Connecticut Weddings

I’ve forever been a fan of The Great Gatsby, and am shamelessly counting down the days until the big screen movie next month. Leo DiCaprio, anyone?! But in the meantime, I’ve directed all my attention to this perfectly styled shoot that evokes every ounce of that Gatsby glam. With one crazy talented crew including Jubilee Events, The White Dress by the Shore and Carla Ten Eyck behind the scenes, this shoot transformed a New England mansion into an art deco masterpiece that I wholeheartedly love. It’s the perfect inspiration for the vintage-loving bride, and there’s so much more to be found in the full gallery here.

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From Jubilee Events…Our team had a vision for an opulent, enchanting shoot that evoked the feel of The Great Gatsby novel by F.Scott Fitzgerald. We selected the historic Branford House Mansion overlooking the Fishers Island Sound in Groton Long Point, Connecticut for our location.  Although it was November, there was lovely warmth in the air and we were blessed with a glorious sunset with just the right amount of cloud cover for delightful dimension. Photographer, Carla Ten Eyck used the magical light to assist in telling the visual tale. The mansion’s timeless, turn of the century beauty was further accentuated by a vintage sofa and tufted velvet chairs from New England Country Rentals.  The oversized, dramatic fireplace that graces the main entrance created a stunning backdrop for the lavish tablescape designed by Jubilee Events. The table was the perfect combination of opulent and vintage, with a delicately sequined linen paired with mismatched antique floral china and Irish linen napkins trimmed in lace. The billowing flower arrangements from Hana Floral Design were the perfect finishing touch!

Fashion Stylist Beth Chapman, owner of The White Dress by the shore, selected both daytime and evening looks inspired by the 1920’s.  The vintage inspired fashion was accentuated with gloves, antique jewelry and a feather stole.  Here is the fashion detail directly from Beth:

“The 1920’s are one of my favorite eras for fashion.  There was so much opulence and originality in the style of dress. I evoked the era with art deco inspired gowns incorporating beading and feathers. I selected several different looks, including a daytime look, to fully embrace the story of The Great Gatsby. For the daytime look (which ironically, we scrambled to shoot before sunset), I chose a Guiperre lace sheath by Ivy and Aster and feather trimmed cloche by my favorite hat designer, Bijou Van Ness. The look was completed by vintage bucks with a  ittle heel.  We also had Mr. Gatsby sporting a pair of bucks along with his tan suite from Valentino Tailors. As a more relaxed formal look, I styled the model in a long sleeve satin faced chiffon gown in a luxurious shade of grey from Ivy and Aster.  We envisioned this as the perfect gown for Daisy to wear while joining her friends for cocktails on the veranda. The more formal gowns were by Rivini and Ivy and Aster.  Of course, we couldn’t represent the 1920’s without long, luxurious gloves.  Much of the jewelry used in the shoot was vintage from the era of the Great Gatsby by The Something Old Collection . Other pieces used were vintage inspired filigree, by Maria Elena. I selected a reception look for both the bride and the groom.  I styled the bride in a short feathery confection from Ivy and Aster with a fabulous black vintage inspired headpiece from Maria Elena.  The groom changed up his look by switching to an ivory dinner jacket. I just adore the idea of a second look for the groom as well!  And of course, the more dapper the better, for Mr. Gatsby!”

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Photography: Carla Ten Eyck | Table Design: Jubilee Events | Floral Design: Hana Floral Design | Rentals: New England Country Rentals | Linens: Nuage Designs | Paper and Guest Gifts: Coral Pheasant | Cinematography: Jeremy White and Steve DePino | Cake: Ana Parzych Custom Cakes | Hair: Jennie Kay | Make Up: dd Nickel | Fashion Styling: Beth Chapman, The White Dress by the Shore | Gowns: Rivini + Ivy and Aster | Jewelry: Maria Elena + The Something Old Collection | Beaded Cape: Ivy and Aster | Tuxedos + Suit: Valentino Tailors | Feather Stole: The Bridal Dresser | Gloves: Carolina Amato

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.

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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

No question about it, this wedding is gorgeous.  From the breathtaking vineyard setting to the beautiful blooms by Branford Flower Shop to the bride’s dazzling Lazaro gown, every last moment captured by Crista Acosta just screams pretty.  And it’s amazing.  But, if I had to (HAD to) narrow down a favorite detail, it would most definitely be the replica Green Monster seating chart these two cuties lovingly DIYed as an ode to their first Red Sox date.  It’s a sweet dash of personality that I happen to l.o.v.e and you can see it all (and more!) in the full gallery.

From the Bride… Justin and I met in college and by our senior year made it “official”. Five and a half years into our relationship Justin surprised me by proposing with a scrapbook he made of some of our favorite memories throughout our relationship. We decided on a long engagement of just under two years to enjoy being engaged (and to save up some money)!

Even though we had a long engagement we did get started looking at venues right away. When we pulled up to Saltwater Farm Vineyard we breathed a sigh of relief, we both knew this was where we wanted to start our married life together. We also loved the idea that after the wedding we could visit the vineyard any time we wanted to relive our special day. 

We thought the best way to do that was by incorporating a mix of our favorite things through personal details. Justin spraypainted recycled wine bottles in a chalkboard spray paint to use as the table numbers and decoration throughout the Vineyard. We worked with a local florist to create simple yet beautiful centerpieces in galvanized buckets and milk glass vases. My mom and sisters came over almost every weekend the months leading up to the wedding to help with the fun details. We made the “Mimosa Bar” sign for the bridal suite, champagne glasses with each bridesmaids initials, the tank tops we wore while getting ready and the “Love is sweet” sign we hung above the dessert table. Justin’s mom made the wooden signs with some of our favorite love and wedding related quotes. Justin has always been more creative then he likes to admit, so when I came to him struggling with how to display our seating chart at the wedding he came up with the idea to replicate the Green Monster to show the actual score from the first Red Sox game we went to together. We are huge Red Sox fans and even had our engagements pictures done around Fenway so I loved the idea I just wasn’t sure if we’d have time to do it. Justin took on the task all himself and created an awesome replica equipped with our “starting lineup” which listed each guest like a player on the baseball roster. To make our ceremony extra special and romantic we had a guy singing on the guitar “Marry You” by Bruno Mars when we walked down the aisle and we wrote our own vows, which had us all in tears!

Looking back I can say the day was everything we were hoping it would be, the food was great, the drinks were flowing, the guests were dancing and the details were worth all of the hard work we put into them. More then anything else I married the love of my life and at the end of the day it was all I could have asked for.

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Wedding Photography: Crista Acosta | Wedding Venue: Saltwater Farm Vineyard in  Stonington, Connecticut | Wedding Cinematography: Jim Altieri from Vintage Cinema | Floral Design: Branford Flower Shop | Caterer: Blackstone Caterer | Invitations: Minted | Furniture Rental: Ryan Designs | Wedding Dress: Lazaro via Madeline’s Daughter | Shoes: DSW

We see a lot of incredible weddings around here at Style Me Pretty. Every single morning we wake up to the prettiest weddings on the planet, and some weddings strike a personal chord with each one of us. I tell you this because I am putting this wedding on my personal top ten list. Maybe it is the way Suzanna March photographed every inch of this day beautifully. Or perhaps it is the fact that True Event and Hana Floral Design have me weak in the knees over the wood grain farm tables combined with my most favorite blooms that mimic colorful silk chiffon. But I am head-over-heels in love and I don’t care who knows it! Oh, and if you need me, I will be over in the gallery pinning every last photo to my inspiration board.

From the Bride… When Nate and I got engaged in the winter of 2011 there was no doubt we’d get married in Connecticut in the fall—we met as freshmen at Connecticut College, became fast friends, and were dating by the fall of 2003. There was also no doubt that my grandfather, a Professor Emeritus of Theology, would marry us. Other than these three important pieces, what mattered to us most was that we take advantage of the opportunity to have all of our loved ones in one place at one time and have an amazing party. Thankfully, we had some incredible people help us figure out the details!

Chamard Vineyards was the perfect backdrop for the big day. It was romantic and picturesque, without being stuffy and over-the-top…not to mention the delicious wine that came with it! As it happens, when we booked Chamard we were matched with the fabulous Sarah True of True Events. She was the key to piecing together a list of unbelievably fantastic vendors that each hit the ball out of the park. True to our style, music and food were at the top of our priority list. Eric Visa played music that had everyone, young and old, on the dance floor the entire night and I’m still salivating over the autumn flavors served by La Cuisine. Most of all, though, we are so thankful that each and every moment of our day was beautifully captured by Suzanna of Suzanna March Photography.

As odd as it sounds, I drew my inspiration for the tent décor from my late French-Canadian Grandmother’s house. As a kid, I used to think that my Grandmama’s house was a museum because it was filled with ornate—and mostly gold colored—antiques. I blended my fond memories of gold with my love for the rustic cabin look. The gorgeous farm tables, deep green linens, gold accented dinnerware, and candelabras balanced both visions perfectly! Yumiko from Hana Floral Design and Boutique tied everything together with lush bouquets of white, ivory, and blush flowers.

As thrilled as we were with the décor, the flowers, the food, and the dancing, what was most gratifying about our wedding day was the opportunity to stand in front of our friends and family and express our love and commitment to each other. Their love for us, and our love for each other, made this day the best of our lives!

Wedding Photography: Suzanna March Photography / Wedding Venue: Chamard Vineyard in Clinton, Connecticut / Wedding Planning + Design: True Event / Floral Design: Hana Floral Design / Wedding Catering: La Cuisine / Wedding Invitations: Ella’s Papers / Music: Eric Visa / Tent: Sperry Tents / Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Hair: Timothy Pamment Salon Madison / Makeup: Jennie Fresa

Isn’t it just so fitting that two people who fell in love on a date to a festival would throw such a whimsical and lighthearted wedding in their backyard?   Sixpence for your Shoe did an amazing job planning this special day and the multitude of pretty sorbet-colored ribbons are the cherry on top. You cannot help but smile at the images shot by Victoria Souza Photography, and not to mention the florals by Blush Floral Design are absolute perfection. This just goes to show that home is where the heart is, and that sometimes you don’t have to celebrate your love much further than your own backyard! See more colorful photos here in this happy-go-lucky gallery.

From the Bride… Kristian and I met in the workplace. Maybe as a sign that we were meant to be together, we were hired on the VERY SAME day. I always thought he was just the nicest guy; always friendly with a big smile. A year later, we had our first date at a local festival, where we both won goldfish. The next day I had gone to a pet store and bought two of the cheapest fish tanks they had. What I hadn’t noticed was the large heart molded on the side. I didn’t intend for the fish tank to have any deeper meaning, but regardless of my embarrassment, I still gave it to him. As I recall, the fish did not last that long, but Kristian did quietly hold onto his tank for the next five years. When my dad and I first moved into his new house, I remember us having a conversation about how much more room there was to host future parties. He then nonchalantly added, “You could even get married at this house!” Two years later, after Kristian proposed in the backyard garden, my dad and I knew exactly where this wedding would take place. There wasn’t a question that the wedding had to be at home, the most special place, celebrating with all of our family and friends.

From the very beginning, Kristian and I wanted our wedding to be as fun, special, and exciting as the proposal. During the initial meetings with Talia and Lindsay from Sixpence, my Dad, Kristian, and I felt like we were just spewing out adjectives like “fun”, “whimsical”, “surprising”, “light-hearted”, “whimsical – did we mention that?” Somehow Talia distilled our brain dumps, floating words, and disjointed phrases into a coherent and cohesive wedding theme. We added a ton of whimsy throughout the event. Talia encouraged us to let our inner DIY skills shine. Kristian got his hands dirty by building the ceremony arbor out of two trees from my dad’s backyard. He also created the adorable birdhouse card-box, and all of the hooks for the 50+ mason jars we had hanging everywhere. I hand painted chalkboards, the navigational signs, and the chalkboard escort tags. We worked together on creating our wedding website to give guests more information. My aunt (and M.O.H.) designed the welcome bag labels for the guests staying at the hotel, and I stuffed the bags with all kinds of goodies for our guests to enjoy.

For the ceremony we incorporated a sand ceremony, in which our parents joined together to pour a ‘foundation’ of colored sand into a glass container. It was then our turn to top it off, and get it capped by the officiant. I love looking at that keepsake every day as a special reminder of the importance of our family and where we came from. I also wore my great grandmother’s engagement ring as well as my grandfather’s wedding ring as a reminder that they were right there with us, supporting us.

The photographers, Vicki and Erik Souza, were such a wonderful team to work with. They didn’t overlook a single detail. All the planning, all the emotion, all the energy of the event was captured in their photos. Our biggest motivation was to celebrate our relationship and love while giving our friends and family the best party they’ve ever been to. We both have felt so lucky to have such an amazing support network. Before we began planning the wedding, we fretted and worried. We had all heard and seen wedding day disasters. But with the help of my dad, Talia & Lindsay, and our special vendors, our wedding day became a dream come true.

Wedding Photography: Victoria Souza Photography / Wedding Venue: Father of the Bride’s Home / Wedding Planning, Design + Stationery: Sixpence For Your Shoe / Floral Design: Blush Floral Design / Wedding Cinematography: Vantage Point Films / Wedding Catering: Emily’s Catering / Tent + Lighting: Sperry Tents / Ceremony Musicians: Judy and Mark / Reception DJ: Elegant Occasions DJ / Photobooth: Fun Photo Entertainment / Cigar Roller: La Casa Grande / Restroom: Royal Restrooms / Rentals: Party Rental, Ltd. + La Tavola Fine Linen Rental / Wedding Dress: Robert Bullock via Be Unique Boutique / Bride’s Shoes: Nina / Bride’s Bracelet: LuLu Splendor / Bride’s Hair Pins: The White Dress by the Shore / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bill Levkoff / Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Bandolino / Bridesmaids’ Bracelets: ALDO / Bridesmaids’ Necklaces: Lili Winkler Brides / Beauty: jennie fresa ~ makeup and skincare boutiquerie

Robert and Kathleen have a way of making you feel a wedding. It’s something in the way their pictures capture the moments, the looks and the details that make me feel as though I am standing in the middle of it all. And to stand in the middle of this wedding New Haven Lawn Club would be nothing short of spectacular. Because not a thing was overlooked – from the Bride’s Monique Lhuillier gown picked up at  The Plumed Serpent Bridal and her two pair of shoes to the gorgeous day she planned to celebrate her nuptials to her dashing Groom – it’s timeless, it’s perfect, and there is so much more to make you feel as though you were there right here.

From Robert and Kathleen Photographers… They say you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes. On her wedding day, Maria had two pairs. Each were dramatic, gorgeous and luxurious. Maria understands the value of a statement piece. She doesn’t want to sacrifice quality on the things that really count. When it came to her wedding, Maria had the same mindset. She wanted a wedding that was gorgeous and dramatic. One that would make her guests feel like they had been transported into the lap of luxury. The venue was the perfect starting point. The New Haven Lawn Club provided a clean, art-deco inspired ballroom which she would fill with flowers, crystal, candlelight and incredible food and music. Her florist, Diane Guadette, completely understood Maria’s vision and selected dramatic crystal centerpieces and draped them orchids. Guests literally gasped as they entered the ballroom, they were so taken by the beauty before them. It was everything Maria had dreamed it would be – dramatic, gorgeous and absolutely luxurious.

Maria was tentative that morning. She didn’t want to get to excited until those rain clouds shifted away. A dark, dreary day wouldn’t do. Not for the day that she married Del. When she thought of their best times together, she thought of days on the beach, sitting by the water and drinking a glass of wine, the warmth of the sun on her skin and Del’s arm wrapped around her waist. Those were her favorite days. That’s what she had pictured for their wedding day. But that morning, the sky was dark, the rain drops fell – big, fat drops that seemed like they might be there to stay. She stood in her bedroom, next to the stunning gown she would be putting on in a few minutes, looked out the window and frowned. This wasn’t how she pictured it. We reassured her, it will pass. She wasn’t so sure.

Soon her hair and make-up were complete and it was time to put on the dress, buckle the shoes and head over to the church. She was so focused on all those perfect details she actually forgot about the weather for a few minutes. By the time she was dressed and it was time to head outside, those big raindrops had disappeared. The clouds had shifted. The sun was breaking through, warming her skin as she got in the car that would take her to the church.

As she stood on the altar and held Del’s hand, she could see the sun shining through the church windows. After the ceremony, as they walked through the streets of New Haven hand in hand, she could feel the warm breeze making her veil dance in the wind. And when Del held her close, she remembered all of those incredible times they had shared together on days very much like this one. She leaned into his chest, held him close and took it all in. This was now the best day. This was the day she will think of every time she feels the sun on her skin and the wind in her hair. And every time she sees a storm cloud rolling in, she’ll know that Del will always make every day brighter. Because when he holds her in his arms, she’ll remember how, despite all odds, the sun broke through the clouds just for them.

Wedding Photography: Robert and Kathleen Photographers / Ceremony Location: St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport, Connecticut / Reception Location: New Haven Lawn Club in New Haven, Connecticut / Floral Design: Diane Gaudette of Custom Floral Designs / Band: Os Dias / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier via The Plumed Serpent Bridal / Shoes: Christian Louboutin + Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaids Dresses: Jim Hjelm / Hair: Salon S / Makeup: Dana Bartone & Company

There are few things in our wedding-filled world we love more than a nautical-themed soiree in a quaint, seaside town. And when it’s done beautifully on a tight budget? Swoon. Held at the historical Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park, the bride and her crafty mom infused the fête with navy + white stripes, burlap runners and sweet seaside touches. Alison Lassiter Photography captured the day perfectly, and you can see it all here!

From the Bride… When John and I met on a warm September night in Mystic, Connecticut, I knew instantly that he was the man I would marry. He asked me out to dinner, and the rest is history. Over the next several years, we spent as much time as possible in this laid-back seaside area where John spent his summers as a kid. It was clear that there was no other place for our wedding.

Our intention was to create a heartfelt celebration with the easy elegance and warmth of a party at someone’s home. To that end, we infused the many neutral spaces of Eolia Mansion with our own style. Our aesthetic was casual elegance with a classic, preppy vibe, inspired by a piece of navy blue and white striped grosgrain ribbon, which we incorporated into everything from the cake to the galvanized tins filled with fresh potted herbs as part of the handcrafted centerpieces. The décor was 100% DIY, as traditional floral centerpieces did not fit our budget or the clean look that I envisioned. My very talented and patient mother signed on as decorator and made even my vaguest DIY idea a reality. We scoured vintage and discount stores for lanterns, candles and understated nautical touches. When we couldn’t find something that we liked, we found a way to make it. One example is the oversized chalkboard and several smaller chalkboards that my mom and her friends made using chalkboard paint and inexpensive molding on a budget of just a few dollars. Among my favorite DIY touches were the table runners of classic seersucker sewn by my aunts, alternated with burlap runners and table toppers on round and long tables of different sizes. I aimed for simplicity in everything from the lack of embellishment on my gown to the simple bridesmaid bouquets wrapped in burlap and tied with ribbon. Some aspects of wedding planning took a ton of time, while others were surprisingly effortless. When I couldn’t find jewelry that felt right for the big day, I found the perfect vintage necklace and earrings within moments of walking into an antiques shop in my hometown.

My advice to any bride is to have fun with wedding planning and to make it your own, which can be done without spending a fortune. Two purely fun details that I am happy that we included were our pink Razzle Dazzle champagne cocktails and a big wire basket filled to the brim with ’80s-style sunglasses for our guests to rock on the dance floor. There was not a single leftover pair! One of my favorite moments of the day was sneaking away to exchange a pre-wedding love note with John. This “first look without the look” was the sweet suggestion of our incredible photographer, Alison Lassiter, because we were adamant about not seeing each other prior to walking down the aisle. Sharing that moment with my soon-to-be husband and holding his hand in the last hour before we were married was incredibly special. We were married in the same little town where we had met five years earlier, and it was every bit as magical as we hoped it would be.

Wedding Photography: Alison Lassiter Photography / Reception: Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, Connecticut / Bouquets + Boutonnières: Green Dahlia / Centerpieces + Mansion Décor: DIY / Catering: Culinary Concerts / Wedding Invitations + Programs: Minted + Programs Designed by a Bridesmaid / Cocktail Hour Music: Jerrod Cattey Trio / Lanterns + Galvanized Tins: IKEA + Home Goods / Wedding Dress: Pronovias / Alterations: Lucy Tailors / Bride’s Jewelry: Vintage via Remember When / Hair + Makeup: Red Door Spa Groton / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Maid of Honor’s Sash: Etsy / Groom’s Suit, Groom’s Shoes + Groomsmen Ties: Macy’s

It’s no secret we adore backyard weddings at SMP. Perhaps it’s their oh-so-intimate way or maybe it’s how they strike the perfect balance between casual and elegant, but they make us giddy at first glance. Add a Bride and Groom with a love for all things vintage, a gown by Jenny Packham that couldn’t be prettier and the cutest bulldog puppy we ever did see, and we are officially huge fans of this fête. beIMAGED Photography captured it all in a way that will make you swoon, so hurry on over to the full gallery of photos to see it all…

From beIMAGED Photography… Amina and Kevin brought having a backyard wedding in Connecticut to a whole new level by incorporating vintage pieces throughout every aspect of their decor. Amina and her sister-in-law hand-picked many of the items at flea markets and antique stores in the months prior to the wedding, making every single detail feel very personal. The bride was inspired by a photograph of a candle-lit Italian wedding she had seen once, and indeed, the wedding did have a quiet, romantic European retreat feel to it. Everything, from the bride’s incredibly unique dress to the rustic and vintage details, was just so beautiful and classic.

Wedding Photography: beIMAGED Photography / Wedding Venue: A Private Residence in Connecticut / Floral Arrangements: Samantha Abrahams (The Bride’s Sister-in-Law) + Marianne Lawson (The Mother of the Bride’s Sister-in-Law) / Catering: Executive Cuisine / Wedding Invitations: Mr. Boddington’s Studio / Farm Tables, Mismatched Chairs + Barn Bar: Maggpie Vintage Rentals / Glassware, Cutlery + Linens: Connecticut Party Rentals / Tent: Stamford Tent & Event Services / Lighting: Stamford Tent & Event Services + Charles Lawson (The Father of the Bride’s Sister-in-Law) / Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham via Mark Ingram Atelier

I love Fall weddings.  Love, love, love them.  The crisp, cool air, the breathtaking colors, the warmth and coziness that inevitably surrounds the day… it’s magical.  And this little gem of a Connecticut soiree is a sweet combination of everything I oh-so-adore about Autumn affairs with a classic vibe that I just can’t get enough of.  From the beaming (+ beautiful) bride and groom to the gorgeous purple hues to the gallery chock-full of amazing by Eric Brushett Photography, it’s a Fall-inspired paradise from start to finish.  I’m in heaven.  See so much more right here.

Oh, and we’re not done yet.  Check out this amazing film from Randall Jenkins here to fill your day with even more inspiration.  Enjoy!

From Eric Brushett Photography… Holly and Walter got married at the gorgeous, vintage-inspired Lord Thompson Manor in Thompson, Connecticut. I first worked with them when we went to Ogunquit, Maine, to photograph their engagement photos in June. I knew their wedding would be amazing after we left Maine. They are a fantastic couple who love each other, and they have such impeccable taste.

Their wedding took place on a crisp Saturday in November, and I think the images capture the romantic, late-fall feel of their beautiful day.

Wedding Photography: Eric Brushett Photography / Wedding Venue: Lord Thompson Manor in Thompson, Connecticut Wedding / Event Planning, Floral + Event Design: Lord Thompson Manor / Wedding Cinematography: Randall Jenkins / Bakery: Tim McGrath (203-383-3711) / Hair + Makeup: Priscilla Mawson (bpmaws@yahoo.com)

Here at SMP we focus on the pretty, pretty weddings that girls are going to swoon over. But that doesn’t mean we forget about the guys. So when a shoot so perfectly masculine – beer included – yet still upholding the SMP fab factor comes along, I die. And honestly, I expect nothing less from this team. Carla Ten Eyck, Hartford Prints!, Whim Events… all pros in the industry whom we adore. Click here for the whole gorgeous shoot!

From the lovely ladies at Hartford Prints! and Whim Events … The original inspiration for this “Industrial Revolution” shoot came after a trip Callie (from Hartford Prints!) took to L.A. this past summer. She was walking around some pretty gritty areas and envisioned a wedding that would be for lovers of urban, untouched, and overlooked spaces. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but sometimes it is just around the corner!

As we began imagining a wedding that was post-industrial, masculine, urban, rustic, and minimalist we knew we needed the entire shoot to be revolutionary. We knew we wanted to style it as a gay wedding, conceptualizing our grooms as lovers of the place where raw space, design, and style all meet. We envisioned our two grooms, Jonathan & Noel, as urban hipsters, rocking handmade denim and made-to-measure suits at their wedding, while rocking out to Black Star on the dance floor! We planned a two-location inspiration shoot – an engagement session inside the studios of Hartford Denim Company and a ceremony + reception inside an old factory space.

Jonathan & Noel’s letterpress invitation reads “Cocktail attire, tattoos, bow ties, cigars, skateboards, and flasks are all welcome.” This wedding is a laid back affair, centered around five themes, “Fancy, Flight, Fete, Fed, and Footloose.” The colors are blood orange, sea blue, steel grey, and charcoal.

Guests arrive and are greeted with cocktails, polaroids, place cards, and bow ties. Their place cards are hanging from a geometric bulletin board, where a sign reads “Fancy! Leave a picture, take your name!” We loved the idea that guests are encouraged to put on a bow tie, take a polaroid, write a note, and replace their photo with their place card, organically transforming the seating chart into a wedding guest book! The bow ties then become a favor for guests to take home and remember the day.

A metal chain suspended from the ceiling, clipped with colored lights and grounded by a cinderblock full of greenery, sets the industrial landscape of the ceremony site. We loved the idea that metallic and cement everyday objects (that anyone could find at their local Home Depot) work together to create a dramatic and layered effect. We envisioned a ceremony sprinkled with laughter and a lot of love.

After the ceremony, we imagined guests mingling at the bar and lounge area. The bar tablescape echoes the industrial style of the ceremony site. Two ladders, linked by metal sheeting and decorated with green moss, orange florals, and glass lightbulbs, set up a bar offering a “Flight” of beer from a local brewery, Back East Brewing Company. The lounge area, is a “Fete” offering guests a place to relax, enjoy their drinks, and get rowdy with vintage board games.

Dinner is set on rustic wooden tables and guests are seated on vintage metal stools.The tablescape is inspired by our couples’ geometric, minimalist, and thoughtful taste. Each place setting is slightly different and unique, just as we imagine their guests to be. The light gray napkins and angular plates mimic the shapes of the invitation suite, and the orange menu pops against the black and white tones. The letterpress table number sits in a metal stand made from an everyday coat hanger. Keeping the florals to a minimum, bright hues and artistic touches create impactful centerpieces. Each flower blooms from a light bulb vase, made from real light bulbs and metal piping. Bulbs are stacked at varying heights, some lit from underneath to create a teal and orange glow. The flowers themselves – pincushion protea, thistle, orchids, and leonotis – are simple, masculine, and unique.

Jonathan & Noel are both wearing custom suits, shirts, and ties by Brooklyn Tailors, a bespoke tailor in Williamsburg, dedicated to producing artisinal cloth of the highest quality. The suits not only reflect our grooms’ love of handmade craft, but also fit them both like a glove! They each wore a boutonniere made from orange florals, with metal filament from the inside of a lightbulb adding a playful, masculine twist.

More and more couples are steering away from the “expected” and truly want their wedding to reflect their personal and unique style. We encourage every bride or groom to do something at their wedding that “revolutionizes” the norm and captures who they are. We loved working on every single moment of this inspiration shoot. From all the vendors we used, to our awesome models – Roberto and Noel, to the singular talents of Carla Ten Eyck behind the camera, to DD Nickel’s eye for beauty, everyone involved was enthusiastic, and, most importantly, had an awesome time! We hope that the fabulous readers of Style Me Pretty are as inspired and excited by our vision as we are!

Photography: Carla Ten Eyck / Venue: 30 Arbor Street, Contact William Howard at 860-202-6460 / Event Planning, Floral + Event Design: Whim Events / Wardrobe Styling: Callie Heilmann from Hartford Prints! / Paper + Event Design: Hartford Prints! / China & Glassware Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / Bow-ties: OoO Tie / Beer Selection: Back East Brewing Company / Men’s Apparel Denim: Hartford Denim Company / Suiting: Brooklyn Tailors / Shirts: Brooklyn Tailors + Hartford Denim Company / Ties: Brooklyn Tailors / Shoes: Tommy Hilfiger + Model’s Own / Leather Tote Bags: Lenworth Apparel by Lenworth Williams / Women’s Apparel: Stylist’s Own / Hair + Makeup: ddNickel / Models: Roberto Franco and Noel Keating

The moment I opened up this gem of a wedding from Robert & Kathleen Photographers, I simply couldn’t wait to share it. It’s full of all the obvious things we love over here at SMP – amazing egg plant-infused details, the stunning settings of Yale Law School (where the couple first met) and New Haven Lawn Club, gorgeous florals from Fleur de Lys Floral – it really does have it all. But the one thing that outshines all of that pretty, is the love between these two. It’s true, the most amazing details couldn’t hold a candle to this duo, and the full gallery is image after image of love-filled style. Which just so happens to be the best kind. See it all here.

From the Grooms… We met in law school.  Elliott was a second-year student when Jeff started his first year; Elliott gave a tour of the law school to a bunch of first year students, and Jeff sought his tour group out. Later that year, Jeff joined the law journal that Elliott worked on. Elliott was assigned to edit a piece that Jeff wrote that was submitted for publication, and once the piece was ready to publish, Elliott asked Jeff to go to coffee to “discuss how the editing process went.” We ended up talking about much more than the law, and started dating. Elliott proposed to Jeff in Washington, DC on Valentine’s Day 2010, the weekend after the “Snowpocalypse” that shut down the city for a couple days. We were visiting friends in DC that weekend, and Elliott had hoped to propose at one of the monuments or memorials, but when he discovered that they were all buried in snow, Elliott had to go with a backup plan. While crossing through Dupont Circle, itself covered in snow, Elliott asked Jeff to sit with him on a bench, and he proposed.  Right after Jeff said yes, President Obama and his Secret Service detail flew overhead in their helicopters. We thought it was a good sign!

We wanted to have a modern but classic look to the wedding, while also reflecting the season (summer) and the art deco features of the New Haven Lawn Club.  We adopted eggplant purple as our main color, which was complemented by silver and gray. We also incorporated yellow and green in the floral arrangements for a more summery look. The paper goods all featured geometric elements.We both did clerkships for federal judges after law school, and we asked our judges to participate in the ceremony. Including our judges emphasized our vocations as lawyers as well as the fact that Connecticut, where we got married, is one of the few states where we could do so. We also wanted to include family and friends, so we asked seven married couples to give short blessings, all of which we heard for the first time during the wedding. They ranged from words of advice to song lyrics to original poetry. Each of us walked down the aisle with both of our parents, which emphasized our close relationship with our families and their loving support for our marriage.

We had the ceremony in the courtyard of Yale Law School and the reception at the New Haven Lawn Club.  The law school is where we met, and where we spent much of our time during the first two years of our relationship.  It has a beautiful courtyard, and is also representative of our shared careers, shared passions, and our legal right to get married. The seven couples who gave blessings at the ceremony put a lot of thought, love and creativity into their speeches, and we loved them all. Our parents, brothers (the best men), and maid of honor gave amazing speeches that brought the house down with laughter during the reception.  One of the most amazing experiences of the wedding was having all of our family and friends on the dance floor, joining together in celebration and singing along to the music.

Wedding Photography: Robert & Kathleen Photographers / Ceremony: Yale Law School in New Haven, Connecticut / Reception: New Haven Lawn Club in New Haven, Connecticut / Reception Planning: Christine Perusse of New Haven Lawn Club / Floral Design: Fleur de Lys Floral / Wedding Cinematography: The Light Mill / Wedding Cake: J Cakes / Wedding Invitations: Just Paper & Tea / Ceremony Programs + Dinner Menus: Wedding Paper Divas / Ceremony Music: La Bella Musica / Cocktail Hour Music: Tom Ciancia / DJ + Lighting: Correlations Productions / Ceremony Rentals: General Rental Center / Wedding Favors: Vosges Chocolates / Transportation: Dattco / Photo Booth: We Love Photobooths / Grooms’ Suits: Alton Lane / Grooms’ Belts: Rugby Ralph Lauren / Grooms’ Shoes: Brooks Brothers / Grooms’ Custom Map Cufflinks: Juanitas / Grooms’ Watches: TAG Heuer / Wedding Bands: Mervis Diamond Importers / Groomsmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Grooms’ Hair + Groomsmaids’ Makeup: Rimage Salon / Sunday Brunch Location: The Study at Yale / Rehearsal Dinner + Cocktail Party: Barcelona /

Sometimes the shortest engagements yield the prettiest weddings. And this next wedding, sent into us by J Morgan Flowers proves just that. Pay close attention my friends because this gorgeous and intimate penthouse wedding for 10 was planned in just two weeks! We can’t help but fall fast in love with this romantic and spontaneous display of love. Join us in the gallery for even more.

From J Morgan Flowers… Eun planned her wedding in two weeks. Yes, you read that right — two weeks! After a whirlwind romance with Daniel and a ring on her finger, Eun called her family in Korea, and a wedding date was set! She booked the penthouse at The Soho House in South Beach as her wedding venue because it was the perfect space to hold her and her 10 guests. With Daniel’s Chinese roots, they kept with tradition and did a tea ceremony to honor the parents.

The ceremony was held with just the ocean view as a backdrop and those closest to them to witness. The table for the celebration dinner was adorned with three taller vases and topped with a lush, modern arrangement of hydrangeas, roses and lilies. The base was set with a collection of vases of various sizes, each full with lush florals and candles in between. Each napkin was adorned with a yellow rose to welcome the guests to this special occasion.

We wish Eun and Daniel a lifetime of love, laughter and happiness as they start out on the journey of husband and wife.

Wedding Photography: Gesi Schilling / Wedding Venue: Soho Beach House in Miami, Florida / Floral Design: J Morgan Flowers / Hair: Cowshed Miami Beach at Soho Beach House

We know what you’re thinking, isn’t it a bit chilly today to share a beach wedding? But we think there’s no better way to bid adieu to 2012 than with this pretty, little soiree. Ashley Therese Photography spent the day with this adorable couple as they went from a traditional Chinese tea ceremony to a gorgeous beach reception complete with lots of lanterns, seashells, and perfectly pretty sand dollars. See it all right here.

From Ashley Therese Photography… Lisa and Garvin’s Lighthouse Point Park wedding was absolutely beautiful. The entire day, the sun and clouds were in a constant dance with one another, alternating who was taking the lead over the water. After a beautiful, traditional Chinese tea ceremony, the couple tied the knot on the shore of the Long Island Sound. With the waves crashing and the ocean breeze blowing, it was such a romantic setting for their I do’s. The starfish and shell-adorned netting to the lantern centerpieces, a beach-inspired cake creation, sandboxes of sand dollar escort cards — all the details reflected the gorgeous seaside setting.

Guests enjoyed some fabulous BBQ favorites for dinner, such as corn bread and pulled pork, along with some fresh lobster. After eating and lots of dancing, the two newlyweds rode the amazing carousel built in 1916! Everyone danced under the twinkling lights inside as the rain and lightening moved over the water in the distance. It was a beautiful light show inside and outside until the very last song played!

Wedding Photography: Ashley Therese Photography / Wedding Venue: The Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut / Event Design: Celebrations by Christina / Floral Design: Flore Fine Flowers / Wedding Cinematography: Epic Filmmakers / Catering: Planet BBQ Catering / Wedding Cake: Sugar Bakery & Sweet Shop / Ceremony Musician & Sound + Reception DJ: Atmosphere Productions / Wedding Dress: Angel Rivera Couture via The Plumed Serpent Bridal / Jewelry: Anne Klein / Hair: Dana Bartone & Company / Makeup: Giggar Makeup Artistry / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale

Envisioning a classic Old Hollywood theme for their wedding day, this couple stumbled upon Saint Clements Castle and when the only open date for the following summer happened to be the groom’s birthday and the exact date of their engagement…well, it was simply meant to be!  Once the venue was set, the details fell into place from the bold florals to the bride’s stunning White by Vera Wang gown. Don’t miss the rest of the gorgeous images by Scobey Photography!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From The Bride… We live in NYC and envisioned a classic, old Hollywood-type theme wedding with a red, white and black color scheme and damask pattern. We originally wanted to have our wedding in Manhattan, however, when we started looking at venues, we just couldn’t find something that fit our vision. We heard about a beautiful castle in Connecticut from our good friend (and best man), and seeing as it was exactly between our families in Boston and in New York, our interests were piqued. Seeing Saint Clements Castle for the first time, we were speechless. A breathtaking Tudor-style building situated on a vast green lawn overlooking the Connecticut River — it was perfect. Even more perfect was the fact that the only date available that following summer was the exact date of our engagement and also Brian’s birthday. It was fate!

After finding our ideal location, everything else just seemed to fall into place, from booking our band and making our invitations to finding our amazing photographers. From assembling our DIY decorations to writing our own vows. From purchasing my wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses to picking out the tuxes. Our planning not only went fairly smoothly, but it was something we were able to do together as a team.  A major goal of ours was to not only share our special day with as many of our closest friends and family members as possible but to also throw as kick-ass of a reception as possible! We wanted everyone to help us celebrate becoming husband and wife by singing and dancing the night away which I can say, without a doubt, was definitely accomplished.

The whole day was an absolute dream. Having the love and support of our friends and families was overwhelming and meant everything to us; it truly made our day as magical as we had hoped it would be.

Wedding Photography: Scobey Photography / Wedding Venue: Saint Clements Castle in Portland, Connecticut / Floral Design: Rose Marano of Blossoming Blessings / Wedding Day Coordination: Carol Kelly / Wedding Cake: Creative Cakes by Donna / DJ: Ariel Entertainment / Transportation: Gateway Limousine Inc. / Wedding Dress: White by Vera Wang / Bride’s Shoes: Unlisted / Bride’s Hair: Kelly Hart of That Girl / Bride’s Makeup: Andrea Marano / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bill Levkoff / Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

A Midsummer’s Night Dream-inspired wedding brought to life by some of the best of the best vendors? You just know this is going to be good. We are talking Judy Pak, Candice of A Jubilee Event, and Datura, A Modern Garden all bringing their talents together to create a dream come true wedding for this adorable couple at The Webb Barn – that level of good. It’s picture after picture worthy of your favorite pin board, and you can get your fill of all the pretty right here.

From the Bride… I knew the moment I shared my inspiration board with Candice Coppola, of  A Jubilee Event that I was in good hands. With a single glance at the moss draped tables, and woodland imagery and without knowing that I was hiding a tattooed quote from the play itself on my shoulder, Candice stated without hesitation, “OK so we’re creating a Midsummer Night’s Dream wedding!” And I was sold. My husband and I had agreed that we wanted to create an experience for our guests, one that felt unplanned and organic. One that felt more like the kind of party you happend to stumble upon versus a scripted and stuffy affair and one that ultimately put the surprise and delight of every guest at the top of the priority list.

Our vision was executed beyond our wildest expectation with the help of some of the best in the industry, and I would throw an event a year if I could, just to bring them all back together again. From the road-less-traveled location of the Webb Barn and the wildflower beauty of Datura, A Modern Garden, to the palate intoxicating buffet of a thousand dishes prepared by Emily’s Catering, to every moment captured by the soulful lens of Judy Pak Photography, and entertained by the psychic DJ Revuelo of Scratch DJs, what transpired that day was a storybook love in a storybook setting filled with laughter and dancing, full bellies and even fuller hearts. A special thank you to all who brought this dreamer’s midsummer eve to life.

Wedding Photographer: Judy Pak Photography / Second Photographer: Rowa Lee of Studio R Photography / Venue: The Webb Barn in Wethersfield, Connecticut / Wedding Planning + Design: Candice Coppola of A Jubilee Event / Floral Design: Datura, A Modern Garden / Stationery: Bridgit Espinoza / Rentals: New England Country Rentals / Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: The Dessy Group / Makeup: Kelly Scott

No matter what your style and taste in non-wedding life, you can never go wrong with classic and traditional on your big day. Neutrals with touches of metallics and a wee bit of sparkle will never go out of style and that’s exactly what this couple has created: A gorgeously elegant and timeless day. Frost Photography captured all the pretty details including that outstanding cake bar. See even more right here. 

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… When Ryan and I envisioned our wedding day, we knew we knew we wanted the setting to be romantic, luxurious and classic. The Waveny House was just that! With its large stone fireplaces, secret doors hidden in the wooden walls and the amazing terracotta terrace with a view that stretches for miles, as soon as we stepped foot into the house, we fell in love. After choosing the perfect setting for our day, the décor followed naturally. Although both very bright in our daily lives, we wanted to keep the wedding décor subtle yet rich in detail. We selected a color palette of ivory, warm taupe and mixed metallics. From the twinkling lanterns strung overhead in the colonnade to sparkling crystal engagement ring table numbers we made, we aimed for all the details to be decadent and tasteful. 

The bridesmaids were clad in J.Crew dresses, each unique to their individual style. As a gift, I made each bridesmaid their own pair of metallic, taupe peep toe shoes, and I also selected a pair of gold and smoky crystal chandelier earrings from Kenneth Cole that complemented each of their dresses. The groomsmen, along with Ryan, wore sleek tuxedos with black satin skinny neckties that we purchased from Calvin Klein.  I accessorized my fitted, mermaid-style Liancarlo wedding dress with a crystal beaded silk sash, a feather flower hair pin and a pair of lace-up, ivory, crystal-encrusted platforms that I designed especially for my dress.

Instead of having a traditional wedding cake, Ryan and I thought it would be fun to have a cake bar with a pleasing assortment of cakes for our guests to choose from. Each cake from Palmer’s Bakery was frosted and covered in edible glitter, as were the white chocolate and sprinkle-covered pretzel favors that the guests took home with them at the end of the evening. For dinner, our caterer, Meiganne Serrano from La Bonne Femme, prepared a delectable menu of entrées made from all organic ingredients. The dinner menus that Ryan designed had the guests’ mouths watering well before dinner was served. To add additional warmth to the setting, we stocked the fireplaces with pillar candles of varying heights and lit candles in hurricane vases along the stone walls of the terrace that illuminated the evening sky. Our florist, Sandy Wellons of Topiary, created feminine floral arrangements of oversized roses and exotic flowers in ivory and blush tones that completed the look. Ryan and I were very pleased with how the day came together. Above all, we felt honored to be surrounded by our family and friends who helped us celebrate our union and the beginning of our journey as husband and wife.

Wedding Photography: Frost Photography / Second Shooter: Jacqueline Patton Photography / Photography Assistant: Christina Rivera / Wedding Venue: Waveny House in New Canaan, Connecticut / Floral Design: Sandy Wellons of Topiary in Pound Ridge (914-764-1154) / Catering: Chef Meiganne Serrano of La Bonne Femme / Wedding Cake: Palmer’s Bakery / Wedding Invitations: MyGatsby / Save-the-Dates, Menus + Programs: Designed by the Groom / String Trio: Jacqueline Bergson / DJ: Andrew Mercado of T.E. Events / Wedding Dress: Liancarlo / Bride’s Shoes: Designed by the Bride / Hair: Samantha Fischer of Salon Peri / Makeup: Tiffany Hall-Scarmana / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew (Silk Taffeta in Fawn) / Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Designed by the Bride via Nine West / Bridesmaids’ Jewelry: Kenneth Cole / Groom’s Suit: Jos. A. Bank / Groom’s Tie: Calvin Klein / Groom’s Shoes: Cole Haan / Rings: Nagi Jewelers

If this is what marrying the North to the South looks like, well count me in. With classic preppy New England style, this Connecticut affair had all the charm and comfort of the bride’s Southern roots. Melani Lust Photography was on hand to capture every perfect detail and the resulting gallery is one that will not be forgotten anytime soon. Click here to see it!

Click here to see the full image gallery!

North Meets South. More than just a wedding theme – our reality. My now husband comes from a family born and bred in Connecticut. While I am from a family born and bred in Alabama and Tennessee. When we got engaged on my parent’s anniversary, he got his first dose of the deep South. My parent’s congratulated us and told us that this was the day that the South surrendered to the North, and now he surrenders to me, just like my dad did to my mom 29 years prior.

From then on, we tried to incorporate his New England upbringing with my Southern heritage. First, the venues – quintessential Connecticut. The church, Greenfield Hill Congregational, built in 1725, sits on the top of hill looking down on the town. The Patterson Club would provide guests with a night of true New England elegance and a reception to remember. The menu was a mix of the southern food I grew up on with a New England twist. Lobster rolls and fried green tomatoes. Shrimp scampi and Shrimp and grits. Everyone even looked the part. The groom and groomsmen wore traditional New England garb – khaki pants and blue blazers, with southern bowties and cotton boutonnieres. The bride wore an Amsale gown that when her Mother saw it said, “now that is a true southern wedding gown” while the bridesmaids wore J.Crew dresses in champagne with coral accents. The flowers combined the a rustic, natural look of the Connecticut woods with the elegance and softness of the South.

We welcomed guests with two simple rules and hoped for the best as our friends and families collided for the first time:

Southerners: Yankees are people too and they are about to be your family.

Northerners: Listen carefully; there won’t be a translator available.

We needn’t have worried. The ceremony was perfection. The sun was setting, leaving a spotlight of sunlight on us as we took our vows. We left the church married in a 1950’s Bentley ready to party. As we walked into The Patterson Club, my sister had arranged for a mash-up of Sweet Home Alabama (Roll Tide Roll!) and Empire State of Mind (Go Yankees!) to play and it set the perfect tone for the night. We danced all night to our Motown band, Jump Street, until, I took a second and looked around. I realized in that moment that everyone I loved was in one room to celebrate us. All the running around and travelling between families for a year and a half ended with everyone in one room, North meeting South.

Photography: Melani Lust Photography / Dress: Amsale from Plumed Serpent / Venue: The Patterson Club / Church: Greenfield Hill Congregational / Invitations: CMR Design / Band: Jump Street / Florist: Flowers by Marna / Shoes: Kate Spade / Hair: Meredith Tuozzoli of Hair Spot / Makeup: Melissa D’Antonio for MAC / Cake: Great Cakes

When I first set my sights on wedding planning, thoughts of gorgeous, lace dresses danced in my head; floor length, vintage-inspired and beautifully romantic. I ended up with something quite different but in my mind I wanted to look just like this Bride. She’s a vision in lace that perfectly weaves into this East Coast affair. And with images by Hales Studio and a gallery stuffed to the gills with rolling vineyards and elegant details, perusing is a must.

From Hales Studio… When Jen and Eric asked me to photograph their wedding I had no idea what I treat I was in for! Jen, the bride, did every last detail for this wedding herself. She loves antiques and found all the table centerpiece tins at Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts. I just loved her antique style to the day. Her dress was a beautiful cream color and her jewelry was her grandmother’s and went perfectly with the rest of her details. 

From the Bride… My vision for our wedding was a rustic feel with vintage touches, that’s why I went with the dark wood farmer tables with linen runners. I really wanted the wedding to be personal and represent my love for antiques. I had never seen tins used before in a wedding and thought it would be so unique. I searched for old advertising tins and talc powder tins in neutral colors for decoration. The advertising tins were used on the tables as floral centerpieces and the talc tins were strung by ribbon and hung with flowers on the chairs at the ceremony. My ring pillow was handmade by my Mom using my grandmother’s cameo broach, pieces of my great grandmother’s crocheted blanket and my Mom’s original wedding band.

The favors were handmade by my sister, and they were beautiful envelopes with a variety of antique handkerchiefs and fresh-cut lavender placed inside. She is in the process of starting her own business. The name tags were made at home as well as the frame they were placed on. We found an old frame which was glued, painted and distressed and lace was stapled inside to hook the name tags in by purple ribbon. Everywhere you looked were hand-picked antiques and I had so much fun planning but also antiquing for our special day.

Wedding Photography: Hales Studio / Venue: Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, Connecticut / Event Planning + Design: DIY by the Bride / Floral Design: It’s So Ranunculus / Catering: Russell Morin Fine Catering / Favors: Vintage Paper Exchange / Wedding Dress: Marisa via Kleinfeld Bridal / Bride’s Veil: Borrowed from Bride’s Sister-in-Law / Bride’s Shoes: Kristie Ann Couture

This couple wanted their wedding to be intimate and so very them, but they did not want to sacrifice an inch of style or luxury. A tall order, but judging by Melani Lust Photography‘s the pulled it off with such ease in a wedding at the groom’s parents home complete with cupcakes, love, and the coolest band we’ve ever seen. It’s the kind of soiree that makes us smile a whole days worth, and it’s all right here.

Click here to see the full image gallery!

We wanted an intimate garden wedding with a casual elegance and managed to strike a terrific balance between formality and fun by keeping some traditional elements and incorporating ones that spoke to a more modern sensibility. What we ended up with was a very special and meaningful celebration that was sophisticated without being stuffy. We’ve highlighted a few ways we achieved this difficult balance.

Venue: The groom’s parent’s home in New Canaan, CT offered the perfecting setting with its rustic barn, old-timey stone walls, small pond and rolling lawns – all of which are beautifully offset by a very romantic English garden, elegant pool area and formal home. Two narrow tents were set up off the main house and the pool house to provide shade for guests and the musicians. The bride walked down to the lower lawn from the house to ‘La Vie En Rose’ where guests were waiting with parasols and paper fans on rustic wooden benches arranged in an arc.

Quality Food: We didn’t want to serve a formal dinner in a structured format that would dictate how, when and with whom guests spent their time – but we didn’t want to sacrifice on quality either. Our caterer delivered with incredible serving stations manned by chefs and related staff as well as very heavy passed hors d’oeuvres. At any point, a guest could walk up and receive fresh carved or prepared food and take it back to any table or standing cocktail table. As a result, we were able to create a relaxed, free-flowing ambience while still making sure everyone had plenty to eat.. And we saved ourselves the hassle of hammering out a seating plan! Many guests remarked to us how much they enjoyed this more casual format that allowed them to mix and mingle more easily.

Cake and Cupcakes: It was important for us to have a traditional cake cutting moment, but we wanted some thing yummy and fondant free! Our favorite baker, Laura Jayson, from the dough*girl baking company in Rowayton, CT, created a beautiful six-inch cake with fresh flowers for the ceremonial cutting but also baked cupcakes for each of the 65 guests. This allowed our friends and family to help themselves whenever it suited them, but also gave us our cake moment.

Tables, Linens and Flowers: In keeping with the ‘elegant garden’ theme, we chose neutral, linen table clothes for the serving, cocktail and small dining tables (36”). These were complimented by beautiful fresh cut flower arrangements in small urns in a soft, pastel color palette and votives. There were enough seats for every one to be comfortable, but not enough for every guest to sit at the same time so the reception would feel more like a cocktail party. Two large arrangements in urns were also used to denote the altar in the lower lawn where the ceremony took place and a stunning wreath of natural flowers welcomed guests at the garden gate when they arrived. The bridal bouquet was a timeless collection of garden roses, ivy and hydrangea.

Live Music: As music lovers, live music was crucial, but we wanted some thing in keeping with the wedding – something that wouldn’t dominate but rather would blend perfectly with the surroundings. We found that in the stunning jazz ensemble Carte Blanche, where all members were dressed in charming vintage attire. They played songs that appealed to all ages, across all continents from Manu Chao to Edith Piaf. They were a focal point without distracting, and permitted dancing without dominating the atmosphere. There was no structured dance time or dance floor, but the band picked up on natural cues from the crowd and people certainly danced!

Lighting: To add a romantic ambience and to ensure our guests they could linger into the evening, we scattered candle lanterns and torches across the lawns. However, the real highlight was the collapsible, paper lanterns stuffed with Christmas lights and hung from the rafters in the tents. The lanterns were of varying size and hung in bunches, some with lights and some without – which allows for a warm, defused effect. This not only hid the mental rafters of tent, it was gorgeous from both an aesthetic and lighting perspective – and an easy money saver.

Hide the Tent Poles: We didn’t want metal tent poles showing up in photographs and disrupting the natural ambience of the wedding overall, thankfully, our friend, Kate Moutenot, (who happens to also be an incredibly talented event designer – our luck!) showed us the magic of simply wrapping tent poles in fabric and securing them with zip-ties. The result was gorgeous and economical! A selection of the most prominent poles were covered with fresh summer garland.

Overall we stayed true to who we are, and that balance created a gorgeous wedding. We broke with formal tradition in a number of ways such as having Jennifer’s brother walk her down the aisle, having her Stepfather officiate the ceremony, writing our own vows, having both parents speak at the reception, and generally avoiding the formulaic eating, dancing and speaking times seen at so many weddings. And yet, we insisted on using only the best vendors and selecting details that were, elegant and sophisticated. This balance gave us our dream wedding.

Photography: Melani Lust Photography / Wedding Design: Kate Moutenot, ckmoutenot@hotmail.com / Flowers: Earth Garden, designer@earthgardenflowers.com / Catering: Marcia Selden Catering / Band: Carte Blanche Jazz Ensemble / Tent: Starr Tents / Dress: Tara Keely dress from Lovely Bride Store / Shoes: Prada / Make Up: Meredith at Cosmetic Boutique / Stationery: Small Field Papers / Bakery: Dough Girl Baking Company

We have Katie Stoops to thank for sending us this beauty this morning, and let me just say, it’s worthy of a big thank you. I would squeeze her if I could. It’s elegance meets garden party – complete with pretty as can be florals from Hana Floral Design and perfectly appropriate invites from Rifle Paper Co.– and I do believe that all results in my new favorite type of fête. Top it off with a couple that couldn’t be more excited to say I do, and a Bride that literally took her Groom’s breath away as she walked down the aisle – and you have a wedding we couldn’t be more excited to share. It’s perfection from top to bottom, and you can see so much more right here.

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From Katie Stoops Photography… Marget and Seth were married at the Eolia Mansion in Harkness State Park in Connecticut. This place is just magical. It rained and rained, but I think it only emphasized the romance between these two. The moment you meet Marget and Seth, you wish they were your best  friends. They are so welcoming and completely in love; there is no doubt that they were meant for one another.

From the Bride… We were married in a garden that I played in as a child, and we drew inspiration from the lush greens of Harkness’s natural beauty by choosing simple design elements only decorated with florals. Seth and I feel so blessed by the family and friends in our lives, and we wanted our wedding to feel inclusive and convivial. Our siblings stood with us under the chuppah, and our best friends were our bridal party. In memory of departed loved ones, we read excerpts from letters Seth’s grandparents wrote as a young couple during WWII. We wanted the words of our wedding day to be personal and meaningful, so we asked our reader and seven blessers to choose readings that spoke to them. We asked family friends to serve as our justice of the peace and to deliver the wedding homily, and we honored our heritage by incorporating Methodist and Jewish traditions into the ceremony. For the mansion reception, we filled the bookshelves with novels written by friends and Seth’s clients. Many decor elements were handcrafted by me and a special bridesmaid. We chose long tables with seasonal food served family-style in order to encourage conversation, and it was such a joy to see friends from opposing parts of the world finding common ground. Finally, we wanted to really celebrate the expansive joy we felt, and our DJ was amazing, bringing the whole party onto the dance floor!

Wedding Photography: Katie Stoops Photography / Wedding Venue: Eolia Mansion in Waterford, Connecticut / Floral Design: Hana Floral Design / Catering: A Thyme to Cook / Wedding Invitations: Rifle Paper Co. / Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza / Hair + Makeup: Jennie Fresa ~ Makeup & Skincare Boutiquerie / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Their Choice / Groom’s Suit: Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers / Cinematography: McKenzie Miller Films