It’s midweek, and we’ve got a reason to swoon. We’re tossing out the anchor in Essex, CT today. IRIS Photography sent over these nautical images, and we’ve been dying to share them with you since the second they landed in our inbox. This perfect New England wedding is sure to put a smile on your face, a wiggle in your step, and an Ahoy! to your morning. The primary color palette, inspired by Nantucket Red, played so well with the maritime ambiance, especially with the always stunning florals from Hana Floral Design. The fun doesn’t stop here either, sail over to IRIS’ blog for more about this great couple!
Hair and Makeup by the oh-so-lovely Dana Bartone & Company
The gallery has more of this nautical chic affair!
There was never a question in my mind that I wanted to get married on the banks of the Connecticut River in my hometown of Essex, Connecticut. Fortunately, when my husband proposed in our New York City apartment, the respite of a quintessential New England town seemed the perfect antidote to our hectic city lives.
Our ceremony took place overlooking the water in Essex’s Main Street Park and guests walked through town to the reception, held under a tent at the Essex Yacht Club. Our entire wedding was built with nautical New England in mind. My husband, never one for tuxedos, decided early that he’d like to wear a blue blazer and Nantucket Red pants. A color scheme was born! The bridesmaids wore classic navy J.Crew cotton cady and the flower girls wore white, short-sleeved eyelet dresses with navy cardigan sweaters.
The deep blue hydrangeas, scarlet red peonies, and vibrant yellow roses were a perfect compliment to the bold navy and Nantucket Red. When it came to table décor, we really went for it with color and design. We constructed a bold tribute to our nautical surroundings. Our tables were named for classic (and silly!) love songs. Escort cards detailed our favorite line from the song, and they popped out like small signposts from our favors, tiny metal pails full of navy and white M&Ms.
The food was delicious – surf and turf provided by the Essex Yacht Club. We skipped the cake and had a brownie sundae bar instead. It was a big hit! Our DJ kept everyone dancing well past our designated ending time, and then we all strolled over to the historic Griswold Inn tavern room to finish up the night.
We rounded out the weekend with a few DIY projects, including a welcome brochure with a map of our favorite food and shopping spots in town plus a canvas bag embroidered with “Essex, CT” and filled with snacks and other goodies. Although the weather was far from perfect, the amazing photographs from Iris Photography really say it all. Everyone only remembers the fun!
Photography: IRIS Photography / Wedding Gown: 2Be Bride / Groom Attire: Brooks Brothers and Dockers / Bridesmaids Dress Designer: J.Crew / Flower Girls Dresses: Mini Boden / Event Planning & Design: Sixpence For Your Shoe / Invitation Designer: Julie Holcomb Printers via The Note Nest / Stationery: Sixpence For Your Shoe / Flowers: Hana Floral Design and Boutique / Ceremony Music: The Wildwood Groups / Reception Music: DJ Rob Waldron from Standing Ovations / Hair and Makeup: Dana Bartone and Company / Rentals: Party Rental Ltd. / Tent: Sperry Tents / Venue: Griswold Inn & Essex Yacht Club