Brian and Helen marry with history and tradition!

On a gorgeous June day on the Connecticut Shoreline, Brian and Helen wed in front of family and friends, many who had traveled near and far to witness their nuptials. The jaw-dropping Branford House Mansion served as the backdrop for the ceremony and as the reception location. Working with Brian and Helen to stylize, design, and plan their wedding was pure joy. Brian, a professional wedding photographer himself was referred to us by his friend and mentor, Becker - thank you Becker!

And speaking of photographers - Brian selected Jonathan Canlas to capture his wedding to Helen. He loved that Jonathan shoots in film, and we will thrilled with his work. Thanks to Jonathan for all of these incredible images in this post.

The bridal party too Essex by storm, all getting ready at the suites in the Griswold Inn. Helen and the ladies readied with the lovely ladies of Jennie Fresa Beauty Library. Honoring Helen’s Chinese heritage, the formalities began with a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony at the Griswold Inn before heading to the Branford House. During this ceremony, it is tradition, that Helen is formally introduced to Brian’s family, and tea is exchanged as a symbol of respect. Helen wore a stunning plum colored, peacock inspired Chinese Wedding Dress, known as a Chi Pao, designed by Brocade Apparel, Brian was quite dapper in a Teal and Gold Chinese 2 button jacket, custom made based on the modern cut from J. Crew by Brocade Apparel as well!

For the western ceremony, Helen wore a Maggie Sottero and Brian donned J. Crew with ties from Brooks Brothers and Burberry (yes, hes that cool to have ties to swap!). The maids turned heads in chiffon from the Limited, and the guys stylized in J Crew as well, not to be outdone, they donned argyle socks!



Brian and Helen arrived at the Branford House in a vintage Porsche Roadster, and gathered for pictures with their bridal party. As guests arrived, they were greets to refreshments and made their way to the lawn, where walnut chairs with brightly colored ribbons marked the ceremony location. Helen, always the thinker and the style maven, planned ahead, with stained tree stump slices for the ladies in her party to stand on, so that no heels would sink and no shoe go harmed - genius!

Two large ceremony arrangements flanked the front of the ceremony space, provided by Carey from Stems Flower Design. In addition to the ceremony arrangements, Carey nailed the florals all around, with stunning bouquets, lively bouts, and centerpieces inside! In a personalized ceremony, led by Justice of the Peace Sara Carson they married, and the celebration of their union unfolded!



Inside the mansion, the incredible details continued. Pulling commentary from our Style Me Pretty feature on this wedding, we described the following:

"The color palette was selected early on. A vibrant mix of aqua and teal, lilac and plum, with accents of silver and cream, all feminine and sweet, set the stage for a gorgeous contrast off the rich masculinity of the interior of the Branford House Mansion, in Groton, Connecticut. A bit of preppy and a bit of whimsy, balanced with vintage nods to create a sophisticated and polished event that was down right current and fun."

"The cocktail hour was fun and festive, casual and cool. Guests enjoyed American favorites both stationary and passed, while they mingled the grounds, gathered around the photobooth, and selected their escort cards, strung amidst images from Brian and Helen’s engagement session."

"Inside the mansion, round tables donned rich aqua linens, topped with scalloped china, amethyst goblets, Victorian lilac lamour napkins, and modern styled silverware and chopsticks greeted guests. Two styles of centerpieces, incorporating lilacs, roses, peonies and greens, added height and variety to the grand space. Individual menus detailed the traditional eight course Chinese meal, guests were about to receive. Warm uplighting and a purple ceiling wash finished the look. As the evening progressed, guests danced away, delighted in assorted Tazo Teas, and snacked on delectable treats from a fabulous dessert buffet. Brian and Helen bid farewell to a sparkler send-off and rode off in a vintage Roadster Porsche. A spectacular end to a spectacular wedding!"

Cocktail hour and dessert cuisine was provided by the ever amazing team at A Thyme To Cook and the Chinese cuisine for dinner was provided by Victor Huynh from NYC. We amassed the beautiful decor through a variety of rental companies, including our favorites, Party Rental, BBJ Linen and Linen Hero. Our go to guy Rob Waldron at Standing Ovations kept the crowd grooving under the warm lighting of Dan from ShinDig Lighting. The invitations and stationery were provided by Papeterie and epitomized the style that Brian and Helen ooze!



It wouldn't be appropriate to conclude without one additional nod to Drew at Shade Tree Films. His work is emotional, tear jerking, and real, I can't help but love this preview clip he provided!

Is that J Crew? from Shade Tree Films on Vimeo.

Brian and Helen, thank you for selecting us to guide you through your long distance planning and design of your style savvy gorgeous wedding. We are so thrilled with how everything came together, and wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Cheers,
Talia