This wedding is instant goosebumps. It’s gorgeous blooms from Hana Floral Design, it’s stunning reds and warm laughter, and it’s a photo story from Ashley O’Dell that will warm every part of your being. I can’t speak highly enough about this gorgeous soiree, so please, please promise me you’ll block out a nice chunk of your day to spend in the gallery.
From the lovely bride … Growing up, I used to wish on the “ones.” Anytime a clock read 11:11, I made a wish. In 2005, after years and years spent wishing for “the one,” and string of wrong “ones,” I met Jay. And as luck would have it, our first date was on 11/11. I knew from the start we were meant to me. Jay had my heart from the start, with his charming down to earth nature, unique sense of humor and beautiful blue eyes. I was charmed and so was he.
Six years later on 11/11/11 (of course!) Jay proposed to me at The Castle on Hudson and then whisked me off to California wine country for five days. We’ve both always been huge wine lovers, but with Napa as our back drop we fell madly in love with the picturesque wineries and returned to the East Coast determined to find the perfect New England winery to host our wedding. Luckily, we didn’t have to look all that far. Jonathan Edwards was the first and last venue we explored. We knew in the first five minutes…this was the place we’d get married. Everything about it felt perfect, like a piece of home…and the wine wasn’t half bad either! So, we set our date for October 27, 2012 (11.11.12 wasn’t available!) and began planning.
Using the winery as our backdrop, we spent the next 11 months planning every last detail, making sure our big day was a reflection of us. We wanted the wedding to feel down to earth, yet elegant. Rustic, but charming. We wanted our guests to step into our reception tent and get transported to another time. From playful bistro lighting and grapevine lanterns strung throughout, to our New Orleans style jazz band, our vision was realized and our wedding could not have been more perfect.
Little did we know… 2 days later Superstorm Sandy would touch down in our home state of New York. We were blessed with perfect late Fall weather, and even a wedding day rainbow, but so many of our friends and family were not so lucky just days later. With power lost and some with homes and jobs lost, we were quickly reminded that nothing matters more than those that you love and life is precious. Though we deterred a full week from our honeymoon in Hawaii, I cannot think of a better way to have spent my first week married to the love of my life.
[dotted]
Venue: Jonathan Edwards Winery | Catering: Russel Morin Fine Catering | The Dress: Amsale “Calista” | The Suit: Custom made by Louis Purple, NYC | Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale, from The Wedding Library NYC | Photographer: Ashley O’Dell | New Orleans Jazz Band: Baby Soda | Tent Lighting Designer: Ryan Designs | Florist: Hana Floral Design | Hair + Makeup: Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa