New York Weddings

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Green, ivory, peach, coral, rose, yellow, blue, citrus.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]When planning their wedding, Chelsea and Dennis knew that they wanted to get married somewhere outdoors as they are both avid lovers of nature. They also wanted a place which could be a fun destination for their guests to visit from near and far. Chelsea’s family has a home in East Hampton, and Chelsea and Dennis love to spend time there year round visiting the beach, fishing and biking. They decided the perfect venue which incorporated all of their desires would be Wolffer Estate, a place where they had spent many leisurely summer nights drinking wine in the vineyard.
Chelsea planned the wedding with the help of her mother Joan. When creating her stylistic vision for the big day, she was inspired by the Mediterranean.

The couple had a Jewish ceremony in the vineyard, officiated by Rabbi Stein of the Jewish Center of the Hamptons. The couple walked up the aisle to one of their favorite songs, “Better Together” by Jack Johnson, and shared their own personal vows with one another. 160 guests were in attendance, who came from all over the world including Germany, across the US and even Australia.

Chelsea and Dennis could not have imagined a more perfect evening. While there were moments leading up to the wedding, it was so rewarding to see everything come together as they had envisioned. After a challenging but prosperous two years, they felt very lucky to spend a beautiful evening surrounded by their closest friends and family. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Dennis and Chelsea met by chance in January 2017 at a bar called “Time” in Philadelphia. Chelsea was there for one night only visiting a friend from college. Dennis had just arrived one week earlier from Germany to begin a semester as a visiting researcher. When Chelsea saw Dennis standing alone and looking a bit lost, she approached him and introduced herself. They hit it off, and she told him “If you’re ever in NYC, let me know”. He came to visit the next weekend!

After 5 months of dating between Philly and New York, Dennis moved back to Germany to finish his masters program. Chelsea and Dennis continued their romance visiting one another from abroad, and meeting up “in the middle ” for ski trips in Austria and Whistler. In April 2018, Dennis moved back to the US and the couple has lived together in NYC ever since.

Chelsea and Dennis got engaged in November 2020. Dennis proposed with a very romantic surprise. He told Chelsea they were going to lunch in town, but instead drove her to the airport where a helicopter was waiting. The helicopter took a scenic flight over Chelsea’s family’s home and then landed on Block Island, RI. With the gorgeous Mohegan bluffs towering above them, he proposed at the foot of the 140 steps leading down to the beach. As it was November, they had the beach to themselves! They had a lovely picnic drinking gluvein and watching the waves crash before flying back to Long Island in time to catch a perfect sunset from above. [/field]
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore an ivory Vera Wang dress which featured a french sweetheart neckline and a delicate rose and tulip lace design. The bride worked with Mark Ingram Atelier to design a custom bolero with hand-sewn detailing which she wore during the ceremony and cocktail hour.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore chic cowlneck slip dresses in three different shades of coral and they carried bouquets featuring pops of peach and citrus. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Cocktail hour consisted of a delicious variety of some local favorites including mini lobster rolls, fish tacos and oysters, his and hers specialty cocktails, and wines cultivated on site at Wölffer Estate. Dinner was a beautiful three-course meal served in an intimate farm-table setting. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]For florals, the bride chose to use coral, peach and citrus tones to evoke the sweet beginning of summer, and serve as a complement to the blue and white decor.
The main estate building at Wolffer is yellow with blue shutters, and it reminded Chelsea of a relaxed summer in Tuscany. In order to make the decor feel airy and light, Chelsea chose to incorporate hanging basket lighting inspired by a trip to the Cyclades in Greece. She sourced hand-painted blue and white tiles which were used as place settings for guests. Blue candle sticks were paired with white matte ceramic candle holders, a representation of the white stucco buildings Greece is known for. As a favor, the couple gave mini bottles of limoncello inscribed with “Salute”, a nod to Chelsea’s Italian heritage. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake was a delicious meyer lemon cake with lemon cream, lemon curd, and lemon buttercream frosting. It was decorated with beautiful hand-cut florals and served with fresh berries, almond biscotti and whipped cream.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Hank Lane Music (Steve Delisi Band) could not have been a more perfect compliment to the night with their incredibly contagious energy and talent. Chelsea and Dennis kicked off the dancing with the sweetest choreographed first dance to Frankie Vallie’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”. The evening went by quickly and was filled with endless dancing on the floor. Later in the night, Chelsea’s parents, who were also married in June, shared a lovely dance to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.[/field]
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Photography: Barrie Anne Photography | Videography: Frank Ahn Films | Floral Design: Roses & Rice | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Wedding Dress: Mark Ingram Atelier | Invitations: August Sinclair | Shoes: Loeffler Randall | Catering: Stone Creek Catering | Lighting: Chris Bianco | Band: Hank Lane Music | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Wedding Venue: Wolffer Estate Vineyard | Beauty: Beautini | Film lab: Goodman Film Lab | Rentals: Bermuda Party Rentals

Today’s stunning tented wedding in Southampton planned by All Who Wander Event Design is really getting us in the Summer spirit! From the modern color palette of dark green, tan, and neutrals to the organic arrangements by AvaFlora – every detail of Michaela and Michael’s day exuded out-east elegance. Don’t miss out on the full gallery for a serious dose of “coastal grandmother” wedding inspo (oh… and if you’re not already obsessed with the trending “coastal grandmother” aesthetic like we are, just know it’s a high compliment okay?!) — all captured by Jaine Kershner Photography!

From Jaine Kershner Photography… With two reschedules, a venue and date change, and a little bit of luck, they were able to throw one heck of a party. It was a dream team of vendors who helped bring their modern yet romantic vision to life including All Who Wander Events for planning and design, AvaFlora for florals and decor, and Ink and Nibs from their invitations to paper goods.

Their wedding reflects the couple’s personal modern aesthetic and by using a mix of dark green, tan, and neutrals, they were able to completely transform the tented event space at The Seabonack Golf Course in Southampton, NY. On their original wedding date in May, it snowed so imagine how excited they were to have 80-degree weather in October just a few months later. Everything works out for a reason!

Michaela and Michael opted to forgo the traditional bridal party and decided to renew their vows before Sunset. They held a small micro wedding the year before so they were very excited to have their bigger celebration with all of their closest family and friends actually happen. Yay!

More from the Bride… This wedding was incredibly special to us, for so many reasons! After postponing and re-postponing due to Covid, it felt almost surreal to wake up on the morning of the wedding and realize the day had finally arrived.

We are so grateful that we had a small, family-only ceremony in 2020 during the height of Covid, and will always cherish that intimate day when we were officially married. But, we had been looking forward to this larger celebration for a long time, so being able to have all of our friends, family, and loved ones together after almost two years was truly a blessing.

We wanted our guests to feel like they were a part of the day, and our story, so we showed a video from our 2020 ceremony before moving into our vow renewal. The vow renewal ceremony was a beautiful reminder of why we gathered that day – even though we were already married – and how grateful we were to our loved ones for being there with us to celebrate.

After the vow renewal, it was time to hit the dance floor! Mike and I met for the first time at Cafe Wha, and I knew that having the Cafe Wha band play at our wedding was a must. Hearing the band kick off and watching all of our guests pour into the tent was an emotional moment for me – it was really what we had been waiting for! We just wanted everyone to let loose, dance, and enjoy each others’ company after so many months of isolation, and it was so amazing to see the night come to life as the party started.

The day was more perfect than I could have imagined. The weather was gorgeous, and our vendors nailed every single detail. I wanted the wedding to feel like a big, family dinner party – laid-back but elegant, cozy but charming – and that’s exactly how it came together. I feel so lucky to have worked with the best vendors, and that the day was calm, no-stress and so much fun! The best part was, we were able to have our four-month-old daughter there. A beautiful blessing during uncertain times, this is a day we will be telling her about for years to come!

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Photography: Jainé Kershner Photography | videography: The Brothers Gorman | Event Design: All Who Wander Event Design | Event Planning: All Who Wander Event Design | Floral Design: AvaFlora | Invitations: Ink And Nibs | Reception Venue: Sebonack Golf Club | Brides Shoes: Sam Edelman | Hair: Martin Kiss | Lighting: Matt Murphy Event Lighting | Band: Cafe Wha Band | Beauty: Elite Bridal Beauty | Brides Dress: Daalarna Couture | Brides Second Dress: Bronx and Banco | Rentals: Patina | Rentals: Party Rental LTD | Tenting: Sperry Tents Hamptons

This dreamy Scandinavian-inspired styled Christmas shoot is simple, elegant and everything our neutral loving hearts could ever desire! Take a look and be sure to check out the tutorial on how to make a wreath of your own!

The shoot centered around creating beautiful and simple holiday décor, inspired by Scandinavian design, using lots of foraged natural elements like fresh greenery and berries.

Wreath Tutorial

Create a simple fresh foraged holiday wreath:

1. Gather your materials: you’ll need a sharp floral clipper, floral wire, and a wire wreath frame. Snip the evergreen branches.

2. Cedar is a favorite of mine because the soft silvery-blue berries add even more texture to the design. Other evergreens such as pine, spruce or fir will work perfectly too.

3. Start by placing a branch or small bunch of the evergreen on the frame and attach it by tightly wrapping the wire around three or four times.

4. Don’t cut the wire; continue by adding the next bunch of greenery on top of the first.

5. Overlap the starting bunch by a couple of inches and keep all the stems going in the same direction, then wrap the wire around three or four times.

6. Continue this until you have made it all the way around to the starting point, then snip the wire and wrap it tightly around the wreath frame until it is secure.

7. To add more interest to the wreath I love to add a cluster of colorful berries, pine cones, or dried flowers. Bright red holly and nandina berries are a couple of my favorites. Shiny green and brown magnolia leaves are also a fun choice and add a contrasting texture to your wreath. Dried flowers like strawflower or celosia could also add a vibrant pop of color to your design. You can nestle these into the branches of the wreath and attach to the wire frame with a small piece of floral wire if needed.

8. My favorite way to finish off a wreath is by tying on a pretty silk or velvet ribbon in a loose bow with long tails.

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Photography: Darcy Benincosa Photography | Styling: Emma Natter | Floral Design: Wild Fleurette

A stunning blush and white wedding on Long Island?! Sounds like the best way to end the summer with a bang if you ask us! This adorable couple tied the knot at Riviera at Massapequa, a classic venue with a rustic twist. Their day was filled with soft and romantic blooms by Tims Florist and the sweetest pale pink Jenny Yoo bridesmaid dresses. Lucky for us, Jennifer Lam and Betsi Ewing Studio were there to capture the magic unfold! See it all below!

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From the bride… Danny and I had the perfect end to the summer Long Island wedding. This was a stunning classic rustic venue filled with soft, fun, romantic, garden pictures. It also had a lot of white and greenery. Every weekend on Long Island this summer was filled with rain. We knew if we got a beautiful summer night that it would be a home run not just for us but for everyone. Everyone would be in a good mood and that is exactly what happened.

Details were very important to my special day. I wanted it to be a different experience for everyone. We got so lucky and it was one of the first Saturday nights in the summer that was sunny which made it even better. People were really enjoying themselves. We had our cocktail hour outside on the water with a full pasta station since the bride is 100% Italian. We also had a rustic lemonade stand that had our two signature cocktails. The lemonade stand was such a hit and made it easy for people to have a nice summer drink in their mason jar. They kept the jars as favors. We wanted it to be very elegant but also wanted people to feel laid back and relaxed. I think our photographer did a great job capturing the beauty of the rustic venue but still capture it in a stunning way. We kept the wedding party very small and only included our siblings. I was never a fan of color so I made sure to use a lot of white and a lot of greenery. My sisters had on very pale pink Jenny Yoo gowns which were stunning. My brothers and his brother had on navy blue Calvin Klein tuxedos. They were perfect combo for summer.

Our priest made us write essays about “Why this person out of everyone?” –  to our Surprise he read the full essays. It was super magical and everyone loved it. On Long island there is a famous burger place called All American in Massapequa. We got 100 hamburgers and 100 cheeseburgers for guest to enjoy on their way home. They were a big hit because me and my husband didn’t even get a chance to eat one because they were all gone. We don’t know how to use Uber so we called a yellow taxi to go home that night and everyone made fun of us. Overall it was a great end to the summer and a great beginning to the rest of our lives. We also used the perfect song ft Boccelli which all my Italian family members loved. Someone told me during the wedding planning process not to stress the right choices , that the right choices will make themselves known. This really helped me because at the end of the day, the right choices do pop up and make themselves known. I made a board and it started with 100 pictures then closer to the wedding it had 7 of the things I really wanted.

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Photography: Jennifer Lam Photography | Videography : BETSI EWING WEDDINGS | Floral Design: Tim's Florist | wedding gown : Maggie Sottero | Invitations: Sugared Fig Paperie | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | makeup : Alexandra Giampaolo | hair : Megan Silverman Hair | suits : Calvin Klein | Wedding Venue: The Rivera | Lemonade Stand : Lovely Lemons | Photobooth : Snappy Booth | exit station : all american burger

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Photography

BETSI EWING WEDDINGS

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Sugared Fig Paperie

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When first seeing the gorgeousness that is Pauline and Tim’s engagement session, I immediately thought, “I want to be best friends with them.” And as soon as you see it for yourself, you’ll be thinking the same thing, too. Their energy is so full of love and joy, and it radiates in every single photo. Add to that the gorgeous seaside backdrop and glow on this Indian Summer day captured by Audra Wrisely Photography, and you’ve got the stuff e-session dreams are made of.

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From Audra Wrisley Photography… Pauline and Tim hoped to capture their sweet relationship in a way that felt uniquely them – outdoors in a beautiful setting, dancing around together in happiness! We were so thrilled to capture their session, and we found a deserted beach area on Long Island that made the perfect backdrop for their engagement photos. We had an “Indian Summer” day for their shoot, and we loved capturing this couple in the afternoon glow of the setting sun. Pauline’s incredible Alex Veil gown had the most amazing detailing, echoing organic sea coral, and an effortless flow that caught the ocean breeze at every turn. Her gorgeous floral crown was crafted by Ava Florals and was such a beautiful complement to the white and blue tones they chose for wardrobe.

Photography: Audra Wrisley Photography | Floral Design: Ava Floral | Dress: Alex Veil | Hair + Makeup: Ombre By E.J. Makeup Studio

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Photography

Audra Wrisley Photography

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Michelle’s vision for her wedding day was simple: a romantic, intimate setting with a sweet boho vibe. A truly gorgeous concept, but one that needs a truly gorgeous locale to work. Enter Sole East Resort, a stunning resort smack-dab in the heart of Michelle and Mike’s engagement city – Montauk. From the breathtaking gardens to the yummy cuisine (hey there, lobster rolls), it was a night that these two loves will never forget, complete with s’mores. Scroll to get inspired by every beautiful moment below.

From the Bride… I had a vision that my wedding would have a slight bohemian vibe, with whimsical accents and flowers. I knew I wanted it held in a romantic, intimate setting. Lucky for Mike and me – that’s exactly how it came to life. Sole East Resort had the perfect mix of what we were looking for: a beachy/boho vibe that still felt elevated enough to have black-tie optional, a space that our wedding guests could easily take over for a whole weekend as a home base, and a venue that could accommodate both the ceremony, reception and after party without having to move our guests in between.

My color palette was neutrals for the bridesmaids and paper (i.e. invites, menus, signs, etc.), but I definitely wanted a lot of different bold colors for the wild flowers. This worked well in the garden setting of Sole East Resort. We did our first look and initial pics before the ceremony at Sole East Resort and then at a spot out near Ditch Plains, but the Sole East Resort grounds were so beautiful in June with all of the flowers and greenery and are some of my favorites.

I loved the custom escort card display that my planner, James, put together. He created this huge tree out of wild flowers which was inspired by the tree we got married under at Sole East Resort. It was beautiful. Mike had the idea of using names of surf breaks as our table numbers instead of actual numbers, and we loved how that came to life. The reception was under a beautiful sailcloth tent that fit perfectly on Sole East Resort’s grounds. The shrubs make it very unique and didn’t interrupt the layout at all. My dress (Reem Acra) was my absolute favorite. I got it from Saks, and they really took care of me during all my fittings in the weeks leading up to the big day. I also loved my hair and makeup artists from MG Hair & Makeup. My Stylist Val was a gem! She kept me calm, and was spot on with my hair and makeup vision.

A real highlight on Sole East Resort’s part was the dinner. Definitely get the lobster rolls – big hit. The steak and fish were spot on, and all the veggies were so fresh, and doing it all family style was the best! Cindi, Dave and Sue at Sole East Resort were great. They really worked with our planner to help execute everything to perfection.

After the ceremony and cocktail hour, the rest of the night was a whirlwind of amazing dance floor moments, toasts, photo booth pics, and more dancing – our live band was awesome! We ended with an after party at the hotel bar, coupled with s’mores by the fire pit. Our wedding at Sole East Resort was at absolute dream. We could not have been happier with how the day turned out.

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Michelle and Mike’s wedding was amazing, which is not at all surprising, since Sole East Resort is the kind of place that just does weddings right. From the spring blooms bursting at every corner (think rhododendron, swaying ornamental grasses and red maples), to the hammocks, adirondack chairs and St. Tropez lounge beds, to the amazing amenities and food, you can literally just sit back and relax while their talented staff handles it ALL. Which means that sophisticated garden wedding you’ve always dreamed of? It’s right at your fingertips – and so is lounging by the pool. To start planning that laid-back meets elegant affair, contact Sole East Resort today at events@soleeast.com or 631.668.2105. And don’t forget to ask about their spring discounts. Your big day is going to be so, so awesome.

Photography: Jj Ignotz | Floral Design: James Abel Events | Dress: Reem Acra | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Catering : Sole East Resort | Hair & Makeup: MG Hair & Makeup | Venue: Sole East Resort | Tent: American Tent Company | James Abel : James Abel Events | Wedding Reception & Lodging: Sole East Resort

Backyard weddings are our jam, but if you’re not too keen on hosting your Big Day celebration at your own abode, we’ve got the perfect solution: Sole East Resort. Think of it as your home away from home with everything from gorgeous gardens, bamboo archways and a fire pit perfect for roasting post-nuptial s’mores. It’s that backyard vibe we absolutely adore meets a talented events team that will handle every jaw-dropping moment. You seriously can’t go wrong.

Sole East Resort has always been one of our fave Hamptons venues, and it’s not just because of the sweet Tudor charm and their 70 gorgeous guest rooms. Their accommodations are amazing and their onsite amenities make it the perfect place to relax and play with your friends and family. From their heated pool to their fab Montauk locale to their awesome (+ full-service) Backyard Restaurant, it’s the best place ever to spend a weekend celebrating you and yours. Gather your friends around the fire pit after your rehearsal dinner, take a 5-minute walk to the beach the morning of your Big Day to ease those butterflies and host your last hurrah with a goodbye brunch the morning after your nuptials. They literally have everything covered – and it’s all with that laid-back charm we love so much about the Hamptons.

Sole East Resort isn’t just the perfect place to tie the knot, they have the perfect staff, too. From planning your rehearsal dinner to coordinating your big moment to everything in between, the Sole East Events Team has you totally covered. Our advice? Shoot them an email pronto (events@soleeast.com) to get started planning your amazing nuptials. That backyard wedding you’ve always wanted is waiting – and there are still a few prime May and June 2018 dates available (with generous discounts!) if you’re last-minute planning!

Photography: 4Eyes Photography | Ceremony & Reception : Sole East Resort

Although the Bride works in the wedding industry at Twobirds Bridesmaid, her vision for her own nuptials was simple and elegant – she wanted it to feel like a dinner party for family and friends. She carefully selected each of her trusted vendors then gave them creative liberty – and lovelies, it sure did pay off. Sag Harbor Florist created gorgeous grapewood spheres and florals inspired a sculptural installation at the venue, Longhouse Reserve, and Lisa Vorce Co. turned the Sperry Tent into a stunning reception space. There’s no better way to kick off your weekend than with this wedding, captured by Artisan Production and Braedon Weddings.

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For almost twenty years I have been spending my summers in East Hampton. Recently my parents became full time residents, so now it is the place I call home. When thinking about getting married, there was really no other destination I could think of to celebrate the most special day of our lives.

Our wedding was at Longhouse Reserve, a 16 acre sculpture garden in East Hampton, NY. The first time I visited Longhouse, I remember telling my dad this is where I wanted to get married. It is breath-taking – the grounds are covered with flowers and greenery as well as installations from a variety of artists.

I work in the bridal industry (Director of Operations at Twobirds Bridesmaid in Manhattan) but never really thought too much about my own wedding. I really just wanted it to feel like a big dinner party with my family and friends. We worked with Lisa Vorce (and her amazing team) who is a dream. She thinks of everything and made the planning process easy (i.e. I really didn’t do anything).

All of our vendors were so spectacular: Braedon, our photographer, and Aaron, our videographer, were the best to be around all day and fit in like they were wedding guests! We used a lot of the vendors that my sister used last spring, so it really felt like family. The band, Northstar from Elan Artists, was out of this world. Everyone at the wedding cannot stop talking about them! Flowers were done by the amazing Anasatasia at Sag Harbor Florist who outdid herself. Lisa collaborated with her on these gorgeous grapewood spheres inspired by Grace Knowlton’s “structural orb” installation that was on the property. I never would have thought of creating something so beautiful and allowing them to creatively express themselves without my input made it the most seamless process.

The local vendors were so special to have. Our home away from home in the Hamptons is Nick & Toni’s (the chicken is all my husband talks about) so to have them cater the wedding was a no brainer. We did it French style so the tables shared all the sides and you had the option to sample all the entrees. Nick & Toni’s pastry chef made us two cakes – one gluten free (for me) and one for Evan. I love weddings this way as it creates a more casual and relaxing vibe.

Thanks to my sister (Jamie Mizrahi who is a stylist in LA), I was outfitted in custom Brock Collection (my dream dress) for my rehearsal dinner! I am just waiting for another place to wear that dress. For the wedding day I wore Ines Di Santo – a simple dress with an open back. My flower girls (Twobirds CEO’s daughters and my best friends) were outfitted in our tulle flower girl dresses. It was so special to have them apart of our day and be able to see our creations come to life!

Thank you to everyone who helped make our special day the best day of our lives.

Photography: Braedon Photography | Cinematography: Artisan Production | Event Planning: Lisa Vorce | Floral Design: Sag Harbor Florist | Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo | Shoes: Nancy Gonzalez | Catering: Honest Catering | Makeup: Ashimoto | Hair: Scotty Cunha | Band: Elan Artists | Groom's Attire: Burberry | Wedding Venue: The LongHouse Reserve | Tent: Sperry Tents | Flower Girl Dresses: twobirds Bridesmaid | Rehearsal Dinner: Bell & Anchor | Rehearsal Dress: Brock Collection | Sunday Brunch: Nick And Tonis

When the groom chooses to propose on April Fools’ Day because it’s his future-wife’s favorite holiday, be prepared for a wedding full of surprises! The event planning team at Duke + Van Deusen pulled together a dream team – including Cappy Hotchkiss Photography, Avaflora, and Face Time Beauty Concierge – to create this enchanting, garden-set celebration. From a custom floral crown station to a creative cocktail hour performance (two words: synchronized swimmers) and more, this whimsical wedding is sure to delight! See each fun-filled moment in the Vault.

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From Cappy Hotchkiss Photography… Longhouse Reserve is a stunning jewel of a sculpture garden in East Hampton that only allows four events per year. These two hired the fabulous team of Duke + Van Deusen for their planning, who arranged synchronized swimmers during the cocktail hour as well as a flower crown bar (guests could choose which flowers they wanted, and Avaflora fashioned the crowns on the spot, resulting in a wedding full of gorgeous women and men of all ages and styles sporting flowers on their heads), a lemonade bar, a hotdog station, signature drinks, tons of beautiful signs, an old wagon filled with flowers as the place card holder, a dessert bar, hand painted invitations, and bridesmaids’ dresses in a pastel rainbow of colors. The ceremony was officiated by a friend of the bride and groom’s.

It is presumed that it was only a matter of time before Fred and Ali would meet, given they lived just a block away from each other in New York City. They probably even passed each other on the street, but it wasn’t until mutual friends got the idea to set them up that their lives would intersect and change forever. One of Ali’s best friends told her she had a guy to set her up with and sent along a link to his Facebook picture. With one look, Ali messaged her friend, “Make it happen.” The girls arranged for Fred and his friend to meet them out in the neighborhood one night, that way her friends could interrogate him all at once. To no one’s surprise, sparks flew instantly, everyone approved, and they both instinctively felt that this could be the start of something special.

Fred asked Ali if she wanted to come along with him on a business trip to a conference in Miami, and without hesitation Ali said, “No, thanks.” For a good month she thought she was in the clear, however Fred brought it up again, saying that his boss’s wife and his boss’s boss’s wife were going, and that it was really important that she make it if she could. This time Ali agreed. A day before the trip, Ali decided to swap her glittery nail polish for something a little more work-friendly, and upon returning from the nail salon, she noticed her dead bolt was unlocked, sending a wave a panic through her. Mind you, she was already on high alert because it was April Fools’ Day. She cautiously pushed open the door and proceeded to check the closets, behind the doors, and even under the bed, but she found nothing. Suddenly she noticed a giant bouquet of flowers sitting right in front of her on the dining room table, and she happily realized Fred had played the nicest April Fools’ Day trick on her.

She was calling her mom to tell her about it when the doorbell rang. Ali opened the door and was surprised to find Fred. She wondered why he wasn’t at work, but she thanked him for the flowers. Fred then got down on one knee, said some incredibly romantic words (that unfortunately neither of them can remember), and asked Ali to spend the rest of her life with him (and assured her the proposal wasn’t a prank). She of course said yes, but the story doesn’t end there. Overcome with emotion, Ali called her family, but instead of congratulating her, they thought it was a prank. You should know that April Fools’ Day is Ali’s favorite holiday. It was then she realized Fred had played the most ingenious April Fools’ Day prank ever. She called all of her friends that night, and not a single one believed her! Some people didn’t up until her wedding day, thinking the website, dress, and save-the-date were all part of an elaborate prank. As if things couldn’t get any better, after the proposal Fred whisked Ali away – not on a work trip to Miami, but to Mustique, where they spent the next few days laying in the sand and celebrating their engagement.

Photography: Cappy Hotchkiss | Event Planning: Duke + Van Deusen | Floral Design: AvaFlora | Wedding Dress: Mira Zwillinger | Cake: Kathy Burton | Invitations: A Fabulous Fete | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jodi Fried | Caterer: Pete Ambrose Events | Makeup: Georgio Fernandez Beauty | Hair: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Lighting: Matt Murphy Event Lighting | Band: City of Six | Groom's Attire: Ralph Lauren | Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: The LongHouse Reserve | Tent Rental: Sperry Tents Hamptons | Bridal Boutique: Mark Ingram Atelier | Save the Dates: Shannon Kirsten Illustration

Sea side towns on the East Coast have a very distinct vibe. Think shingled gray ladies and hydrangeas galore set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s so quintessential and pretty and when your family has a backyard in the Hamptons just begging for a wedding? You hop on that! Pore through this day captured by Kelsey Combe that embodies all the things we love about a DIY beach celebration.

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From the Bride… One early fall morning Kurt proposed on Wainscott Beach where we had spent the past several summers falling in love. Not only had Kurt been planning our engagement, he had also put together another proposal – a wedding on his family’s property in the Hamptons.

Kurt and I both love to plan surprises, parties, and other celebrations so we were beyond thrilled to take advantage of planning a DIY wedding the following summer. From designing my dress with Modern Trousseau, creating our wedding crest with Betsy from Lemontree Calligraphy, wedding paper with Sandy from Roseville Designs, and laying out the reception details—we enjoyed putting our personal touch on everything.

Our vision of a romantic garden wedding was easy to accomplish on his aunt and uncle’s property; it didn’t require much to enhance the natural beauty. We paired classic Hamptons white hydrangeas with white and blush garden roses to complement the green landscape. We strung bistro lights inside the tent, hung paper lanterns from the trees, and placed candles everywhere to create the romantic vision we had in mind.

We also wanted to incorporate our families and their traditions. Looking back, we are so happy to have done so. My mother and her sisters had my grandmother’s engagement ring made into necklace which I wore throughout the day. I also pinned a pendant that she had worn, on her wedding day, to my bouquet. Kurt’s mother made my gorgeous lace veil that perfectly complemented my dress. During our ceremony, we were able to light the same unity candle used in my parents’ wedding 35 years prior. We wrapped family photos that documented weddings from past generations around “Our Family Tree,” a focus point during the cocktail hour.

After the ceremony, we toured our favorite places in East Hampton with Kelsey Combe who captured the day with our bridal party and parents. One of our most memorable moments was taking our wedding portrait photos on the very spot where Kurt proposed. The lighting Kelsey captured on the overcast beach was magical.

The reception site was an absolute dream and would not have come to life without the assistance of our dedicated family. Our morning was stress free knowing that Gina, our day of coordinator, was also there making sure all the details we had planned were executed perfectly. Dancing under the stars, (and surprise fireworks set off by a neighbor!) with music from the talented Silver Arrow Band, was exactly how we wanted to spend the night with our guests. I look at the photos nearly every day, and pinch myself that this was how we celebrated the start of our lives together.

Photography: Kelsey Combe Photography | Coordination: Details Wedding Coordination | Florist: East Hampton Flowers | Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau | Cupcakes: Two Little Red Hens Bakery | Invitations: Roseville Designs | Ceremony Venue: Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Private Residence | Bride's Shoes: Dune | Engagement Ring: Heather Fletcher at Bespoke Fine Jewels | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Azazie | Catering: East End Events Catering | Hair & Makeup: Erica Does Makeup | Calligraphy: Meaghan Donlon | Band: Silver Arrow Band | Tent: The New York Tent Company | Crest Design: Lemontree Calligraphy | Signage & Dessert Table: DIY | Watercolor Artist: Lemontree Calligraphy & Illustration | Wedding Rings: Lauren B Jewelry

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Photography

Kelsey Combe Photography

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Silver Arrow Band

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Give me a vineyard and I give you one very happy lady. Now make it a gorgeous summer wedding at a spot that’s reminiscent of the most stunning Hampton’s dinner party and I’m done for. With planning by L. Marie Events and florals by Ovando, this wedding is proof that vineyards make for the dreamiest of venues. See what all the fuss is about with Brian Hatton’s gorgeous imagery right here.

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From the planner… Bonnie & Michael’s Summer wedding at the Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack was absolutely gorgeous.  Wolffer Estate’s back patio is amazing in that it bridges the gap between inside and outside creating a seamless experience for guests.  Whites and greens were a counterpoint to the surrounding grape vines ready to burst for harvest while long tuscan style tables added a bit of rusticity.  Ample candlelight set a warm mood and allowed for photography to continue unobtrusively as the sunlight faded away.  Bonnie wore Reem Acra and Michael wore a bespoke Seize sur Vingt tuxedo with white jacket.  To cap things off, Bonnie changed in to her mom’s Chinese wedding dress to dance the night away.

Photographer: Brian Hatton Photography | Cinematography: NY Filmworks | Event Planning: L. Marie Events | Floral Design: Ovando | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Invitations: Fourteen-Forty | Reception Venue: Wolffer Estate Vineyard | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Catering: Stone Creek Inn | Hair & Makeup: MG Hair & Makeup | Lighting: Matt Murphy Event Lighting | Band: On The Move Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Seize Sur Vingt | Officiant: Jeff Ragovin | Transportation: Hampton Jitney | Getting Ready: Baron's Cove

Classic weddings will always have my heart and that includes long lace sleeves, beautiful bouquets of peonies and romance galore, and anytime I need a boost, no need to look further than right there. Elena Wolfe captured this elegant ivory and sage celebration that fulfills all my classic wedding needs to a tee. See the perfect Pronovias gown, these plush peonies and more in our Vault right this way!

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From the Elena Wolfe… Tatum and Andrew planned a classic, soft and elegant wedding. Floral colors were ivory, blush and sage green with hints of dusty miller. The forecast was filled with rain, but the clouds cleared up and the rain held off until the night came! The bride and groom drove off in a Rolls Royce to celebrate their marriage and join their family and friends to dance the night away.

From the Bride… I wanted my wedding to be soft, classic and elegant. Nothing can really prepare you for planning a wedding, and you learn as you go! As long as you keep your vision in mind, and you don’t get too caught up in the tiny nuances, you’ll alleviate a lot of the stress planning a wedding can cause! Take the weather for example, there’s nothing you can do about it! So when rain threatened our big day, I thought.. ‘Oh nice! Overcast is perfect for pictures!’ One piece of advice I can give is to do your research for your vendors and once you meet with them – as long as you have that connection – let them do what they’re good at! It always helps to give some direction, but if they understand your vision let them do what they do best!

Photography: Elena Wolfe Photography | Floral Design: Bella Flowers | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Ceremony Venue: St. Johns Episcopal Church | Reception Venue: The Carltun | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Getting Ready Venue: Garden City Hotel | Music: Fusion DL

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Photography

Elena Wolfe Photography

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I’m just going to come out and say it: Private estate weddings our my weakness. Reason being? We get to see some on the most incredible homes transformed into venues and that in and of itself is totally inspiring. Add in the talented Elena Wolfe behind the lens, and well it’s downright perfection. See it all in The Vault!

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From The Bride…Trey and I met in college at the University of Florida at a 4th of July get together. He was about to graduate and I was just beginning there. Our relationship continued throughout my college career. Although we were long distance, he would travel each weekend to come visit.

He proposed just before Christmas while I was working on my master’s degree. We went back and forth on what kind of wedding we wanted. We started to plan the traditional big 200 person wedding but it became just too overwhelming and stressful. We decided that wedding planning should be something we enjoy and savor since we only get to do it once and we needed to change our plans to make it something we had fun doing.

After LOTS and LOTS of ideas and consideration we were so torn – Do we elope in a fun place like Europe or a beautiful island or do invite immediate family? I spoke to my aunt who lives in Southampton and she suggested us having an intimate family wedding in her home – that way we could have the people we love most, and have it a “destination wedding” but not too far away.. We immediately fell in love with the idea and started planning from afar.

We began planning at the end of August and set our date for the 21st of November, just before Thanksgiving. While research began online and with the help of recommendations from my aunt, a local, we quickly realized we needed to schedule a trip up to the Hamptons to meet with vendors and wrap our head around all of our ideas a little bit better. We went up for a long weekend in September and met with vendors and started to put our ideas into motion. From that point on the rest of the planning was done via email or phone and it worked out perfectly!

The wedding was everything we could have dreamed of and more. We got married by the fireplace in front of 16 of our loved ones. There was a lovely candle tribute to my mother who has passed away. The night included dancing, toasts, delicious food, and great conversation. It was truly the most special night of our lives. If we could do it over, we wouldn’t change a thing.

Photography: Elena Wolfe Photography | Cinematography: Intrigue Wedding Films | Floral Design: Lilee Fell Flowers | Cake: Sag Harbor Bakery | Invitations: Crane & Co. | Bride's Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Shoes: Calvin Klein | Venue: Private Estate | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Photography - Assistance: Marielle Solan

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Photography

Elena Wolfe Photography

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The Hamptons. The name alone evokes luxury and elegance. And this East Hampton wedding from Brklyn View Photography embodies that classic Hamptons style. From the Bride’s monogrammed Jack Rodgers sandals to the handmade driftwood arbor adorned with soft, romantic flowers, this fall day is the beachy elegant wedding of our dreams. See it all now in The Vault!

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From The Bride…When it came to planning our wedding we knew we wanted it to be a fun and intimate event that reflected our style as a couple. We grew up at the beach and wanted to incorporate the beachy elegance of The Hamptons into our wedding. After visiting East Hampton Point we knew their waterfront location was the perfect fit. We were married overlooking the water, surrounded by close friends and family, by the same judge that had married Brenden’s parents, and there was not a dry eye in the room by the end of the ceremony.

Little details were carefully planned to personalize the day. A custom laurel wreath monogram was created for our invitations and a vintage map of East Hampton was used for the envelope liner. For my something blue, I wore a vintage brooch on my bouquet that my Mother had worn on her wedding dress. We also created two signature cocktails, Little Plains Beach, the location where Brenden proposed, and Navy Beach, one of our favorite spots in Montauk.

The floral design was one of my favorite parts of wedding planning. We incorporated mercury glass vases and votives into the table design, along with pops of blush flowers to add a soft romantic feel. A handmade driftwood arbor filled with flowers created the perfect backdrop for our ceremony and fit in perfectly with the scenery.

I have been planning my wedding ever since I was a little girl and the day was everything I could have ever dreamed of and more. We were so lucky to have the help of our amazing families and vendors to make the day so perfect.

Photography: Jainé Kershner Photography | Floral Design: Karen Lenahan Designs | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Bride's Shoes: Jack Rogers | Hair + Makeup: Beautiful by Dina | Invitations + Calligraphy: Natalie Chang | Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers | Venue: East Hampton Point

Solé East has played host to some of our all-time favorite weddings, so dedicating an entire day to this sweet Long Island venue is, well… sort of a no-brainer.  From its fabulous proximity to the beach to the ah-mazing wedding weekend options to the luxurious rooms that will leave all of your guest talking, Solé East is a Montauk paradise simply made for marrying.  Take a look.

Picture a dreamy ceremony in a manicured garden, a stunning tented reception under the stars and an after party complete with non-stop dancing and you’ll land squarely on your Big Day celebration at Solé East, a place that knows all there is to know about hosting a breathtaking wedding.  I’m talking customizable menus featuring fresh, local and seasonal cuisine, transportation to and from the hotel to the Hampton Jitney + the LIRR stops AND a complimentary stay in a Garden Suite the night of the wedding. It’s basically everything you’ve ever wanted, all set against the modern loveliness that is Solé East.  We love.

Newly renovated and seriously chic, Solé East doesn’t just know how to host your Big Day, they’ll make sure you and your guests are comfortable, as well.  From your weekend of non-stop relaxation at their fabulous pool (read: oversized pool mattresses) to their hip, full-service restaurant and lounge (The Backyard) to hammocks dotting the lush lawns.  Not to mention the climate-controlled rooms with pillow-top mattresses and Italian cotton linens.  That’s just awesome.

Contact Solé East today to begin planning that wedding of your dreams, loves. We can’t wait to see.

Photography: 4Eyes Photography | Photography: Angelica Glass Photography

Finding that dress of your dreams?  Sooo important.  Which is why choosing the right bridal salon is almost as crucial as choosing your special someone. Enter Bridal Reflections, our go-to (+ newly remodeled!) locale for fab customer service, 43 years of serious know-how and a couture gown selection that is all kinds of gorgeous. Say goodbye to stressful dress shopping, loves… and hello to the one. 

Celebrating 43 years this month, Bridal Reflections knows everything there is to know about finding the perfect gown for you and your Big Day.  Think THREE fabulous locales, a beyond friendly staff and an unhurried selection process that will always make you feel comfortable.  Not to mention that their Carle Place, Long Island salon was completely renovated and expanded for 2016.  Which means a seriously luxurious + crazy spacious showroom, a red carpet AND an awesome 360 degree mirrored view.  We love.

Can’t wait to start that journey towards that dream gown?  We don’t blame you.  Contact Bridal Reflections TODAY to book your next appointment.  You’ll be able to browse their never-ending lineup of beautiful gowns and accessories (for you AND your besties), including stunning veils, headpieces and jewelry. Trust us, adding that special touch has never been easier… or more awesome.

When the Bride’s from Australia , the Groom’s from Long Island, and friends and family are from around the world, where do you say “I do”!? That was the question for these two, and they settled on Shelter Island, complete with beautiful views and the summer sun. But even that beauty didn’t compare to their celebration, with the blushing Bride, and her ladies’ Jenny Yoo dresses blowing in the breeze. Ryon:Lockhart Photography captured it all, making our VAULT shine just as bright as that day.

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From the Bride… When Chris proposed our first question was, “Where in the world should we get married?” He is from Long Island, and I had lived in England, New Zealand, Long Island and Australia at that point. We were both in the process of moving to Boston, after a year of a distance relationship between New York and Australia. We eventually decided that Long Island was the best place for us, because that is where we met and fell in love, where most of our mutual friends were, and it was a middle point between Europe and Oceania for my friends and family to travel to. We wanted to find a venue where our families and the wedding party would be able to stay together for a few days. I had always hoped to be married by the water, so the Ram’s Head Inn was perfect. When picking our photographers, we looked for someone who would be fun to have around on the day, and who would be able to take consistently amazing photographs in the changing light throughout the day and night. Sarah and Tim are two of the most wonderful people we have ever met, and their photographs captured the beauty and happiness that defined our wedding day.

The largest challenge of the wedding planning process was planning the wedding in New York from Boston. My mother was in Australia and my bridesmaids were scattered all over the world, so we had to utilize the internet in every way possible for planning. My mother Skyped in every time I went dress shopping, even if it was the middle of the night for her!

My vision was to keep the wedding design simple and elegant, and to enhance the natural beauty of the grounds at the Ram’s Head Inn. I love bright colors, but felt that keeping the bridesmaids’ dresses in a neutral palette and allowing the colors to be in the floral designs was the look that most suited my vision. This was also inspired by my grandparents’ house in the south of France – so many old stone buildings there are covered in beautiful flowers.

I found my dream dress, Penelope by Watters, which ticked off every one of my wishes – simple, low back, fun tulle skirt, and Jenny Yoo’s Annabelle dress in Cashmere was the perfect bridesmaids match. The versatility of the top half of these dresses allowed each bridesmaid to wear a look that they felt beautiful in. I found a picture online of flower girls wearing a leotard and a tutu, and loved it immediately. Seeing all the girls together in their dresses with their bouquets for the first time was a definite highlight on the day! The men went for a classic charcoal suit, and even though the looks were formal for an outdoor wedding, it came together beautifully.

When I walked down the aisle I could not stop smiling. I am quite an emotional person, and I expected to cry, but I was just so happy. Seeing Chris standing there made me realize how fulfilled I am in our relationship. Also, the scenery was so beautiful, the floral archway was exquisite, and the pianist playing “Can you feel the love tonight” was letting me embrace both my Disney and Elton John fandom! Most importantly, there were family and friends who had literally traveled from all over the country and the world to be there. It was so special, and we both feel such immense love and gratitude towards everyone who traveled from near and far to share this day with us. The ceremony included a speech by my grandfather: he and my grandmother were married sixty years in January. Chris and I had written very simple vows to share: to honor and respect one another, and to treat each other’s dreams as if they were our own. We performed a sand ceremony with sand from New Zealand and Long Island.

The reception was mostly outdoors under fairy lights. The food was local and delicious. We had a few personal touches – Chris had built a swing, and two groomsmen had built a fun photo frame for guests to take pictures in. We had a map where people pin where they had traveled from, and where they thought we should travel to one day. After dinner, we danced the night away. Dancing with people from all different parts of our lives is something I will never forget. The evening ended with toasting s’mores, made from Whittaker’s chocolate (a New Zealand specialty) to commemorate our first date, where Chris had tempted me to come to the beach with him to try this American delight. It was a magical day and is so special to re-live via all of these photographs!

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More Long Island celebrations this way!

Photography: Ryon:Lockhart Photography | Cinematography: Ben Childs | Floral Design: Kim Jon Designs | Wedding Dress: Watters | Cake: Ram's Head Inn | Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Ram's Head Inn | Makeup: Sonomi Obinata | Band: Silver Arrow Band | Groom's Attire: Bonobos | Venue: Ram's Head Inn | Hair Accessories: Arsiart

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Silver Arrow Band

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An unexpected cold front made a surprise appearance at this darling duo’s Big Day, but one look at their smiling faces and the breathtaking gallery captured by Kt Crabb Photography and you definitely wouldn’t know it.  From the bride’s happy moments spent bonding with her besties to the groom’s crazy cool dance (!) to the ah-mazing sparkler exit.  See it all in THE VAULT right here.

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From Kt Crabb Photography… Megan and Daniel met casual through friends during their college years and quickly became good friends. Friendship turned to a little something more and soon they were inseparable. Although they met and had a history in Florida their new beginnings started to take place in NY. They truly started a life together there and settled in to call it home sweet home.

In fact, Long Island is more than just a home to these two. It’s a place of history for Megan’s family. Land’s End is the exact spot her parents said “I do.” Illness took Megan’s beloved mom away too soon, but Megan knew immediately that it was the perfect place to honor her mom and celebrate her new life as a Mrs.

The sun came out as the wedding party made their prep for the day. The ceremony was all in place when a surprise cool front decided to make an appearance and bring wind and rain. Quick thinking from Land’s End kept everyone dry as Megan made her walk down the aisle. Soon after, these two danced the night away as they started their journey of forever, hand in hand.

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See more Classic Weddings in THE VAULT!

Photography: Kt Crabb Photography | Cinematography: Eli Meyer Studio | Floral Design: Carolines Flower Shoppe | Cake: Audrey's Fine Baked Goods | Catering: Lands' End | Hair And Makeup: Peter Alexandra Salon Spa | DJ: Castle Entertainment | Venue: Lands' End | Photography - Assistance: Stephanie Gamble

For those of you totally excited for the arrival of fall (read: me), this darling e-sesh is exactly what the doctor ordered.  Think two adorable sweeties frolicking amongst towering trees (in rich autumn colors) and you are sooo on the right track.  It’s true love meets chilly days meets the breathtaking images ofW Studios New York.  Head to The Vault for all of the pretty.

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From the Bride… We chose to have our engagement pictures taken out on the North Fork of Long Island, because it is so pretty in the fall months. In November, the leaves are changing colors and the sunsets are amazing. We wanted to pick locations that held special meaning to us and the North Fork is our favorite place to go all year round to relax and enjoy each other.

We were relaxed and confident working with W Studios New York and had such a great time throughout the day. We hit multiple spots from a shady walk through the leaves to our favorite rocky beach and got all that we hoped for and more in our pictures. Stephen and Yuliya gave us great direction and were so helpful with moving around the east end and making the most of our time. We can’t wait to see how beautiful our wedding photos come out!

Photography: W Studios New York | Venue: North Fork New York | Bride's Accessories (Necklace): J.Crew | Bride's Attire (Jeans): 7 For All Mankind | Bride's Attire (Sweater): Zara | Bride's Attire (White Top): Zara | Bride's Shoes (Ankle Boots): Lucky Brand | Bride's Shoes (Flats): J.Crew | Groom's Attire (Boat Shoes): Sperry | Groom's Attire (Jeans): Levi's | Groom's Attire (Long Sleeve Gray Henley T-shirt): J.Crew | Groom's Attire (Quilted Blue Jacket): J.Crew

A refreshing mint palette paired with an oceanside views sound gorgeous enough, but add in the fact that this family affair is brimming with DIY details? Well, it puts the significance in the celebration. From the fabric draped ceilings adorned with hanging lanterns, to the friends and family that celebrated underneath a canopy of twinkling lights, Ashley Caroline Photography highlighted their love for family, friends, and the beach below!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/112875203 600 338]

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From the beautiful Bride… My college sweetheart and I had been together nearly 7 years before he popped the question on a brisk, beautifully grey day in February of 2013. This gave us more than enough time to figure out what we love the most as a couple. Cozy spaces, salty air, long weekends spent with family, cold beers, rainy days, and always toasting to the little things. While planning the most special day of our lives, we were inspired to highlight the most valued aspects of our life together – our love for family, friends, and the beach.

After quite the scavenger hunt for venues, we decided that Oceanbleu at Westhampton Bath and Tennis was the perfect location for our big day. Natural chiavari chairs, blue & white striped fabric draped ceilings adorned with hanging lanterns and a whimsical chandelier, a boardwalk to nowhere, and crashing waves as the backdrop for our intimate tent ceremony. With the beach venue only 30 minutes from my childhood home on Long Island, it made our decision an easy one. Once the vibe was set, I began a collection of assorted mercury glass containers and set aside items from our southern-style home in Atlanta: antique seafoam bottles, vintage blue ball jars, mint shutters, various picture frames, and a jadeite cake stand to name a few – all subtle details that remained true to our minty theme. It proved to be the perfect combination of rustic elegance and southern charm.

The forecast leading up to our wedding was an unwavering 100% chance of rain. Needless to say, we embraced the not so pretty weather, which miraculously transformed into a breathtaking golden hour just in time to walk down the aisle. The early morning hours were spent at my mother’s dear friends home in Bridgehampton, where the girls and I prepped for the big day in our matching shortie pajama sets by Plum Pretty Sugar and were treated to a delicious breakfast spread of pastries, egg casseroles, fruit and bubbly. The boys gathered in Southampton and relived the college days bonding over football while drinking keg beer out of red solo cups. At both locations, there was no shortage of smiles, big hugs, and happy tears from loving siblings and parents. With the steady rainfall well underway, Evan and I met at the old Parrish Museum for the big reveal. We exchanged cards and giddy kisses and shared a private moment away from all of the morning excitement and chaos.

Having the wedding so close to home presented the opportunity for my amazingly talented cousin to do all of our flowers. After discussing our vision for the day, she provided the following description for our floral design: “A soft mix of lush blooms to include hydrangea, dahlia, roses, stock, lisianthus, tuberose, and hypericum in white and ivory with hints of pale peach, seafoam, and accents of rosette succulents in mint shades. The complementing greenery of seeded eucalyptus, variegated pittonegra, boxwood, and laurel. The cocktail and reception flowers were arranged in an eclectic mix of mercury glass vases and mason jars. The overall décor reflected vintage, rustic, romantic, elegant themes.” Little did she know, my wedding dress is the Amsale ‘Dahlia’ so her suggestion to incorporate the flower in our arrangements couldn’t have been more fitting! When the bouquets were delivered the morning of our wedding, they were more gorgeous than I ever could have ever imagined.

Walking into the reception space prior to our guests arrival was like entering a dream. I was literally in awe of my cousin’s creations and how the room had been transformed. The mercury glass centerpieces and votives were thoughtfully placed on the green burlap table runners, which were handmade with love by my sweet mother. Mint monogrammed koozies were placed at every table setting accompanied by our delectable menus. Garlands of silver dollar eucalyptus embellished with clusters of peach roses and cream hydrangea draped the tent openings and we said our ‘I do’s’ under a canopy of twinkling lights.

The Oceanbleu staff did an exceptional job staging the scene with all of our décor. No detail went unnoticed. They set up a beautiful welcome table with glowing mercury glass jars and sentimental photographs, and our guests retrieved their hand written place cards from miniature sandboxes – the perfect accessory for a beach wedding. The photography was extremely important to us, and we couldn’t have been luckier to have Ashley photograph our special day, with the added styling services by Little Red’s Well. The soft, artistic thoughtfulness of Ashley’s photos captured the true essence of our relationship and we will cherish the beautifully frozen memories for a lifetime.

It meant the world to us to have close family and friends play such a pivotal role in the planning and execution of our vision. A friend from high school made our stunning succulent cake, my childhood hairstylist did all of the girls’ hair, and one of our best guy friends in Atlanta married us and delivered the most heartfelt ceremony. Our parents are high school and college sweethearts and we were happy to take this time to honor their marriages – we even surprised Evan’s parents by incorporating their wedding vows that they had recited to one another 35 years prior. It all came together so naturally and although I may be a wee bit biased…it truly was the Best. Day. Ever.

Photography: Ashley Caroline Photography | Videographer: Mint Wedding Cinematography | Floral Design: Late Bloomer Flowers | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Robbins Wolfe | Makeup: Ny Artistry | Beach Front: Oceanbleu | Details + Decor Rental: Coco Prop Shop | Stylist: AOK Style + Planning