A Timeless Summer Wedding on the North Fork at Peconic Bay Yacht Club
From Walter, the Groom... "It was February 19, 2022. I had planned a romantic staycation at the 1 Hotel in Brooklyn for our two-year anniversary. I was so nervous, and just before we left for the hotel, a snow squall blew through - fortunately, it quickly passed. We hopped in an Uber to Dumbo and went on a walk to stall while the photographer set up on the roof. When it was time, I got the text that the photographer was ready. We had a "dinner reservation" at the rooftop restaurant, so I said, "Let's go check out the views quickly." That's where I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me with the Manhattan skyline in the background. We shared a celebratory drink with just the two of us before heading down to the hotel lobby, where we met both of our families. It was a nice surprise for Claire! Afterward, we went over to Randolph Beer Garden, where we had about 50 friends waiting for us, some of whom had flown in from out of town to surprise Claire. It was the perfect way to end the night! We had so much fun."
From Claire, the Bride... "I've always loved Mira Zwillinger gowns and found my dress within 2 days of wedding shopping, at A Little Something White in Darien, CT. My mom grew up in Darien, so it was very special to spend the day there with her and we had a wonderful experience with the team at A Little Something White. The dress I chose ended up being the first one I tried on that day! For my wedding day jewelry, I rented the Caitlin earring from Verstolo, and also wore a Ring Concierge tennis bracelet that Walt gave me as a gift for my birthday. I wore a pair of my mom's diamond earrings on the rehearsal dinner night."
Claire chose 3 silhouettes of the Show Me Your Mumu Moss Green Crisp dress for her bridal party. She had everyone rank their favorites so in the end it was a nice mix but the fabric matched perfectly.
The groomsmen wore black tuxedos and velvet slippers for a classic look.
Guests were greeted with champagne and sparkling water at the ceremony. During cocktail hour, we had passed hors d'oeuvres including a mini lobster roll, cute pairings like a burger with mini beer and taco with mini patron, miniature chicken and waffles, and an artisanal cheese and charcuterie station. For the dinner reception, the couple wanted to keep the main focus the dancing and celebrating, so they opted for formal stations. They included a handcrafted pasta station, a paella station, and a carving station among others. Later after the wedding cake was cut and served, we included a dessert parade on the dance floor and served things like mini chipwich ice cream sandwiches, liquored milk shake shots, key lime meringue tartlets, and mini eclairs accompanied by espresso shots to keep the party going! Afterward, guests were invited downstairs to continue the fun in an after-party space that included some fun late-night bites and cocktails.
Our aim was to incorporate the venue's natural surroundings in a thoughtful way. The ceremony was held right on the water. The green and white florals felt so summery and perfect for being out east. White paddle fans were included to keep guests cool while they enjoyed the sunshine. The view from cocktails overlooks the marina with the gorgeous horizon in the distance and boats in the foreground. In the reception space, we chose a variety of different linens and patterns incorporating calming whites and muted sage greens. The floral arrangements created by Park and Bloom were organic and natural feeling, a mix of whites with greenery to compliment the linens. We added lounge furniture around the dance floor to soften the space and make sure there was a comfortable spot for guests to rest their feet. The florals in front of the band's stage helped to bring the outside in and add a touch of romance.
The wedding cake made by Leanne Rose was a classic white-tiered wedding cake surrounded by a halo of fresh flowers. The whole cake table felt special. Claire changed into a fun mini dress and Jimmy Choo pumps for the cake cutting which helped kick off an even bigger dance party.
A string quartet from Luminous Sounds, Inc. performed during the ceremony and cocktail hour.
We styled a special seating arrangement in cocktail hour with a vintage white Fete Fone for guests to leave a message for Claire and Walt. Later while guests were enjoying dinner, we transitioned the phone down to the main floor so that it could have a second life in the reception space.
From Claire, the Bride... "Our planner, Julie Lindenman Events, suggested the Fete Fone as a fun alternative to a traditional guest book. Guests were able to leave us a message on the phone, and all our messages were compiled and sent to us after the wedding day. It was so much fun to hear the voices of our loved ones and relive the day listening to all of the sweet messages!"
From the Bride... "We worked with Sydney from Crane & Palette for our stationery and day of décor, and she designed the most beautiful custom crest that fit perfectly with our venue, incorporating watercolors of green and blue and even a sailboat as a nod to the Peconic Bay Yacht Club. We loved it so much that we incorporated it into as many fun "day-of" items as possible - including matchbooks, napkins, and our wedding welcome boxes (which were filled with local Long Island treats including Tate's Cookies and North Fork Chips)"
