There are so many delightful details we could talk about at this Linden Place wedding by Glass Event Planning, and we could spend the entire day staring at the gorgeous gallery and film by STUDIO 1208. But there’s one special touch that has absolutely taken our breath away – the bride’s bespoke gown! As a womenswear designer, she knew creating her dream wedding day look from scratch was the only option for her, and the finished ensemble is absolutely everything! Read more about the design process including how her friends helped in the bride’s own words, below.
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From the bride…TJ and I were on the same page from day one about the kind of wedding we wanted, as we have always loved the idea that weddings bring together all of the people you both love most in the world for one moment of celebration. There truly isn’t any other event in life that has that same impact. In recognition of that, we envisioned an intimate affair that was incredibly personalized, aesthetically beautiful, and most importantly, a celebration of our relationship with all of the people who have loved and supported us throughout our lives.
As a womenswear designer, I am particular about all of the small details and style lines within a garment. It only took one afternoon of dress shopping to confirm that designing my dress and having it custom made was my only option. I wanted something classic yet unexpected and designed a two-piece dress consisting of a bodysuit made from a blend of vintage laces (including a unique, linear Valentino lace that I found at Sposabella Lace in NYC) and a skirt made from a heavy crepe, which created both a tailored fit and a fluid drape. I have always loved the drama of a cathedral length train but don’t love the reality of a bustle, so I designed two separate skirts. With a quick change between ceremony and cocktail hour, I achieved a cathedral length train without a bustle!
I knew that making three unique pieces would be a major undertaking, so I enlisted the help and support of two close and talented friends (who also happen to be clothing designers) in order to bring my vision to life. My best friend and bridesmaid, Aynoucka Maynard, worked through every detail of the bodysuit with me, including embellishing the lace by hand with delicate crystals and pearls, while my close friend, Karen Thai, coordinated the creation of the skirts in LA and flew to NY for fittings to ensure they were perfectly tailored to my figure. As the finishing touch, Aynoucka also created an embellished silk belt for each skirt that had a slightly different color and embellishment to differentiate between ceremony and reception. My dress is everything I had ever dreamed of and a genuine collaboration of love as well as a one-of-a-kind piece that I will always be grateful for and cherish forever.
My gold after party dress is from House of Harlow 1960 and was a last minute find from Revolve Clothing that I instantly fell in love with and new would be the perfect touch for our sparkler send off!
From Elizabeth of Glass Event Planning… Linden Place is nestled in downtown Bristol, Rhode Island, and was built in 1810 by the second wealthiest man in the United States. It was also a filming location for the Great Gatsby. It houses a chandelier from Buckingham Palace and the largest in-home spiral staircase in the United States.
The ceremony took place in the beautiful rose garden. We wanted to create an intimate experience even though the gardens were open and beautiful. Our inspiration was a “secret garden” within a larger garden. Delicate gold chairs were clustered in intimate groupings surrounded by beautiful “mini-gardens” that wound through the back of the beautiful Chameleon Chairs. We created an intimately curved aisle to mimic wandering through a secret garden to get to the alter.
The reception took place in an intimate carriage house on the grounds of Linden Place with wood floors and an exposed beam ceiling. As guests entered the grand carriage house doors, they immediately were greeted with a roaring fire which was the focal point of the room. Tables were placed thoughtfully to keep the sight line clear upon entering and viewing the fireplace. The ceiling was adorned with an 8 ft wrought iron chandelier, and white drapery tied back with thick black velvet bands cocooned intimate dinner tables along the perimeter of the carriage house.
Kira opted for a delicate place setting that would show the natural beauty of the farm tables. The stunning clear glass charger was rimmed in gold and accompanied with gold flatware. Each guest at the head table had a personal, calligraphy place card on hand made, torn paper with the custom “D” wax seal crest. It was tucked inside a little bunny card holder, a nod to the couple’s nickname for each other (they call each other bunny).
Kira has a love for dessert above all else. She wanted a room that was dripping with all of her favorites, floor to ceiling, like a dessert dream come true. We sectioned off part of a tent to create a secret room that would be revealed after dinner. Giant swags lined with crushed velvet were pulled back to reveal a dessert dream. A crystal chandelier provided a soft glow among tons of candlelight. The vision was a totally white space with the only color coming from the beautiful desserts and vintage platters. Desserts included sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, miniature cupcakes, chocolate pudding cake, s’mores, a variety of cheesecakes, chocolate tarts, nearly 100 french macarons dusted in gold and blush, two wedding cakes, a french macaron tower, and 100 mini pies in four different flavors. Each dessert was served on a vintage china plate, and guests sipped coffee from delicate vintage china cups.
Photography: STUDIO 1208 | Cinematography: STUDIO 1208 | Coordination: Glass Event Planning | Event Design: Glass Event Planning | Floral Design: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: Designed and constructed by the Bride | Cake: Confectionery Designs | Invitations: Smitten on Paper | Bride's Shoes: Louis Vuitton | Catering: Blackstone Catering | Calligraphy: Becca Joas | DJ: Dawson Entertainment | Favors: test | Groom's Attire: Trunk Club | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: Linden Place Mansion | Bride's Hair + Makeup: Studio B | Bridesmaids' Hair + Makeup: New Leaf Salon | Chair Rentals: Chameleon Chairs | Decor: Exquisite Events | Desserts: Confectionery Designs | Envelope Calligraphy: Nicole Miyuki | Prop Stylist: Glass Event Planning | Rentals: Arena Americas | Rentals: Peak Event Services | Veil: Mint Lola | Violinist: Rhett Price