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This Greenwich Bride Wore a Fairytale Gown Custom Designed by Monique Lhuillier Herself!

The first item on many brides wedding planning to-do list is a dress, and for this bride, she was able to check off a custom-designed dress by Monique Lhuillier! Next on the list for this Greenwich couple was a venue, and the decision of the Greenwich Country Club was a no brainer, as the brides’ parents were married there 32 years prior! Add in a lush bouquet of blush peonies for the Mrs. and white sweet peas for the ‘Maids by Blush Floral Design and STUNNING sunset photos by Kelsey Combe Photography and you have what we would call the epitome of romance! Take a look below and be sure to read on for the brides’ bit of advice for every couple on their wedding day!

From the Bride…Michael and I met at a fraternity party in college 8 years ago. The odds of us meeting were slim and we feel lucky our paths crossed. To give you some context, Michael is Irish and grew up in Europe. He moved to Connecticut in high school and lived just 15 minutes from me in Greenwich. Ironically, we didn’t meet until we were students at Elon University in North Carolina. Fast forward 7 years, Michael proposed in Central Park and we began our wedding planning journey. The first step was choosing a date and venue. We were set on June because the weather is typically beautiful in New England and as a teacher I have summers off. Although we live together in New York City, we have always considered Greenwich home, which made our decision easy. We got married in the church I attended growing up and our reception was held at Greenwich Country Club where my parents were married 32 years ago.

I was excited to begin planning and one of the first decisions I made was my dress. I am known to be indecisive, so my mom and sister were shocked when I fell in love with the first dress I tried on at The Plumed Serpent. It was Monique Lhuillier’s “Severine” gown. I loved the soft tulle skirt and floral appliqué, but the v-neckline and spaghetti straps didn’t feel like me. I tried on some other styles, but couldn’t get the first dress out of my mind. After making a few phone calls, my bridal consultant delivered exciting news. Monique Lhuillier agreed to design a custom gown for me with a strapless sweetheart neckline, lace bodice, and the tulle skirt I loved. I ended up buying a dress that didn’t yet exist, but I trusted the professionals would work their magic.

From the very start of planning, I envisioned a classic, elegant, romantic wedding with touches of blush pink, white, and gold. Thanks to my amazingly talented team of vendors, including planner Stacie Shea, all of my visions came to life. Sandy of Roseville Designs created our paper story. Invitations were really important to me because they set the tone for the event. Sandy and I designed timeless invitations with gold foil and gold edging on double thick paper. They were tied together with a blush pink ribbon and a tag with our custom monogram (which The Mrs. Box was able to engrave on my ring box!) Barbara of BL Calligraphy hand-wrote every address in a soft blush hue to match the envelope liner and ribbon. Each envelope was sealed with a custom gold wax seal. The vintage postage was my favorite aspect of our invitation suite. The old, unique, stamps embodied New York City, our wedding color scheme, and florals. Beth of Blush Floral Design truly delivered in the flower department. My number one request was lots of peonies. I carried a bouquet of blush pink peonies down the aisle and my bridesmaids held white sweet peas. My sister’s bouquet incorporated a touch of pink to distinguish her as Maid of Honor.

After a year and a half of planning, it felt surreal when our big day finally arrived. It began at Greenwich Country Club where Michael and I got ready in separate rooms. My bridesmaids and I spent the morning with J.Kinford Beauty Group for hair and makeup. Before leaving, owner and make-up artist Jen gave me a small touch up bag with lip gloss, makeup wipes, bobby pins, etc. Our photographer, Kelsey Combe, suggested we do a first look and it was one of the best decisions we made. Not only did it allow more time for photos with our wedding party and families, but it also helped calm our nerves. A part of me worried that I would regret seeing Michael before I walked down the aisle with my dad, but that moment was still incredibly special. Seeing each other before the ceremony allowed us to relax and spend some time together before all of the craziness began. Kelsey sought out a prime location at the club where we took photos before heading to the church.

Michael and I exchanged traditional vows in front of our family and friends at First Presbyterian Church. We decided to write our own personal vows to share with one another prior to the ceremony. It was really special to keep those words between the two of us and read them privately before our first look. One of my favorite moments from our ceremony was lighting the unity candle. My mom and mother-in-law lit candles at the alter after their processional. Michael and I used the flames from those candles to light our unity candle together. Another highlight was the Irish blessing. Michael’s uncle is a priest in Ireland and we were honored to have him co-officiate our ceremony. He read the beautiful Irish blessing that McKenzie seamlessly incorporated into our wedding highlight video.

After the ceremony, guests headed to GCC where they were greeted with Moscow Mules (Michael’s personal favorite) upon arrival. We were able to be fully present and mingle with guests during cocktail hour because we had already taken most photos before the ceremony. After guests were escorted into the ballroom for our reception, Michael and I had about 15 minutes on our own. The biggest piece of advice I received leading up to the wedding was to escape the crowd for a few minutes to simply be together as a married couple. I am so glad we did this and I would give the same advice to all future brides. Michael and I made our entrance and danced to Blaire Reinhard Band’s rendition of How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding. My dad made the most thoughtful speech and we danced to My Girl by The Temptations. During sunset, Michael and I ducked out to take photos on the golf course during golden hour. Michael is an avid golfer (borderline obsessed), so taking photos here was certainly fitting! Kelsey and McKenzie Miller’s team captured some seriously stunning photos and footage. After cutting the cake (fun fact: only the top layer of our cake was edible and guests received individual mini cakes), we spent hours on the dance floor singing along to our amazing band (who guests are still raving about to this day!) We topped off the evening with a sparkler send-off followed by an after-party in GCC’s pub 1892.

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Photography: Kelsey Combe Photography | Cinematography: McKenzie Miller Films | Floral Design: Blush Floral Design Studio | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Invitations: Roseville Designs | Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church Of Greenwich | Reception Venue: Greenwich Country Club | Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Rings: A E Betteridge Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Hair And Makeup: Jennifer Kinford | Calligraphy: Belles Lettres Calligraphy | Band: Blaire Reinhard Band | Groom's Attire: Richard's of Greenwich | Transportation: Test | Bridal Boutique: The Plumed Serpent Bridal Salon | Groom's Tie: The Tie Bar | Musician: Randall Atcheson | Planning: Stacie Shea Events | Rentals: Smith Party Rentals | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Robes: Piyama

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Take a Peek at a Wedding Inspired by Ralph Lauren’s Iconic Style

This backyard wedding in Greenwich looks like it walked straight off the pages of a Ralph Lauren editorial. Between the bride’s stunning family home, the black watch tartan and gray wool linens, the elegant florals by KD&J Botanica, and the abundance of warm and cozy candle light, True Event created a celebration that fully embraces the designer’s iconic, timeless style. So head to the gallery where you are guaranteed to fall in love with every single one of Leila Brewster‘s photographs of this beautiful day.

From Sarah True of True EventFor the design, we were inspired by Ralph Lauren. We worked really closely with the mother of the bride (Leigh Carpenter) to create a space that was reflective of the personal style and taste not only of the family, but also of Alex and Avery (the bride and groom) as a couple. We created a warm, inviting, and elegant space that was an extension of their family home and the backdrop for a fabulous party.

Leigh and Avery wanted to create a winter wonderland by incorporating both elegant and organic details. We brought in black watch plaid and custom-sewn gray wool linens to dress the tables, and Katherine and her team at KDJ Botanica outdid themselves with the abundance of florals, candles, and greenery used throughout the space. Using all white florals mixed with foliage, magnolia leaves, and berries set the perfect backdrop for a winter wedding. We also included accents of silver mercury glass, and KDJ Botanica built the custom birch bars to tie in some natural elements – the perfect blend of elegance and organic detail. A mix of texture, pattern, florals, and lots and lots of candlelight made then tent feel very intimate and warm even though it was a large enough to hold over 200 people.

Heavy gray muslin fabric was draped around the perimeter poles by the talented team at Social Decor, and individually strung glass pendants provided a mirror-like reflection on the ceiling over the dance floor. It created the perfect “starry night” on the evening of the super moon.

In the cocktail space, we brought in a gorgeous mirrored bar from Reserve Modern (PEAK Rentals), and luxurious forest green velvet linens really made a statement against the white birch floor. The silver pendant lanterns helped to finish the space and make it feel like an extension of the Carpenters’ home. During cocktail hour, guests mingled in and out of the house where the doors of the living room opened up into the cocktail tent. An incredibly talented, lively pianist played festive tunes that set the tone for an incredible evening. The common sentiment throughout the night was that this was one of the best events guests had attended. We thought about the five senses while we were planning and hit on each one of them for the wedding, which truly created a memorable experience for all in attendance.

From the florals to the linens, from the custom crafted cocktails (ice cubes filled with cranberries and mint) to the live music, from Marcia Selden’s seasonally creative, passed hors d’oeuvres to the signature oyster shuckers with trays around their necks walking around during cocktail hour, there was always something happening to wow guests throughout the evening. We cannot forget to mention the surprise disco ball dancers from Shien that helped to lead guests from cocktail hour to the dining tent and get them on the dance floor for each dance set throughout the evening.

Rhythm Collective kept the energy high throughout the night, and guests never wanted to get off the dance floor. As the night went on, we flipped the cocktail tent to the after party tent by creating an ice lounge for guests to continue the party. Bringing in furniture that was clear like ice, mirrored tables, and white couches created a snow effect. We also had a custom ice luge made that was reflective of the two mountains the bride and groom skied growing up – it was a piece of art! The festivities continued well into the morning as a DJ played tunes to keep the party alive.

Working alongside Leila Brewster and Elysium was a pure joy. They captured the detail of the design, the energy, and the emotion throughout the night perfectly. It is hard to illustrate how magnificent the details were, but in looking at the pictures and video, you can get a glimpse of what it was like to be a guest at Alex and Avery’s wedding.

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Photography: leila brewster | Cinematography: Elysium Productions | Event Planning + Design: TRUE Event | Floral Design: KD&J Botanica | Cake: Palmer's Bakery | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Marcia Selden Catering & Events | Makeup: Randall Atcheson | Makeup: Andy | Hair: Madison Sullivan | Calligraphy: Erica Brinizcka | Lighting: Social Decor | Band: Elan Artists | Transportation: Test | Tent: Stamford Tent & Event Services | Accommodations: test | After Party DJ: Japancakes | Dancers: Shien Artists | Dressing Service: The White Dress by the shore | Ice Sculptures: Okamoto Studios | Invitations + Paper Goods: Paper Moss | Photo Booth: Photobooth Planet | Piano: Ludwig Tomescu | Rentals: Party Rental LTD | Snow Confetti: The Confetti Bar | Specialty Rentals: Peak Event Services | Trolley + Vintage Car: Top Class Limo | Valet: Advance Parking Concepts LLC

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
See How a Ballroom Was Transformed into a Garden Oasis
If you think a country club ballroom can’t compete with an outdoor garden setting, just wait until you meet this wedding photographed by Melani Lust. The vendors managed to bring an enchanted garden vibe indoors with greenery, florals, and one of the prettiest seating chart displays we’ve ever seen. More to see right this way!

From the bride… Drew and I met while students at the University of Richmond – we had the same groups of friends and went to the same parties, despite the two year age difference. It wasn’t until after I graduated that we ran into one another at Homecoming and we spent the whole weekend getting to know one another again. Drew was living in Washington DC and I had just moved to New York City. We made it 5 months of long distance dating until Drew made the move up to New York. The rest is history!

After we got engaged (5am sunrise on the beach!), we tried to enjoy “just being engaged” for a couple weeks but quickly jumped into wedding planning. We both wanted to get married in the summer because of the warm weather in New England, everything is very green and lush, and it was most convenient timing with our jobs. We partnered with Lea Ann Miller to help us plan everything and anything – she is a dream come true for any bride and helped with every decision!

Due to the heat in July, we had decided to hold our reception indoors at Greenwich Country Club – air conditioning! And thank goodness we did that because it was a heatwave that weekend! However, I had seen many photos of romantic enchanted gardens and that’s how I wanted to recreate our reception room. We wanted to embrace the natural greens, whites, and touches of soft grays and purples. Katherine from KDJ Botanica immediately shared our vision for how we could transform a traditional “ballroom” into a midsummer’s garden. I trusted her completely with ideas to incorporate large branches and trees throughout the room and on the tables, with tea lights hanging from the branches. We brought in drapery for the walls and ceilings to make it feel as if we were outside under the stars. I wanted everything to feel very natural and simple yet magical. I cried when I walked into the room after our cocktail hour.

Drew and I each spent the morning of our wedding with our closest friends and siblings until we saw one another for our “first look”. I am so glad we decided to see each other before the ceremony – not only did it subdue some of our nerves, but it was the only moment where it was only the two of us all day long (except for our short getaway ride in my dad’s Triumph from the 70s!) It was so special sharing that moment with him and even though our friends and family were just around the corner, we felt like we were the only two people for miles! That was definitely one of the most exciting and enjoyable moments of the day.

The reception was amazing – Pete Saunders and his band had everyone dancing all night long. The speech from my father made everyone shed some tears while the maids of honor and best men had everyone crying from laughing so hard. I know that many brides and grooms feel a burden to have to say hello to each and every single guest however Drew and I loved stopping by every guest for hugs and well wishes – it made our 275 wedding feel like an intimate dinner party because we truly loved every single person who was there for us.


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Photography: Melani Lust Photography | Videography: Joseph Edwards Films | Floral + Event Design: KD&J Botanica | Wedding Coordination: Lee Ann Miller | Stationery: Jpapers | Ceremony Venue: Stanwich Congregational Church | Reception Venue: Greenwich Country Club | Shoes: Aquazzura | Engagement Ring: Ken & Dana Design | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Hair + Makeup: Truly Happy Beauty | Lighting: Social Decor | Favors: Momofuku Milk Bar | Mens Attire: Mr. Ned | Officiant: Rev. Chuck Davis | Transportation: J&R Tours | Accommodations: The Del La Mar Hotel | Accommodations: The J House Greenwich | Bridal Boutique: The Plumed Serpent Bridal Salon | Bridal Boutique: The Wedding Library | Catering + Cake: Greenwich Country Club | Earrings: Jennifer Miller | First Look & Portraits: Private Home in Greenwich | Music: Hank Lane Music | Rentals: Smith Party Rentals | Sports Car: Triumph TR 6 | Wedding Dress + Veil: Monique Lhuillier | Wedding Rings: A E Betteridge Jewelers

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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30 Years Later, The Bride Married in the Same Spot as Her Parents!

Quite simply, Samantha is the ultimate Style Me Pretty bride. She dreamt of a wedding set in her grandparent’s back lawn (the exact spot her parent’s wed 30 years earlier) and brought on an incredible crew of vendors including TRUE Event, Hana Floral Design and Paper Moss, just to name a few. Oh and that Austin Scarlett gown? It was a meaningful nod to her mom’s own off-the-shoulder wedding dress. See the celebration photographed by Leila Brewster right this way.

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From the Bride… Rob and I were on the same page from the start, our wedding was going to be a party where guests left feeling the love. We met in 2012 while both working for AOL (that is also where we met the one and only Abby Larson!), and pretty much haven’t spent a day we are both in town apart ever since. I am not an easy person to surprise, but Rob nailed the proposal…which overall could not have been more us – still in bathing suits, straight out of the ocean, on the beach, and the perfect combination of having it be a private moment and then getting to celebrate with our family and friends afterwards.

Family has always been the core bonding point between Rob and I. We both come from big, loud, loving families that we are very close with, so family and our respective family traditions was important for us to reflect in our wedding weekend…starting with the location. I grew up dreaming about getting married in my grandparents’ backyard, I cannot tell you how lucky I felt to make that dream a reality (and what it says about Rob that he never even questioned it). Not only was their house special because of all the great times we have had there (we both love spending as much time outside by the water as possible), but my grandfather (an architect) designed the house over 40 years ago and our wedding date ended up falling almost exactly 30 years after my parents’ got married on the same back lawn.

The meaning of the location and that view from the back lawn steered a lot of the creative vision for the wedding overall. I loved the idea of classic and timeless with personal touches throughout. The decor was “clean” — very much white and wood, with some accents of blue and natural pops of color in things like the flowers. We worked our family and large wedding party (another direct reflection of Rob’s and mine life together) in with features like our save the dates (my grandfather’s original blueprint digitized by Rob’s architect brother), our invitations (photographed by my aunt), custom matches on the bars in honor of Rob’s grandfather who collected them, a family photo table from our parents’ and grandparents’ wedding days, my matron of honor illustrated our program cover (and our program itself included “fun facts” related to the wedding and our friends and family), and our caterer made each of our mom’s respective signature cookie recipes to include in the dessert table. My dress, designed by Austin Scarlett, was also symbolic in that my mom wore an off the shoulder gown and I loved the idea of doing the same and wearing something timeless that I would love looking back in years to come.

We also had the dream team of vendors who all felt like family throughout the entire experience. Abby Larson introduced me to Sarah True of True Event, who is now a life long friend and made everything possible. We hired our band, The Hudson Project (Elan Artists), after hearing them at a friend’s wedding three years before and still remembering them as the best wedding band we had ever heard. The whole team at Marcia Selden Catering & Events was not only amazing to work with, but our guests all absolutely raved about the food (which says a lot for a wedding where everyone spent 6 hours straight on the dance floor and hardly sat!)…they also did an unbelievable lawn party style cocktail hour and a half (the extra half hour was one of Rob’s few requests!). Yumiko Fletcher of Hana Floral is a genius professionally and personally just the best person and energy to work with.

Our tent speaks for itself…Greenwich Tent Company/Sperry Tents outdid themselves, and Ryan Designs with the bistro lighting, drapery, lounge area, and homemade life-size photo frame was the cherry on top. Both Rob and I have creative backgrounds and really appreciated working with such creative people throughout the entire process to bring the wedding weekend to life…Emily Hostetler of Paper Moss made all of our ideas a beautiful reality with all of our printed collateral, and I am still dreaming up items to get calligraphy on just to work with Sara McCarthy of Ink Revival. Leila Brewster captured our wedding exactly how we want to remember it, through candid moments that show the emotion and pure joy of the day.

Some personal favorite moments from the wedding itself included getting ready with the best group of women and girls anyone could ever ask for, the entire ceremony (which Rob wrote most of himself and was a mix of tradition and personal…we each wrote five “promises” to each other), my dad and brothers surprising me with a performance of mine and my dad’s song (Brown Eyed Girl), and the sister “dance off” that took place between my dad’s four sisters and Rob’s mom and her three sisters!

I love Style Me Pretty, and have been a power user since way before I was engaged…so this is truly another dream come true to have our wedding featured here.

From Sarah True of True EventThe reception was set at the bride’s grandparents house on the water in Greenwich CT. The perfect backdrop for a coastal inspired wedding. Sammi didn’t want it to be overly coastal or kitschy so we were very subtle in our nod to coastal details. We selected a very soft blue linen for cocktail hour and for the reception we used a runner that was reminiscent of a capaiz shell, with pattern and design, it gave a subtle sheen to the natural texture of the farm tables. And the round tables had a sand colored linen with flecs of gold woven in, that in the sun looked like sand on the beach. A mix of elegant and natural details were woven throughout the event and each detail was carefully thought through. It is always our goal in creating the design of the event with the bride and the groom that it is a reflection of them as a couple and is not just every other wedding you go to. From the save the dates, to the hand illustrated programs, old family wedding photographs and vintage doors salvaged from the bride’s father there were special moments throughout the day that had a story behind them, just like Sammi & Rob’s relationship.

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Photography: leila brewster | Cinematography: Elysium Productions | Event Design: TRUE Event | Event Planning: TRUE Event | Floral Design: Hana Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Austin Scarlett | Invitations: Paper Moss | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Catering: Marcia Selden Catering & Events | Calligraphy: Ink Revival | Lighting: Ryan Designs | Band: Elan Artists | Groomsmen's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | After Party DJ: James Mulry | Bridal Boutique: Bergdorf Goodman | Bridal Makeup: Nina Soriano | Bridal Party Hair: Hair by Renee Russo | Bride's Wedding Day Gift from Groom: Jennifer Meyer | Groom's Bow Tie: The Tie Bar | Groom's Cuff Links: Smathers & Branson | Groom's Socks: Vineyard Vines | Groomsmen's Cuff Links: Smathers & Branson | Groomsmen's Socks: Vineyard Vines | Groomsmen's Ties + Bow Ties: The Tie Bar | Hair Accessories: jennifer behr | Illustrator: Betty Artwork | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Logo: The Groom | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited | Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Tent Rentals: Sperry Tents | Tent Rentals: The Greenwich Tent Company

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Classic Riverside Yacht Club Wedding with Nautical Touches

When it comes to New England weddings, classic and nautical go together like peanut butter and jelly. Case in point: this stunning yacht club wedding in shades of navy, gold and white. From the Bride and Groom’s compass motif carried throughout all the design elements to the classic tented reception to the beautiful florals from Hana Floral Design, every detail of this Greenwich wedding is absolute perfection. See it all from First Mate Photo and Love + Brain Films in The Vault!

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From The Bride…Mine and David’s wedding took place in Greenwich, CT on a beautiful August day. We knew from the day we started planning that we wanted our wedding to be on the water on a summer night. Our first obstacle was finding a venue that had a large enough area for a tent but one that also embodied the nautical beauty we were searching for. We knew we wanted the reception to be outside so our guests could really get a ‘summer night on the ocean’ feel. Our wedding’s theme was classic nautical with navy, gold and white colors and the symbol of a compass on our logo. We both had a very big attachment with the ocean and the Long Island Sound. David proposed to me on a dock in Rye, NY on the Sound along the same coast that Riverside is on. The first time I actually saw Riverside Yacht Club was on a wedding post on Style Me Pretty. It encompassed everything I was looking for in a venue and I knew at that moment that that was where I wanted to have our reception. When we visited, Riverside did not disappoint and we were sold! It had the special connection to our engagement and was beyond beautiful. The inside of the yacht club had the classic nautical feel we were looking for and the view of the Sound was beyond words. Behind the club was a large patch of grass surrounded by lush flowers that set the perfect stage for our tent!

As a lover of weddings and party design myself, the rest of the planning was fun for me! I design signage for weddings and parties and could not wait to start planning my own special day! Every detail was important to us. From the colors of the napkins, to the signage and special decor, to the music being played, every little thing had a special place in mine and David’s hearts. Even our vendors were specially picked. Our florist, Yumiko from Hana Floral Design, is a good friend of my sister-in-law Sarah Crawford, who is a blogger and party planner herself. One of Yumiko’s first weddings as a florist was Sara’s and David’s brothers wedding. Yumiko made my exact vision come to life. I knew I wanted all white lush flowers with dark green leaves to complement the white and the arrangements came out gorgeous. I had also made a special request to have my favorite flowers, peonies, in all of the ladies bouquets and although peonies are not in season in August, Yumiko made it happen! Our invitation and signage designer was also specially picked. Cheree for Cheree Berry Paper is my sister in law Lauren’s good friend from college. Cheree Berry designs were exactly what we were looking for in a stationery set. They had a classic look with a modern flare and they worked with me to help create my vision. As an artists myself, this was probably the most fun part of planning! Our photographer, First Mate Photo, had shot my good friends wedding in Cape Cod and I was absolutely blown away with the look and feeling of he photos. Each photo was like its own piece of art. We had our engagement photos shot with First Mate in Marblehead MA, where Davids parents and older brothers grew up. We were so happy with the pictures we knew we needed to have our wedding day shot by them as well. Our menu’s and programs were designed by Michelle Hickey from Elegance & Enchantment who is sisters with my very close college friend.

Our wedding day started at The Church of the Resurrection where our ceremony would take place. It was important for us to be married at that church because it was in David’s hometown and was the church where his older brother was married. The grandness and beauty of the church made for an unbelievable setting for our special vows that we wrote ourselves and for a unforgettable performance from my brother and childhood best friend who sang and played Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright.

Once at Riverside for the reception, we really got to see our vision come to life. Our cocktail hour was held in the ballroom which was adorned with our engagement photos and our parents wedding photos. We had special love quotes framed and gold compass’s laid on the tables. Our tent was set a few feet from the Long Island Sound and was filled with the music from our amazing band The Rainbow Room Orchestra from the Hank Lane collection. David and I danced to “XO” by John Mayer for our first dance.

Coming from Italian decent, my father spoke in our native tongue for his speech and then danced with me to our song “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones. Our maid of honor and best man gave incredible speeches that had everyone laughing and crying from start to finish. And after an amazing night on the dance floor my new husband had one more surprise for me. Throughout the whole day my maid of honor was passing me little notes David had written me, each one hinting at a special surprise he had in store for me. David gave a wonderful speech thanking all of our friends and family and at the end broke out into song, singing me one of our favorite songs, “6 Months” By Hey Monday. I had made a CD for David when we first started dating with that song on it and he included the lyrics during his proposal to me when he was down on one knee. And to cap off the magical night he had our band playing the song while he sang. It was a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life!

Photography: First Mate Photography Co. | Cinematography: Love + Brain Films | Floral Design: Hana Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Junko Yoshioka | Cake: Lulu Cake Boutique | Invitations: Cheree Berry Paper | Ceremony Venue: Church Of The Resurrection | Reception Venue: Riverside Yacht Club | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Makeup: Benefit Cosmetics | Band: Hank Lane Music | Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Bridal Boutique: Saks Fifth Avenue | Event Planning +Design: La Luna By Sierra | Flower Girl Dress + Ring Bearer Attire: J.Crew | Menus + Programs: Elegance & Enchantment

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Sperry Tents

In the world of drop-dead gorgeous weddings, Sperry Tents reigns supreme; from their sweeping panels of sailcloth to their premium flooring options to their breathtaking (+ totally creative) lighting.  Add all of that handcrafted goodness to a fabulous locale under the stars and it’s a day that is as romantic as it is sophisticated… or what we here at SMP like to call the perfect wedding.

Handcrafted by sailmakers in coastal New England, all Sperry Tents feature genuine sailcloth, solid wood support poles and pennant flags that will wave a charming hello to each and every one of your guests.  Think breathtaking tents available in an array of fabulous sizes that are more than perfect for your wedding, welcome party or going away brunch.  Which means that whether you are partying the night away with 400 of your nearest or dearest or preparing for the big day with an intimate rehearsal dinner, there’s a Sperry Tents’ size and shape just right for you and your celebration.

Start planning your dream day by contacting one of Sperry Tents’ Tri-State offices in Mystic and Greenwich, CT; Finger Lakes and Hamptons, NY; and New Jersey.  Trust us, you’ll be so very, very happy you did.

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Credits: Image 1: Leila Brewster (Photography) + True Event (Event Design & Coordination) + Hana Floral Design (Floral) + Rentals Unlimited (Rentals) + La Tavola (Linens) + Ryan Designs (Lighting & Draping) | Image 2: Eric Barry Photography | Image 3: Isabelle Selby Photography | Image 4: Charlotte Jenks Lewis | Image 5: SNAP! Weddings | Image 6: Orchard Cove Photography | Image 7: Susan Sancomb Photography  | Sperry Tents

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A Sweet Pink Connecticut Waterside Wedding

Here at SMP headquarters any wedding with Caroline Frost behind the lens brings happy bloggers all around. Especially when said wedding is an intimate waterside gathering adorned with sweet pink accents. From the hand-painted signs, to the rosemary olive oil favors, to the Bride’s timeless Caroline Castigliano gown, every detail in the gallery is sure to be a new favorite. More here!

From Caroline Frost PhotographyThis detail-filled wedding was almost entirely DIYed by the bride- I love what this couple did for their charming little waterside CT wedding and I know you will too!

From the beautiful Bride…We wanted our wedding day to be simple but fun. With only 50 guests, we really felt like we got to share the day with everyone. It was the second week of April and it ended up being 70 and sunny, (even though it snowed the next week). We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day for our waterfront wedding.

We both love preppy, nautical style, and our venue was right on Greenwich Harbor with fun nautical flags and yachts. We wanted everything to feel natural and timeless, so we decided on blush, gray, white, and earthy greens. I love DIY and crafts, and since it was such a small wedding I really wanted everything our guests interacted with to have a personal touch. We designed, printed, and cut our save the dates, invites, menus, and welcome tags. We also made chalkboards and hand-painted signs, and made rosemary olive oil for our favors. We also worked with our venue to create signature cocktails that fit each of our personalities.

We met with a lot of vendors and ended up going with the people that we knew understood our vision, and who we’d want to spend this very important day with. Everyone went above and beyond and made the day so easy for us, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

My favorite moment of the day was actually before the wedding even happened. Scott and I woke up as the sun rise to sneak off and have breakfast together before the chaos hit. It was so nice to have that time together and remember that this day was about us.

Our wedding was so special to us not only because we got married, but because we packed up our life and moved to the south right when we got back from our honeymoon. It felt like we got this amazing goodbye party to see everyone we love together in one place before we left.

Photography: Caroline Frost Photography | Videographer: Branden Poe | Wedding Dress: Sell my weddding dress | Shoes: Kate Spade | Makeup: NYC Faces | Hair: Styles On B | DJ: Kaos Productions | Officiant: Rev. Louis Olivieri | Hotel: Delamar Hotel | Cake & Treats: Cake Suite | Ceremony Musicians: Premier Strings | Menus, Favors, Signs & Welcome Boxes: Bride | Photobooth: Kaos Productions

Classic Connecticut Wedding

Dive into this beautiful day captured by Karen Hill and you’ll find about one million and one reasons to love it: the crazy gorgeous Blind Brook Club, the stunning bridesmaid gowns from Amsale and every last detail planned to perfection by White Hall Events… just to name a few.  Add in a bride and groom who couldn’t be cuter and happy, happy Friday.  See it all here  

From Karen Hill PhotographyGretchen and Will were introduced by mutual friends while they were living in Boston. They were invited over for pizza and wine, and the rest, Gretchen says, is history!

Their wedding was celebrated in the brides hometown of Greenwich, CT with friends and family in attendance. Gretchen’s heart was set on getting married in a place that was very near and dear to her family. Having moved many times with her family, around the world for her father’s work, Greenwich has always felt most like home. The bride and bridal party dressed at Gretchen’s family home and the couple was married in the Bride’s church, First Presbyterian Church in Greenwich, CT. The reception was held at the beautiful Blind Brook Club. Established in 1915, this is the first wedding that the prestigious club has hosted and it was perfect. The tent and the decor were lovely.

It was a joyous day, filled with beauty and smiles. Though their wedding in April was unseasonably cold, we managed a few outdoor photos but the gorgeous tent with it’s floral draped chandeliers made it feel more like a warm spring day.

Gretchen says, “Our wedding day was filled with so much love and joy from start to finish. To look around and see all our loved ones in one place, dancing up a storm–it was nothing short of magical!”

Photography: Karen Hill Photography | Planner: White Hall Events, By Amy Hardisty | Cake: Sweet Lisa's | Stationary: J Papers | Church: First Presbyterian Church Of Greenwich | Reception Venue: Blind Brook Club | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Brides Gown: Peter Langner | Chandeliers: Social Decor | Personal Flowers And Chandeliers Flowers: Greenwich Orchids | Reception Flowers: Blind Brook Club

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Romantic Connecticut Estate Wedding

Summer weddings are the bees knees. And when they’re held at your parents’ private estate, with one sweet tie-wearing pup named Pedro, floating blooms, twinkling lights, and all? They’re pretty much unbeatable. With Hudson River Photographer behind the lens of every ounce of elegant imagery, you’ll be smitten with this gallery.

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From Hudson River Photographer… Elegant and charming, two words to describe this beautiful bride and groom. They married at Jennifer’s parents estate in Greenwich, Connecticut. Their dog Pedro carried the ring! It was a simply gorgeous wedding.

Photography: Hudson River Photographer | Wedding Planner: Stella Day Events | Florist: House Of Flowers | Wedding Dress: Victoria Nicole | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Catering: Caperberry Catering | Calligraphy: Butler's Pantry Calligraphy | Band: The Bandulos | Venue: Private Residence | Custom Crest: Happy Menocal | Invitations, Paper Goods And Signage: Roseville Designs | Rentals: Smith Party Rentals | Tents & Lighting: Northeast Tents

Classic Military Wedding

A dashing groom in uniform, a stunning bride in Ulla-Maija Couture and a breathtaking wedding all set against an amazing Greenwich backdrop: this, my friends, is the epitome of a traditional wedding.  From the beautiful blooms crafted by KD&J Botanica to the elegant Belle Haven Club reception, it’s a day of non-stop sophistication, all captured by Melani Lust Photography.  Soak in every last detail right here.

From Melani Lust Photography… They met on the beach in the Hamptons where they were spending a weekend with mutual friends. Their meeting didn’t get off to a promising start. Jennifer was engrossed in one of the Hunger Games books, and conversation was cut short as a result. Young adult fiction had never been the key to Carter’s heart, but he was making an equally immature impression through various sophomoric drinking games.

Fortunately, things went up from there. Little did Carter know that Jennifer had met her Prince Charming! The next seven months were spent improving Jennifer’s military knowledge and vocabulary: “trinkets” became “medals,” “soldiers” became “Marines,” and “outfits” were properly identified as “uniforms.” Upon return from his deployment to Afghanistan, Carter proposed on New Year’s Eve.

The day began with a soft, delicate rain, and sunny skies came out just in time for their first look. It was a fairytale ceremony in an historical church followed by the American Military custom of the arch of swords, giving a symbolic pledge of loyalty to them from their Marine family. It is also a tradition for the sword bearer on the right to give the bride a “swat” on her rump and utter “Welcome to the Marines!” Off they went to the Belle Haven Club where Katherine of KD & J Botanica created a fun and elegant reception design in pink and navy. The families celebrated with dancing, games and fresh cigars; laughing into the evening when a dramatic storm swirled through the club, a passionate ending to a perfect day.

Photography: Melani Lust Photography | Floral Design: KD&J Botanica | Wedding Cake: Palmer's Bakery | Invitations: Therese Saint Claire | Ceremony Venue: Christ Church | Reception Venue: Belle Haven Club | Bride's Shoes: Louboutin | Catering: Belle Haven Club | Makeup: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics | Hair: Christopher Noland Salon | Bride's Attire: Saks Fifth Avenue | Bridesmaids' Attire: Jenny Yoo | Reception Music: JukeBoxx | Wedding Dress Designer: Anna Maier

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These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Intimate Seaside Wedding in Connecticut

Big weddings are fun, yes. But sometimes a smaller, more intimate wedding surrounded by the reaching sea and your closest friends and family can make it even easier to let loose and enjoy the ride. And I guess having a charming venue like the Bell Haven Club doesn’t hurt, either. Thankfully, Karen Hill Photography was there to capture the event. Enjoy!

 

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From Karen Hill Photography… Amanda and Sam were married at the Belle Haven Club in Greenwich, Connecticut, surrounded by sea, sunshine, friends and family. For their wedding, it was important to keep their wedding intimate, yet fun with a casual flair. They wanted everyone to have a great time, which they did. The Belle Haven Club is a spectacular location overlooking a beautiful harbor surrounded by mansions, boats, the sea and sky. After the first look and portraits, the ceremony took place outdoors with the harbor as a dramatic backdrop, while the reception was tented. At sunset, during cocktails, the Club’s tradition is to light a canon, wow! The colors – turquoise, white and plum – were inspired by the sea and surroundings. It was an incredible day filled with beauty, light and love! It was beautiful!

Photography: Karen Hill Photography | Florist: Ariella Chezar Design | Gown: Carolina Herrera | Stationary: J Papers | Band: D'Jore | CLUB: Belle Haven Club

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Greenwich, Connecticut Wedding from IRIS Photography

Say the words “Greenwich, Connecticut” and it’s almost impossible not to let your mind wander to perfectly styled soirees filled with preppy meets classic details and elegant parties just made for dancing the night away.  That’s because in Greenwich, they really know how to throw a wedding… and it’s days like this little gem from the talented team of Stella Day Events and IRIS Photography that prove that point whole-heartedly.  From the pretty blooms from Something Special Flowers to the gorgeous gown from Gabriella New York to all kinds of amazingness from Laura Hooper, it’s a non-stop day of pretty.  See it all in the full gallery.

And a little something extra special from Generic Brand Human?  Yes, please.

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From IRIS PhotographyA touch of the Riviera on the CT Gold Coast: Dinner Jackets and Jenny Packham bride’s dress set a stylish tone for this seaside wedding with lots of nautical details for this tented wedding at the Riverside Yacht Club in Greenwich, CT. Abundant paperie and a color palette ranging from pastel pinks to bold oranges, ending with a romantic send-off on a 1950’s wooden Riva Italian powerboat.

From Kerri-Lynn of Stella Day EventsIt’s hard to say what I loved most about this simply stunning June wedding in Greenwich, CT. The couple, Maddie and Dave, both attended Georgetown University and our custommade dance floor was filled with Hoyas all night long! It was clear as day that family and friends are one of their main priorities and the goal was to have a carefree and memorable day.

When the planning began, we realized they would be married on the longest day of the year, so we wanted to make sure the day was filled with lots of bright but classic vibes. From the tablecloths to the signature cocktails – rum punch and vodka lemonade – we were able to mix in the right amount of color and fun while still remaining elegant. We teamed up with Lisa Salley of Something Special Flowers to create a colorful candy bar filled with all orange, pink and yellow candies. In addition to the candy bar, she created centerpieces and boutiques filled with both bright and soft pinks, whites and greens. Laura Hooper of Laura Hooper Calligraphy created the invitations, menus and custom maps of the town of Greenwich that were left for guests when they checked into their hotel rooms at the Delamar.

With the reception being held at the bride’s longtime family club, Riverside Yacht Club, we incorporated a bit of ocean flair. From the men’s cufflinks, to the napkins, to the seahorse ice sculpture and stunning topper to the cake created by Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes, it was just enough flair to a day already filled with so many details.

Maddie wore a stunning Jenny Packham dress from Gabriella NewYork Bridal Salon, while Dave and the groomsmen wore classic off-white dinner jackets. Dave’s custom suit was made by Lord Willy’s in New York and the bridesmaids looked radiant in their Amsale dresses from The Wedding Library.

Social Décor dramatically changed the look of the already spectacular Northeast Tent. We worked with them to create a cheerful, elegant vibe. In addition to the colorful lanterns , they added a mirrored disco ball over the custom dance floor that sparkled throughout the night. Guests enjoyed a steel drum band during cocktail hour before Hank Lane’s Kevin Osborne Band took over and the dance floor was filled all night.

Maddie’s dad and stepmom got married at Riverside Yacht Club when she was a little girl, so it always held a special place in her heart. When it came to looking for wedding locations, Maddie knew it would be the perfect place to start her future with her now husband, Dave.

As the night came to an end, the couple made a mad dash through sparklers and jumped on an antique Riva Italian powerboat owned by a family friend of the bride that once belonged to JFK.

In addition to all the colors and details, this day was filled with such vibrancy between the couple and their family and friends. It was a very special day to be a part of! Thanks to Iris Photography for these incredible images and Generic Brand Human for capturing all of Maddie and Dave’s special moments throughout the day!

Photography: IRIS Photography | Videographer: Generic Brand Human | Planner: Stella Day Events | Wedding Planner: Stella Day Events | Florist: Something Special Flowers | Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham | Cake: Sweet Lisa's | Invitations: Laura Hooper Calligraphy | Reception: Riverside Yacht Club | Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale | Band: Hank Lane Music | Men's Attire: Lord Willy's | Tent: Northeast Tents | Bridal Boutique: Gabriella New York Bridal Salon | Bridesmaids' Dresses via: The Wedding Library | Decorations: Social Decor | Guest Hotel: Delamar

Traditional Hindu Wedding with a Modern Twist from Trent Bailey Photography

Taking inspiration from Chanel’s Bombay-Paris collection, these two sweeties created a day that was not only drop-dead gorgeous, but rich in warmth and tradition.  From the stunning ceremony held at the beautiful Delamar Greenwich Harbor to the “understated opulence” of the L’Escale Restaurant reception, it’s moment after moment of pure beauty, all wrapped up in a plethora of take-you-breath-away details created by some of the finest vendors you will ever come in contact with.  I’m talking the amazing Trent Bailey PhotographyLoli Events and Elegant Affairs (among others) joining forces to bring this couple’s breathtaking vision to fruition.  See every shining moment right here.

And a stunning film from Kiss The Bride Films to send you off into the weekend… enjoy.

From the Bride… Our wedding concept was an inspiration in evolution.  We wanted to embrace the ancient tradition that surrounds an Indian wedding but infuse it with a modern, opulent flair.  It was serendipity that Chanel’s Bombay-Paris collection was designed for Fall 2012, coinciding with our September 2012 wedding season.  The concepts, details, and depth from the collection directly complemented our vision.  We extracted a few particulars from this Chanel inspiration and found ourselves with descriptors such as “purposefully mismatched,” “lavishly textured,” “understated opulence,” and “jeweled.”  We tried to blend those descriptors with what we understood of romance, warmth, and tradition.  Our chosen venue location on the Greenwich Harbor, Connecticut provided us with a unique backdrop to help transform this inspiration into a reality.  Our end product was everything we could have imagined and more!

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Wedding Photography: Trent and Dara of Trent Bailey Photography | Ceremony Venue: Delamar Greenwich Harbor, Greenwich, Connecticut  | Reception Venue: L’Escale Restaurant, Greenwich, Connecticut | Cinematography: Kiss The Bride Films | Event Planning: Loli Events | DJ  + Lighting: DJUSA | Floral Design: Elegant Affairs | Dance Floor: Stamford Tent | Makeup: Gina Truhe Makeup | Wedding Cake: Sono Baking Company

Connecticut Wedding by Joshua Zuckerman Photography

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the absolute perfection that is this bride’s dress?  It is a beautiful, fluffy dream!  Set against the backdrop of a grand estate, this classic, Great Gatsby-inspired wedding photographed by Joshua Zuckerman Photography just makes my inner romantic go all gooey.  The full gallery has even more inspiration from this fine Connecticut affair!

Click here for more inspiration in the full wedding gallery!

My mother and I planned the wedding together, we wanted it to be simple but elegant, and feel like a classic at home wedding in Connecticut. We approached it like a a Gatsby affair, as we wanted big band music, the formal elegance of black tie, complimented by shades of ivory and creams that were carried through in the flower arrangements, groomsmen and bridesmaid attire, candle light, and ivory lanterns. Rather than incorporating complex details, we focused on making sure the core elements that made up the wedding were memorable. What helped make that easy was that we had great vendors and a wonderful venue, my parents house. The backdrop, couldn’t have been more beautiful with the rolling lawn and greenery of the trees. As a result, we didn’t have to add complex flower arrangements or bring in additional decor. Our vendors were wonderful to work with because they produced flawless work, especially the outstanding photography. The food was delicious, the music was wonderful, the tent and flowers were simply elegant, and we are so lucky to have great pictures to remember it all by!

What made all the difference in the planning process was maintaining our classic theme, and remembering that we wanted the wedding to feel intimate amongst our close friends and family. With around 125 guests, we were able to focus on our guests, and ensure they felt that were a special part of the event. We engaged a day of wedding coordinator, who helped make the day stress free, and ensure that the months of planning came to fruition!

Wedding Photography: Joshua Zuckerman / Florist: Greenwich Orchids / Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet / Caterer: Aux Delices / Band: Bob Merrill & His Orchestra / DJ: DJ Vinny Vulcano / Hair + Make up: Phillip Bruce Salon / Bridesmaids’ dresses: J Crew / Groomsmen tuxedos: Christian Dior / Day-of-Coordinator: Erin Mills

Greenwich Wedding by Justin + Mary Marantz, II

We are devouring this amazing wedding that the hugely talented Justin and Mary Marantz sent us. I spent the day with the Marantz’s last week and when I say that they are great…I am completely not doing them justice. Aside from taking purely gorgous photographs, photographs that make you stop in your tracks, they are also ridiculously nice people. Quietly capturing the day to perfection. And this wedding that they sent our way, was just about as flawless as you can get!

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You can see the wedding in its entirety by clicking here and here. Thank you so very much to Justin and Mary for sending us today’s fabulous featured fete, for always inspiring us and giving us the BEST steal worthy-ideas a girl could ever want.

Greenwich Wedding by Justin + Mary Marantz

I have to admit…I am just about as girly as you can get. I like all things pink, all things ruffly, all things pretty. Perfect pink weddings are actually my weakness and this one, that the always fabulous Justin and Mary Marantz photographed, doesn’t disappoint. The details are flawless, the style perfection and the bride and groom, well…beyond.

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Katherine Jacobs of KD&J Botanica is responsible for the RIDICULOUSLY gorgeous flowers and details that made the already lovely day even more beautiful. The couple served Chad’s mom’s secret family recipe for sweet tea during cocktail hour, and had the adorable stir sticks for guests to use. Every detail was so thoughtfully designed, so beautifully executed. It almost looks like a magazine shoot, rather than an actual wedding.

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And, the beautiful bride, Kristin, was perfection in her Ines di Santo gown and her make-up by the lovely, lovely Jennie Fresa…I am actually a little jealous of how glowy and gorgeous she actually is! Love, love, love. Love, love. Oh and did I say, LOVE!

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We have so many more details from the unbelievable Justin and Mary coming up in just a bit.

PS – We are having some comments issues so if you are interested in reading the comments from this feature, please see the bottom of this post.