Karen and Andrew

We first met with Karen and Andrew in July of 2006. Newly engaged and over their heels in love, they knew they wanted to be married overlooking the water on Sunday, September 14, 2008, be surrounded by sweet details, dance the evening away with a killer band and say good night with a sparkler send-off. With these elements in mind, we toured the tri-state by car and on-line in search of the perfect location, finally choosing The Candlewood Inn in Brookfield, which is serene and elegant inside and out. In the two years that followed, we booked the remaining of their vendors and designed their entire coordinating stationary suite. By the end of this journey we all felt like old friends and their wedding was absolutely lovely from start to finish. All photos with the exception of certain specificially disclosed were taken by Sixpence For Your Shoe.

On the big day, Karen and her ladies began prepping the Courtyard by Marriott in Danbury by Dana Bartone for hair and Naomi Martinez for make-up. Jane of Just For You brought in the bouquets and they were just as we had imagined.

Then, Jerome of Studio 1923 came in and picked up my camera and shot these. Why can't I do that?

Karen wore a Ramona Keveza gown and matching veil, purchased at Kleinfeld. Girls wore J. Crew Sophia in black (always a nice choice), pearl necklaces (a gift from Karen) and their own shoes. Later on that night as she was being bustled in front of the mirror in the bridal suite and Andrew watched he said, "Karen, that's the perfect dress." It was.

Andrew and his fellow gents looked quite dapper in tuxes from Antonio's, who from my experience does the bets fit there is. Andrew was distinguished from the pack by an ivory vest and pocket square.

They were married at 4:30 in the afternoon by Rabbi Howard Herman. One dream Karen always held on to was to see Andrew for the first time at the ceremony, as opposed to before when signing the ketubah, as is tradition in the Jewish faith. Rabbi Herman understood this and granted them this wish and allowed them to sign the ketubah as part of their ceremony. It flowed perfectly.

Jane did a rustic chuppah softened by blooms that incorporated the veil Karen's mother wore on her wedding day. It blew ever so slightly in the gentle breeeze. Here is a close up of it.

A few shots of the ceremony.

The ceremony site was lined with shepherds hooks and lanterns. The weather and windstream was in our favor, as all candles stayed lit.


Millennium Music accompanied the ceremony and played beautifully, as always.

Meanwhile, Talia and I were busying prepping the inside for the reception. Here is a very Newport-esque shot of the sun-streamed sunporch at Candlewood; one of the reasons Karen fell in love with the venue.

After the ceremony, the couple spent some private time together on the docks, known as Yichud in the Jewish tradition.

And then they were treated to champagne by their car from Antique Limo. It was important to Karen to have an antique car and I'm so glad it worked out!

Inside cocktail hour was well under way with jazz trio by Synergy. Some fun food shots we took. Cheese never looked SO good.

The tables were dressed with all white linens. Menus and table numbers were designed by us, the napkins folded meticulously by Talia, with the menus tucked ever so neetly within. We decided to utilize some of the hurricanes provided by the venue and opted to alternate floral rings around the hurricanes on some tables with urn arrangements on others. It was a great contrast. The room looked fresh, yet soft.

Here is a close-up of the arrangement on the sweetheart table. The roses, orchids and hydrangea made such an eye-pleasing centerpiece.

The cake was made by the bakery at The Waterview, who always does a fabulous job. Orchids and tiny yellow roses were the *perfect* garnish.

Dave Pettigrew and the band from Synergy played a great mix of old and new. The night concluded with the much anticipated sparkler send-off to the Theme From Cheers , as it held a special place in the couple's hearts. What a great party!

Karen and Andrew, we hope you had an amazing time throughout Europe. It's been a wonderful journey planning together over the past two years. I hope the wedding you had equates the dreams you spoke of at our first meeting at the Simsbury Starbucks. The two of you just radiate with love for one another and we wish you a lifetime of dreams coming true.