“Magical elegance” was the Bride and Groom’s inspiration for this wedding and they most certainly hit the nail on the head. Combining the classic beauty of the Bedford Post Inn with moments of brilliance like a pool dotted with coral peonies and bright blooms by Sandra Taurina, this celebration planned by Eventavli toes the line between cozy, relaxed and wildly gorgeous. Get lost in all the pretty imagery captured by Simply Sarah with even more right here.
From the bride…Rutherford and I first met in 1997, when he was attending college with my sister Natalie. At the time I was still in high school and had a massive, secret crush on Rutherford; although I’m sure it was somewhat obvious! I always looked forward to seeing him and whenever my sister was having get togethers I would secretly hope for Rutherford to be there. Nothing ever came of my innocent crush as life took us in different directions, but God had a plan for our future and we reconnected thirteen years later. From that moment forward it was as if everything we had been thru in life brought us back to one another!
Our engagement couldn’t have been any more special! Rutherford and I always travel together around our anniversary which coincides with Rutherford’s birthday week and last year we decided to go to Eleuthera, Bahamas. My sisters and I had traveled to the island earlier that year and just fell in love! Rutherford decided that my favorite beach on the island would be the perfect place for the proposal. I was so excited to be back at Lighthouse Point and was rushing to get to the top of the cliffs to see the view that I had missed so much since my previous visit. I told Rutherford to watch out for snakes on the way up to the cliff’s edge; little did I know we were about to get engaged! I was busy taking pictures of what remains to be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen on earth and Rutherford suggested that we take some “selfies” together. I thought it was a bit strange as the day before when I was trying to do so he wasn’t too on board with the idea. Rutherford embraced me from behind and when I blurted out “hey I’m trying to take pictures” (in my head thinking leave me alone haha) he suggested that I just enjoy the view and moment. Rutherford then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him; I was shaking as I couldn’t believe what was happening. I then began to ask “why am I shaking” as in my heart I felt nothing but comfort and excitement. It was a beautiful moment that I will never forget!
Our wedding day was truly a celebration of our love! In planning our wedding my vision was one of magical elegance. The design inspiration was drawn from the elements of nature which complement the organic setting of Bedford Post Inn. I fell in love with the simple charm of the inn and beautiful property which lends itself to feeling more like a private home. Our stunningly designed invitation suite set the tone for the details to follow. A number of personal touches were incorporated into the wedding including my bouquet which was tied with lace from my grandmother’s island of Samos, Greece, the serving of a ceremonial cocktail native to my husband’s family’s country of Haiti and favors of wildflower and thyme honey imported from Greece. From our ceremony in the yoga loft overlooking the gardens, to the reflecting pool decorated with vibrant flower petals, our wedding song sung by Jermaine Paul, the incredible floral arrangements, to dancing under the stars our wedding day was everything we hoped it to be and more! Our favorite memory from our wedding day was the moment we both saw one another for the first time at the ceremony and embraced hands. Any nerves that we may have been feeling quickly subsided and were replaced with excitement!
To all newly engaged brides I would most definitely recommend Simply Sarah Photography! From my very first conversation with Sarah I knew that she was the photographer I had been searching for to capture our special day. Speaking with her felt more like catching up with a friend; she was extremely easy-going, patient and understanding. Her positive, comforting energy was felt even more so in person as she created a fun, safe space allowing for an enjoyable experience! Sarah’s work is incredible; the ethereal feeling evoked through her photographs is second to none! I really believe it is more than a coincidence that I came across Sarah’s beautiful work through her posts of Eleuthera; the same island where my husband and I were engaged! We are so blessed to have had Sarah behind the lens and will cherish the moments she captured for a lifetime.
Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Event Planning: Eventavli | Floral Design: Sandra Taurina | Wedding Dress: Inbal Dror | Invitations: Spurle Gul Studios | Shoes: Aquazzura | Catering: Bedford Post Inn | Makeup: Chico Mitsui | Hair: Ertan Kahriman | DJ: DJ B. Mills | Groom's Attire: Armani | Wedding Venue: Bedford Post Inn | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints