The venue at which this Connecticut country wedding took place was born for weddings, yet it took this special day to help the owners to come to that realization. The whole day was so perfect – the epitome of fantastically fun summer weddings – that White Woods Farm decided to open their doors to more happy couples. And after peeking at the beautiful images from Meghan Sepe, I’d do the same. The romantic ceremony under the open sky was followed by a country chic reception under a Sperry Tent, and the rest of the details were just as great. I’ll be spending the rest of today in the gallery – meet you there!
Brian and I met in the summer of 2003 working at the Clarke Cooke House in Newport, Rhode Island. It was love and first sight when I saw the tan surfer in his tuxedo, and we knew instantly that there was a spark between us. Our love of travel and complimenting personalities were unmistakably a perfect fit. After a multitude of trips to various countries, renovating a historic house in Newport, and building a life together, we knew it was time for the next step.
Brian proposed on our dog’s favorite beach in Martha’s Vineyard. Spending weekends at the family cottage on the island had become a special ritual since we first met. He insisted on taking a swim as soon as we disembarked the ferry before we got to the house. Luckily I agreed, and the next thing I knew he was kneeling in the sand asking for my hand. We rocked out to our favorite Vineyard band Johhny Hoy and the Bluefish that night and knew we had to convince them to play our big day.
We both knew exactly what we wanted; open air, hot July, summer fare, twinkly party lights, a rockin’ band, fireworks, and everything that epitomized our idea of summer with friends and family.
My groom waited patiently along with our dog Lenny, a Bouvier des Flanders, for his bride to finally arrive in the big red convertible. The rainclouds had delayed the wedding a tad (one hour). The fresh raindrops glistened in the tree under which we said our vows and created an ethereal sparkling veil.
The wedding itself was held at White Woods Farm in Stonington, Connecticut where I grew up. Inspired by our wedding, the owners have actually now made it available to others for such events. The white washed horse barn and rustic country home overlooking the expansive fields and pond provided a superb setting for our family and friends that allowed us to entertain with casual elegance while encouraging the guests to explore the property. Under the sail cloth tent, the tables were simple and understated. The green striped kitchen towels inspired by Pastis in New York City, accented the wide Tuscan tables which were scattered with antique jars abound with flowers carefully put together by my bridesmaid and her mother. Among everything there was a subtle constant spattering of red in the details. My red satin peep toe heels were the source of inspiration for the underlying color theme that reoccurred throughout.
Brian and I would both call ourselves gastronomic aficionados. The food had to be good and it had to be different. Smoke and Pickles of Westport, Massachusetts delivered all that and more. Appetizer stations boasted fresh scallop ceviche, large coils of homemade sausages and peppers over bruschetta, and a smoked chicken taco bar freshly pulled and topped to order. Dinner was served from great slabs of wood on grand white linen buffets with towering heaps of grilled veggies, whole wood roasted native striped bass, succulent spice rubbed pork loin, fire-roasted potatoes and a plethora of slaws and salsas making a colorful feast for the eyes.
After dinner, the band got everyone on the dance floor, barefoot or in a pair of flops from the basket. In no time everyone was drenched with perspiration but loving every minute. Cleverly, my mother had put cool wet washcloths in the coca-cola cooler for our guests to refresh. The band took a break and the fireworks began. Together, we stood back and watched our guests.
The day had finally come. It all went by so fast and like a dream… the vows, the toasts, the speeches, the dining, the laughing, the dancing, the cake cutting, and rejoicing. If I had to decide on my favorite moment, I couldn’t. Our success would never have been possible without all the help of our family and friends. We have never felt more loved or special, and as everyone told us during the planning, it’s all worth it in the end.
Photographer: Meghan Sepe Photography / Floral Designer: Red Truck Flowers / Event Planning and Coordination: Bride and Groom / Invitations and Save the Dates: designed by Bride / Cake: Grand Finale Wedding Cakes / Caterer: Smoke and Pickles / Brides Hair: Rob Rivers / Groomsmen: JoS. A Bank, Sperry Shoes / Brides Maids: Ann Taylor, Zappos / Tent: Sperry Tents / Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / Jewlery: Great grandmother’s Cameos / Bar and Service: Cask ‘n Keg / Fireworks: Willy / Venue: White Woods Farm