married there too ( except their wedding was inside because it rained). Since our families have known each other for over 10 years, but we only started dating when he got out of the Marine Corps several years ago, we wanted the wedding to have a family oriented atmosphere. His brother-in-law officiated, his nephew was our ring bearer and my cousin read the Irish Prayer during the ceremony. Even the majority of our animal friends made appearances at the wedding!
We tried to pay attention to small details that reflected our personalities and interests. We used the bee symbol throughout the wedding mainly because during my time as a forensic investigator in Baltimore, MD I developed a fancy for insects. The bee symbolizes hope and diligence which seemed fitting for a marriage. Our invitations had a bee wax seal which my mom and I also used to make the napkin rings at each place setting. A family member embroidered the bee on tiny gift bags which were filled with Tate’s Cookies. They are baked locally and the smell inundates people as they drive through our town! We wanted to look to reflect the setting so the colors were muted and really emphasized the surroundings. Bayport Flower House provided the flowers for my parents wedding so they were an obvious choice. It also kept with the homegrown feel of the day. Mike and I even sat in needlepoint chairs that were plucked out of my parents living room and have been part of the family as long as the house has!
The groomsmen were all former Marines so they wore miniature gold wings as tie tacks. The gold wings were also on the wedding cake which was fashioned to look like a stack of antique books to pay tribute to my favorite hobby. Each book represented us as individuals, Mike with the military and equestrian motifs for my layer with one layer dedicated to our union. We chose the bagpipes because I have a long deceased relative who would come play the bagpipes by the water during family gatherings so it was a way to remember those that could only share our day in spirit. Our first dance was to Rolling Stones – Wild Horses, mostly because I am an avid horseback rider and when Mike and I first started dating he informed me that the thing in this world he is most fearful of are horses! The DJ was a pal of Mike’s who is in the Air National Guard with him.
We ended the night with fireworks, set off by friends….which probably should have been left to professionals.
Oh, and I wore red shoes because, with a name like Dorothy, I had to sneak a Wizard of Oz reference in somewhere….and there is no place like home!
Photography: Heidi with Our Labor of Love / Catering: Moriches Catering / Flowers: Bayport Flower House / Cake: Toni at Have Your Cake, Ltd. / DJ: Pat Williamson / Bagpipes: Members of the Suffolk County Police Pipe Band / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang (the same style as Chelsea Clinton!) / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J. Crew / Suits: Rico’s Clothing / Jewelry: Metal Monk / Favors: Tate’s Cookies