It’s a nautical stripes, pink peonies + gingham bow-ties kind of morning here at SMP and let me tell you, I’m head-over-heels in love! Lindsay Flanagan Photography snapped up all the pretty from this preppy Guilford Yacht Club wedding with gorgeous blooms from Hana Floral Design. And that Vera stunner with the bow details? Perfection. See the rest right here!
Click here for the FULL wedding!
Carol and Erich were introduced by dear friends of each of theirs. Initially, Erich thought Carol was a little quiet and shy but pretty, so he asked her out. After a few emails and confusing communications, they had a fantastic first date. A year and a half later, after meeting Carol’s 18 immediate family members, a trip away with Erich’s extended family and an adventure in Thailand and Cambodia, Erich, a self proclaimed introvert, got down on one knee in the restaurant from their first date and proposed. Carol cried and could barely wait to call her parents and five siblings with the news. That night they came home their West Village apartment in NYC to a celebration with their neighbors and friends from Dubai — it was perfect!
After scouring New York City and Westchester County, Carol and Erich found the Guilford Yacht Club close to their families in Connecticut, and within moments, they were sold. The simplicity of the space with the stunning views and the warmth had them both excited. Marissa, the planner from Jordan Catering, sealed the deal! They had a venue and a theme: clean, simple and nautical. For both Carol and Erich, family, tradition and friends mean everything. Raised Catholic, Carol wanted a religious ceremony, although she was not tied to having it in a church. Erich found Father Matthew as we find many things these days: on the internet. Skeptical, Carol went to meet him. He brought all of the Catholic traditions with him but met Carol and Erich’s sensibilities.
Carol found her dress at the Bridal Garden in NYC, a second-hand bridal store. Her dress had arrived that day, and she fell in love. The proceeds from the dress were donated to a school in Brooklyn, assuaging Carol’s guilt for such an extravagant dress. Erich found his suit and shoes around the corner from Carol’s apartment, which had become their home. The next task was finding a way to incorporate their family and friends, from nephews playing the entrance music to Erich’s sister as his witness family and friends stood with them as they said I do. It felt like the rest of the details just fell into place, and with recommendations for fantastic vendors, the flowers, food and music came together easily. The key to the success of the day was Carol and Erich’s friend Marla. With a 30+ person wedding party, they needed someone wrangling the troops, and Marla, having stage managed Broadway shows, was amazing at getting everything moving in a precise and organized fashion with out a worry in the world. She thought of all the little details, from having a friend wait with Carol as her family walked down the aisle ahead of her to ensuring all the vendors knew their cues. Marla made their day worry-free.
The whole night showcased Carol and Erich’s families coming together and the couple’s great joy with each other. They feel blessed in every way to have found each other.
Wedding Photography: Lindsay Flanagan Photography / Wedding Venue: Guilford Yacht Club in Guilford, Connecticut / Floral Design: Hana Floral Design / Cupcakes: Lindsey of Sweetie’s Bakery and Cafe / Favors: DIY / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang via Bridal Garden / Bride’s Jewelry: From a Friend / Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom / Bride’s Ring: Her Mother’s / Makeup: Lindsay Milan of Jennie Fresa ~ Makeup & Skincare Boutiquerie / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Ann Taylor, Gap + Borrowed / Bridesmaids’ Sashes: The Bride’s Sister / Groom’s Attire: Tonello / Tie: Vineyard Vines / Groom’s Ring: His Maternal Grandfather’s