When your love knows a thing or two about flowers (he’s a landscape artist after all) and proposes at the US Botanic Gardens by a Hellebore, it’s only fitting to incorporate that pretty little thing into all sorts of wedding details. Kim Lyn captured all the beautiful blooms by Busy Bee Florist and more at this summer celebration and like the flower itself, this fete was as sweet as can be. More in our VAULT right this way!
From Kim Lyn… They were highschool sweethearts. He loves the passion he sees in her eyes when she looks at him, the determination and confidence she exhibits is what inspires him to do his best. Simone and Bryan were married at the Dunes Club in Narragansett, RI on August 30th, 2015. It was the perfect summer’s day with a light breeze over the ocean. Their wedding was one that I will never forget, the love their family shared, the laughter, it will stick with me forever.
Simone and Bryan had the sweetest first look which allowed them to spend time alone before the hustle and bustle of the big day. They were also able to spend time with their immediate family during formals before the ceremony. The sweet looks they kept giving each other literally made me swoon. Bryan had the most adorable reaction to seeing Simone for the first time. He was full of smiles and kisses and of course those tender touches. I swear they are the cutest couple EVER.
They planned their perfect Rhode Island beach wedding from Washington, DC with the help of family. There were so many special touches at the wedding, the beautiful florals, her dad’s old porsche, Bryan’s family even sang a song during the ceremony. Each intricate piece of their wedding day flowed flawlessly into one another.
Simone was absolutely glowing from the moment I walked in. She told me how much love she has for her new husband and is taken away by how much he takes care of her. She is smitten by him because he is helpful, supportive, dynamic, ambitious, intelligent, and fun. He keeps her laughing and she knows she can count on him 100% forever and ever. I know they will live happily ever after.
From the Bride… Bryan and I grew up in Rhode Island, so it only seemed natural to get married back home. Although we met in high school, we spent many ensuing years in a long‐distance relationship. Silly things like higher education kept us trekking between New Brunswick, Nashville, and Amherst before we were finally able to settle together in Washington, D.C.
A true landscape architect, Bryan proposed at the U.S. Botanic Gardens. He had stealthily planted a sign under a drooping Hellebore – a flower that would later be depicted on our wedding stationery and featured in our floral arrangements. Between the fickle New England weather and my rather inflexible medical school schedule, we were looking at a mere five month engagement. We would have been lost without the support of our families and our amazing vendors, but the condensed timeline kept us honest about our wedding priorities. It was important to us that our wedding reflected who we were as a couple, incorporating elements from our home state, our family, and our proposal. We wanted the event to be tasteful, simple, and approachable.
We knew we wanted a water view, and the Dunes Club provided a beautiful venue and excellent accommodations. Planning from afar, we loved that we could arrange our ceremony, reception, catering, cake, and wedding coordination all through a single source. Foodies at heart, it was the tasting that really sold us. Who can resist an oyster bar and mini clam cakes and chowder for cocktail hour?!
One of our most difficult searches was for a florist that fit our budget and Bryan’s standards. Clueless, I fell in love with any flower that bloomed in April. Giti, from Busy Bee Florist, did a fantastic job deciphering my hodge‐podge Pinterest boards. She created the most stunning floral arrangements – elegant, unassuming, natural, and undeniably gorgeous. Our color palette was inspired by my bouquet, and featured navy, dusty greens, and pops of blush.
For stationery, we enlisted the help of my stepfather, a graphic designer. We wanted something modern and fresh; sophisticated, not stuffy. My stepmother proved jack‐of‐all‐trades: providing beautiful calligraphy, spray‐painting lanterns, and assembling signs for our photo booth, seating chart, and card box. It was so fun seeing our ideas realized, and knowing they had a personal touch.
The ceremony was no less personal. We asked my grandfather, who had previously attended divinity school, to officiate. We were fortunate enough to have his son and daughter‐in‐law as professional musicians in our family, and couldn’t believe how lovely they sounded as a string duo. Bryan’s mother and sisters also sang in the ceremony, while my sisters performed the readings. To round out the wedding party, we had nieces, nephews and cousins serve as our four flower girls and two ring bearers!
Lastly, we needed someone to capture the moments. As you can see for yourself, Kim Lyn Photography did a phenomenal job. It was so important working with someone we trusted, and Kim went out of her way to make our day seamless and special. We will cherish these pictures for years to come.
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Photography: Kim Lyn Photography | Floral Design: Busy Bee | Wedding Dress: Cicada Bridal | Hair: Serai Beauty | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein | Venue: The Dunes Club | Bridal Boutique: Andria Bird Bride