Christina and Dave's Seaside Soiree!

It was just a little over this time last year I received a call from a lovely mother from Nebraska saying, “My daughter likes your web-site, we are planning a wedding at her grandparent’s home in Old Lyme and will be in town this weekend, can you meet us?” As a matter of fact, I did happen to be free, and that Saturday, as we sat and chatted in the beautiful sunroom with panoramic views of the property where Christina and Dave would wed the following summer, I knew our collaboration was meant to be. Christina and Dave are die hard ski bums and a very laid back couple, so a “toes in the sand” wedding with a relaxed sense of elegance seemed to fit them perfectly. With the collaboration of the talented Christine of Azalea Floral Design and many shopping trips to Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware by her Christina’s mom Shawn, the wedding came together just as we had envisioned. Many thanks to Mother Nature too!

All gorgeous photos courtesy of Bruce Plotkin.

Saturday, July 17, 2010 was one of those perfect summer shoreline days where the sun shines sweetly on your skin and a salty breeze reminds all us die hard New Englanders why we could never live anywhere else. Christina and her maids started their day at Salon Crimson in Old Saybrook, and then the crew headed on over to the Old Lyme Beach Club to gussy up. Christina wore a ribboned dress by the Robert Bullock Collection from Birnbaum and Bullock that looked and fit as if it was designed just for her, and her maids were fashionable in and of themselves in teal blue cocktail dresses and adorable beaded flip flops. The guys wore classic grey suits, unfussy sophistication at its best. A first sighting followed on the deck of the club. I loved the sweet and easy seaside colors Christine incorporated in the bridal part flowers of dreamy sand colored roses, lissys and natural greens.

The ceremony took place on the lawn of her grandparent’s incredible estate, which they purchased over 40 years ago and was once a fishing village! Guests were greeted by a cheery lemon leaf garland fence and further welcomed by refreshing lemonades. Christina and her bridal party walked out of the front door of her grandparen'ts home which was flanked by two fabulous arrangements, and down to the ceremony site overlooking the water as Millennium Music played in the background. I know all guests took in the incredible setting as they watched the couple wed with views of Long Island Sound in the distance, keeping their cool with raffia fans. Following the ceremony, everyone gathered south on the property to toast the newlyweds!
The reception followed at the Old Lyme Beach Club and what fun we had decorating the old fashioned interior. Guest tables were situated both inside the club as well as outside under the awning, and featured a myriad of centerpieces consisting of pillar candles, lanterns, shells, and seaside arrangements. We ribboned napkins and accented them with shells at each place setting. The majority of the guests had traveled from far and wide for this "Destination Connecticut" wedding and truly enjoyed dining and mingling right on the beach. Vanderbrook Catering provided the cake, which was classically beautiful and delicious. DJ Rob Waldron spun tunes loved by the young and old and the crowd danced the night away under the open air. One of the most original details was the commissioned artist by Christina’s father to paint the wedding. His work was amazing to watch and what a piece of art they will have to cherish this day forever.

Christina and Dave, what a fun wedding you had! We loved seeing the happiness in your faces as you celebrated your family with your nearest and dearest! We truly enjoyed working with you both and your families. We wish you all the best in your married life.

If you haven't already, be sure to check out this wedding featured on Brides.com!

Cheers!

Lindsay