Eileen and Nathan

When I first met with Eileen and Nate last November, I was immediately drawn to their pure adoration for one another, great sense of style and mutual vision for their wedding. Just listening Nate recount the story of how he proposed to Eileen with twinkles in his eyes (hint, it included a much pined after Louis Vuitton as a decoy - does it get any better??), made me fall in love with them as couple even more.

Over the course of the past year Eileen, her mother Ella and I kept in touch about buying her dress at Kleinfields, the perfect flowers, mood enhancing lighting and party starting band. As Manhattanites, they were going for an Old New York ballroom feel meets the ambiance reminscent of a European bar; Sinatra without the Sinatra. We mapped out every last detail of her wedding to ensure all facets were attended to and the day with multiple locations and a huge bridal party would flow seamlessly. All our hard work paid off as the day was *unbelievable* from start to finish. So I present to you, Eileen and Nathan. Unless otherwise disclosed, all photos taken by the exceptionally talented, highly personable and newly married Richard Esposito!

On Sunday, August 31, Eileen and Nate began prepping for their day at the Goodwin Hotel in Hartford. While Nate and the guys enjoyed a leisurely morning, Eileen and her maids were busy with hair and make-up from Erin, Angela and Liz of Naomi's Make-up Studio and Salon. They were all in high spirits when I checked in on them too.

After trying on what was estimated to be 50 dresses by her ladies in waiting, Eileen chose a swoonworthy Pnina Tornai gown, which is a line exlusively designed for Kleinfelds. We all took turns admiring it!

A gal after my own heart, she had not one, not two, but THREE pairs of awesome wedding shoes. The Badgleys, were my personal favorite! Check out these yummies!

The dress, which had both an internal corset and a long line of external buttons, fit Eileen like a glove. Hair half up and a ribbon edged veil finished her look. Le sigh.

After everyone was dressed, off we went to the rose garden at Elizabeth Park where Talia was waiting for Eileen and Nate's first sighting and bridal party photos.

The girls wore Amsale frocks of the palest pink. The guys donned their own tuxes from various designers. Nate's, in particular, was from Barney's.

After photos, the bridal party and family arrived at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford for the ceremony, beginning with signing of the ketubah in in Loctite Lobby.

During this time, guests were greeted in Morgan Main Lobby with wine service by Jordan Caterers and classical music by Kathy and her string ensemble from Millennium. They played for the ceremony and cocktial hour as well.

The Jewish ceremony took place at 6:00 p.m. in Morgan Main. I am over the moon for art galleries for ceremonies; truly nothing compares.

Jessica's Country Flowers did a stunning job with the chuppah. I loved how the draping mimicked that of Eileen's dress. Photo taken by SPFYS:

Following the breaking of the glass and a kiss, the ceremony ended and cocktail hour began in Avery Court. Here's a photo taken by me of the couple as soon as they processed out. How's this for newlywed bliss?


Cocktail hour in Avery Court under full swing.


Jordan did an exceptional job with the presentation of the apps. All the chargers and serving pieces looked so shiny and posh. I couldn't get enough of the beaded edging on the platters. Taken by me:



I got to try a chocolate milk shake shooter and it was faaaantastic.

Upon the end of cocktail hour, all guests were transported via Dattco to the Bond Ballroom (also in Hartford) for the reception. The entire day's composition of gothic lobby entrance, art gallery ceremony, stark lobby for cocktails and restored ballroom reception made a seriously captivating contrast of old and new. L.O.V.E.

At the Bond, guests were greeted by soft amber lighting provided by Dan of Shindig Lighting. Dan did an amazing job of transforming the room to the old New York feel Eileen dreamed of through uplighting, monogram gobo, ceiling wash and strategic pin spotting.


Tables were decorated with various tall branchy centerpieces featuring hanging votives. Jessica lived up to her superb reputation as they were spec-tac-u-lar.


Close up of the tables and place settings taken by me. The flowers at the base of the centerpieces were a memory instilling touch:


Eileen and her mom made the menus:


Following dinner, guests were treated to more appetizers and live music by New York Dream Band of Jerry Kravat Entertainment. They did a great job of keeping the dance floor packed all night (and early morning!) long.


Some additional detail shots taken by us, including Lance Armstrong favors and the cake, which featured an initial topper.





Eileen & Nate, I am a bit sad as I conclude this post as I felt like we were old family friends by the end of your wedding. I hope you enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing honeymoon in Hawaii before returning to the city. Eileen, I wish you the best of luck as you begin your second year in medical school and Nate as you start your career in the legal world. I can only imagine the wonderful life ahead that awaits you.


xoxo,
Lindsay & Talia