With a proposal so romantic (seriously, it’s a must-read) the wedding to follow was bound to be spectacular, and spectacular it was. Filled with sweet, rustic details that have charmed the socks right off us, the entire soiree was chic and special, and could only be captured so wonderfully by Craig Photography. You don’t have to wait, click here for the gallery, but please promise me you’ll read their sweet engagement story below!
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Missy and Matt first set eyes on each other one day at work. After nearly three and a half years of dating, Matt gave Missy the surprise of her life. While on a weekend getaway to New York City early in December, Matt proposed to Missy in Park Slope, Brooklyn. He had been working with an event planner, Sarah Pease (Brilliant Event Planning), for months in planning the proposal of Missy’s dreams. Matt incorporated memories of their past as well as Missy’s favorite things into the romantic proposal. He had crystal chandeliers and beautiful arrangements of pale pink roses and orchids that cascaded down a vintage french inspired trellis in a local, quaint bistro called Belleville that Matt had rented.
As Missy and Matt spent their day enjoying the shops throughout Park Slope, Matt told Missy that he had found the perfect spot to have a cup of tea and a late lunch. As they proceeded towards the restaurant, a vintage car caught Missy’s eye – it was a 1932 white Hupmobile. As she passed by it, she commented on the nice parking job that the driver had done – the car was sitting in the middle of the street. As Matt chuckled, he was thinking to himself, that’s the car we will be driving around later in the evening! As Missy and Matt sat down inside Belleville, a waitress (who actually worked for the event planner and wasn’t a waitress there) came over to take their order and mentioned a special “event” that was being held later that evening. She asked Missy and Matt if they would like to see the set up of the event. Missy was excited – she thought the event may have been for a celebrity! So, Missy and Matt strolled outside the restaurant in order to access the back entrance to a private room.
As they entered the room, Missy was amazed at the beauty inside. The room was sparkling with chandeliers and candles and smelled of sweet roses. She heard music being played by a guitarist and four vocalists who were grinning from ear to ear as they sang “Marry Me” by Train. As Missy continued to look around the room, she suddenly noticed black and white pictures of her and Matt throughout the years. It was at that point, that she turned to Matt and with tears in her eyes, began to piece together that Matt had planned a very special day for her. He got down on one knee, and asked Missy to marry him. She was so surprised, that she exclaimed “Definitely!” which Matt took as a “yes.”
Matt continued to take Missy throughout the room and showed her the special things that he had designed for the proposal which included: a beautiful three tier cake with french words around it, M&M’s in their favorite colors that had their pictures on them and read “will you marry me?”, a vintage wine box engraved with their names on it with a bottle of Pinot Noir inside (this was the first wine that they had tasted together on a date back in 2008). After toasting to their engagement with a bottle of champagne, Missy and Matt continued their special day with a ride in the 1932 Hupmobile across the Brooklyn bridge and throughout Times Square. They finished their day off with a delightful 9 course meal at Le Bernardin in Manhattan in a private room and received a special visit from the head chef – Eric Ripert.
After the perfect french inspired proposal, Missy and Matt wanted to find an equally special venue to tie the knot. They selected Shady Elms Farm, a quaint family farm located in Hickory, PA. It was love at first sight when Missy and Matt visited the farm – so much so, that it was the only venue that they looked at. It captured exactly what they were looking for in a venue – it had an intimate touch with vintage inspired charm. Since fall is Missy and Matt’s favorite season, they decided to plan their wedding in less than a year, so that they could forever remember September 29, the day that they would exchange their vows.
Keeping with the vintage theme, Missy chose a pale pearl pink for the bridesmaids tee length dresses with gold accents. She gave each bridesmaid a brass gold bangle with their initial on it and handmade floral clutches. With the help of her friend Justine, she designed beautiful necklaces for the girls to wear for the special day. The flower girls were dressed in sage green with flowers throughout their hair. They wore white ribbon pearls.
The favors for the wedding consisted of handmade bottle cap magnets with birds and butterflies designed on them. Enclosed with each bottle cap magnet was a special saying thanking their family and friends for sharing their wedding day with them. The saying also reminded guests to enjoy the photo booth and silly props that would later be worn on the dance floor throughout the night.
To remember those family members that could not be with Missy and Matt, they played special songs like Danny Boy and a polka in memory of their grandparents.
Photography: Craig Photography / Flowers: Donati’s Florist / Caterer: Armstrong’s / DJ: Steve Maffei, Jr. / Cake: Signature Desserts / Hair & Makeup: Justine Lynn Kolano of Beauty Justified / Venue: Shady Elms Farm / Invitations: Art by Kelli Murray / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero / Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Alfred Sung / Men’s Fashion: Tuxedo Junction / Custom designed wedding rings: Goldstock / Bride’s earrings & bracelet: Rew Elliot