As I gaze upon today’s real wedding, my mind is already wandering to the vibrant colors and sunny days that spring has to offer. The thought of a snowy winter wonderland might be romantic, but it’s refreshing to see Jennifer and Jason embracing the beauty of the blooming season instead. Their New England celebration was a masterclass in elegant rustic charm, with lush greenery, soft pastels, and an air of effortless sophistication.
Our Love Story
It’s a small world, after all – or at least that’s what I thought when my fiancé and I first met in person. We were both born and raised in Connecticut, but our paths didn’t cross until we were introduced by a mutual friend at a Jets/Giants game in 2010. The friend was quite the mastermind, getting my phone number out of me without me even realizing it! We started off as friends, bonding over our shared love of sports (he’s a die-hard Jets fan, while I’m a devoted Giants enthusiast).
It wasn’t until a few months later that we decided to take our friendship to the next level. Fast forward to a trip with friends in Whistler, British Columbia. We were on day two of skiing and snowboarding adventures when Jason popped the question. He cleverly suggested we take a group photo at the top of a mountain peak, then asked our friends to snap a shot just of us. I turned around to see him down on one knee, his nervousness momentarily forgotten as he…
well, let’s just say it didn’t quite go according to plan! But despite the hiccup, it was still an unforgettable moment – the stunning view of the mountain peaks below, the beauty of nature all around us, and the realization that we were meant to be together. It was a truly ‘us’ moment, one that I’ll always treasure.
The Dresses
For the special day, I chose to wear a fitted dress from Sarah Seven, its design featuring a sweetheart neckline bodice adorned with delicate lace overlay. The dress’s subtle details allowed for effortless elegance, making me feel like the best version of myself. Meanwhile, my bridesmaids stunned in Jenny Yoo gowns that seemed to shift between blush and champagne hues depending on the light.
Their dresses boasted a similar lace sweetheart neckline, which I thought beautifully complemented my own attire – not to mention how much they loved wearing them!
The Inspiration
As our wedding plans began to take shape, we found ourselves torn between two seasons: winter and spring. Initially, we had our hearts set on a cozy winter wonderland celebration, but as we delved deeper into the planning process, the uncertainty of the weather’s impact on our special day started to weigh heavily on us.
To ease our worries, we opted for a compromise – taking our engagement photos during a big snowstorm, capturing the essence of our love and our affinity for winter in its full glory.
Favourite Moments
As we embarked on a ‘first look’ experience, I must confess that this moment stood out as one of my most cherished moments of the day. The subtle seclusion provided by our bridal party observing from within the house added an air of intimacy to the encounter, allowing me to unwind and feel more at ease in the lead-up to the ceremony.
The Photography & Videography
The moment I laid eyes on Jessica’s photography work, I knew she was the ideal fit for our special moments. Her ability to capture the essence of a couple’s story with such precision and care resonated deeply with me. What truly impressed me was her dedication to learning about us as individuals – from how we met to our shared hobbies, family dynamics, and social circles. This level of attention to detail resulted in natural-looking photos that felt effortless and genuine.
As for Matt’s videography work, I struggled to find a creative who resonated with our aesthetic until stumbling upon his impressive portfolio. His innovative use of drones added an exciting dimension to the visuals, while his five-minute trailers showcased exceptional editing skills and a keen eye for harmonizing the footage with music.
The Ceremony
At our church ceremony, my talented uncle took center stage, his powerful voice resonating through the room as he delivered a stunning rendition of Ave Maria. The applause that followed was well-deserved; a testament to his exceptional vocal talent. It was a truly unforgettable moment for us, one that we’ll always treasure.
The Refreshments
Our anticipation for the culinary delights was so great that we structured our entire day around the cocktail hour. The variety of passed hors d’oeuvres, both hot and cold, as well as the themed food stations, left us eager to indulge. The highlight of the evening, however, was the formal sit-down meal during the reception, where we savored each bite. To top it all off, our wedding cake was a stunning red velvet masterpiece adorned with buttercream rows and real flowers, a true showstopper.
The Venue
We selected Tappan Hill Mansion due to its stunning grounds, rich historical significance, and exceptional catering services provided by Abigail Kirsch, a renowned expert in her field. The overall atmosphere and reputation of the venue resonated with us, making it an ideal choice for our event.
The Decor & Details
To create an outdoor ambiance indoors, we incorporated natural elements such as moss, wood, and flowers into our decor. The escort table and centerpieces featured lush greenery and blooms, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment. We also strung together beautiful string lights above the dance floor and scattered lanterns and candles throughout the room to achieve a soft, warm glow.
Adding a personal touch, my bridesmaid Alex crafted stunning Bride and Groom chair signs that reflected our unique style. Meanwhile, my mother-in-law was responsible for curating the wedding favors – traditional Jordan Almonds wrapped in delicate tulle, a thoughtful nod to Greek and Italian traditions.
To make it even more meaningful, we incorporated a sentimental touch by wrapping a piece of my late grandmother’s vintage wedding dress around the stem of my bouquet, serving as a poignant reminder of her presence on our special day.
Advice for Other Couples
Having a solid plan in place can make all the difference when it comes to staying organized and on track for your big day. To that end, I turned to a sample wedding timeline from The Knot, which provided me with a clear roadmap starting about 10 months out. This allowed me to ensure I was making steady progress towards our special day. In addition to having a detailed timeline, we highly recommend incorporating a honeymoon registry into your wedding planning.
This is particularly useful if you and your partner have already established a household together and don’t need or can’t accommodate all the typical kitchen gadgets. Alternatively, it’s a great way to encourage friends and family to contribute towards an experience-based gift, such as an excursion or hotel stay. We personally used Traveler’s Joy to create our registry, which allowed us to customize our site and invite loved ones to contribute towards our dream honeymoon.
Without this generosity, we may not have been able to afford the trip of a lifetime.
The Budget
When it came time to book entertainment for our big day, we didn’t hesitate to reach out to NYC Swing, the talented group that had gotten our friends’ wedding party jumping just a few years prior. Their high-energy performance had left a lasting impression on us, and we knew they’d be the perfect fit for our celebration. As it turned out, their 12-piece band was indeed an investment, but one that paid off in spades.
The variety of songs they played kept our guests engaged and dancing all night long – and even now, we’re still hearing rave reviews from friends who were lucky enough to be there. In addition to ensuring our entertainment was top-notch, we also wanted to prioritize our guests’ comfort and safety. To that end, we arranged for coach buses to transport them between the hotel and reception, making sure everyone had a smooth and enjoyable experience.
With the drive taking just over 30 minutes each way, we were confident that this added touch would make all the difference in creating a stress-free and memorable night for our loved ones.
The Music
When it came time to book entertainment for our big day, we didn’t hesitate to reach out to NYC Swing, the talented group that had gotten our friends’ wedding party jumping just a few years prior. Their high-energy performance had left a lasting impression on us, and we knew they’d be the perfect fit for our celebration. As it turned out, their 12-piece band was indeed an investment, but one that paid off in spades.
The variety of songs they played kept our guests engaged and dancing all night long – and even now, we’re still hearing rave reviews from friends who were lucky enough to be there. In addition to ensuring our entertainment was top-notch, we also wanted to prioritize our guests’ comfort and safety. To that end, we arranged for coach buses to transport them between the hotel and reception, making sure everyone had a smooth and enjoyable experience.
With the drive taking just over 30 minutes each way, we were confident that this added touch would make all the difference in creating a stress-free and memorable night for our loved ones.
The Honeymoon
After the whirlwind of our wedding celebration, my partner and I took a mini-moon in nearby Newport, Rhode Island to unwind before embarking on our big adventure – a two-week escapade to New Zealand and Fiji! We deliberately delayed our honeymoon, as the lead-up to the wedding was already overwhmun. It allowed us to recharge and eagerly anticipate this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Jennifer’s honeymoon registry tip is pure genius, if I do say so myself.
And let me tell you, their reception decor was nothing short of breathtaking. That first look, though? I’m a sucker for it, even after seeing countless versions – there’s something undeniably romantic about it! I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Jessica Brigham of Brigham & Co and the lovely Jennifer and Jason for sharing their stunning spring wedding with us. May you find inspiration in their love story, just as I have.