Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Connecticut Wedding Planner | Caity and Matt's Sperry Tented Wedding at Hill-Stead Museum


Caity and Matt . . sigh, where to begin?? I met Caity, Matt, and Caity’s parents on a cold and blustery day almost two years ago. The whole gang glowed with ideas of a country chic wedding at a venue near and dear to their hearts – Hill-Stead Museum. Caity grew up in Farmington and attended Miss Porters School, so Hill-Stead with its incredible sense of history, magnificent artwork and proximity to their beautiful home was an obvious choice in which to hold the wedding reception. It was instant kismet and we were thrilled to bring their vision to life.

Jane and Mike of IRIS Photography captured the entire event from start to finish brilliantly. See for yourself!

The morning of the wedding started a bit overcast, but the clouds broke to real the most amazing sun drenched day. Caity and her maids had their hair styled at a local salon and then returned to her childhood home to lunch, sip champagne and get dressed. Caity wore a breathtaking Angel Sanchez one shouldered dress with fabulous ruffle detail and hot pink satin Kate Spades. And while I'm not sure exactly if we sourced our inspiration from those shoes or vice versa, they were the just the perfect shade that was reflected throughout the flowers and other wedding decor. Her girls looked just lovely in their Jenny Yoo dresses and soft hair. The groom and his men readied at another historic home in Farmington, donning Zegna tuxes and vineyard vines bow ties expertly tied by the groom himself.




Upon time for the ceremony, Caity and her father were escorted up the street by an old fashioned horse drawn carriage to Saint Patrick’s Church. The ceremony music was just exquisite and all too soon the smiling newlyweds were whisked away in a Rolls convertible, while all the guests made their way up to Hill-Stead Museum! Cocktail hour took place in the sunken garden where guests took in the beautiful afternoon, explored the rolling hills of the venue and were treated to an open house at the Museum. They had a wonderful time mingling, enjoying the scrumptious bites of Emily’s Catering, playing croquet and snapping silly takes in the photo booth. A sun shower quickly escorted everyone into the reception tent, but luckily for us it passed quickly and did not dare damper spirits.

The Sperry Tent on the West Lawn was a bright and happy place and it was so exciting to see our inspiration all come together. Our country chic setting was established by long guest tables layered with oyster burlap runners and floral arrangements featuring the most vibrant shades of pink and tangerine in a vast array of fantastic trophy cups and other silver containers particularly sourced for this event. Delightful mismatched floral china and letterpessed menus were pleasing indeed and welcomed each guest to his or her seat. Toasts to the couple ensued, in particular, Caity’s maid of honor gave a heart wrenching account of their friendship since Miss Porters School. Everyone feasted on a delicious meal and wine paring, numerous desserts and had a marvelous time dancing the night away to Eight to the Bar under the canopy of Japanese lanterns. An after party took place at The Country Club of Farmington, but not before each guest departed with a Hill-Stead honey favor as a sweet farewell.
Caity and Matt, it was a remarkable experience getting to know you, your parents, family and friends. It was our honor to bring your wedding dreams to reality and a privilege for us personally to witness your day. We wish you the best of luck in your new life together in Boston and do hope you stay in touch in the years to come. We will remember you and your gorgeous wedding always!

xoxo,
Lindsay, Talia, Rachel and Nicole

Fabulous Fete Fruitioners:
Wedding Planning and Design: Sixpence For Your ShoeCeremony: Church of Saint PatrickReception: Hill-Stead MuseumPhotography: IRIS PhotographyCatering: Emily’s Catering GroupFloral Genius: Dragonfly EventTent: Sperry TentsWedding Rentals: Party Rental, LtdRestroom: Suburban SanitationMusic: The Wildwood Groups & Eight to the BarGown: Angel SanchezShoes: Kate Spade
Maids: Jenny YooTuxes: ZegnaHorse Drawn Carriage: Allegra FarmStationery: Lettres Stationery of Distinction
Cake: J. CakesGuest Accommodations & Transportation: The Farmington Inn

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Connecticut Wedding Planner | Hillary and Rory's Sperry Tented Private Estate Wedding



On a chilly night last winter, Hillary and her dad, Tom came to meet with us to discuss Hillary's dream of a wedding on the property of her parents' Bed and Breakfast in Suffield, Kingsfield Bed and Breakfast.  With it's rolling hills, fountained ponds, history and charm, it was an incredible backdrop for Hillary's wedding to her prince charming, Rory. 

Eileen Broderick Photography was on hand all day to capture Hillary and Rory's wedding and provided all of the images within this post.

On the morning of the wedding, Hillary and the ladies (and there were lots of lovely ladies) all readied at the Bed and Breakfast with the assistance of the girls from Dana Bartone Salon.  Hillary wore an off white lace sheath gown and worked with her seamstress to add a pale peach rouched bustline and dramatic bowed back.  The maids and usherettes wore dresses of their choice in three shades of blue from J. Crew.  The guys also donned J.Crew, looking ever so dapper, in their striped blue ties. 



The ceremony was held in an intimate grove of trees overlooking the setting sun and one of the propery's ponds.  Ribbons of pale ivory, blush, and peach hung from the trees and blew in the gentle breeze.  Millenniumm Music played, as guests were treated to lavender iced tea and fresh lemonade in their way to their seats.  Guests fanned themselves in the August heat with two sided fan programs we created to tie in with the overall wedding decor.  In keeping the ceremony personalized, one family friend married the couple and another sang.  As the ceremony ended, a tease of fireworks filled the sky and Hillary and Rory exited followed by their bridal party.   



Together, Hillary, Tom, Lindsay and I worked to design a French Country inspired wedding reception, beautiful and welcoming, unique in details and complimentary to property.   Post ceremony, guests made their way to the stone walled garden area behind the Inn and were greeted by the delightful staff and incredible hors d'oeuvres display of Emily's Catering


Under the soaring Sperry Tent, white lanterns hung, while we dressed the tables in Blue Etoile, Silver chargers, personalized menus in cornflower blue and lavendar and the florals, all provided by The Growth Company, were in ivory, green and blue, set in Vermont styled Ceramic Pots.  We added gold toned framed table numbers.  The table numbers matched in style to the "escort card wall" we created and hung gold frames from, directly guests to their tables. 


Following dinner, Hillary and Rory cut their wedding cake, a surprise design from Hillary's dad Tom, provided by Classic Cakes. The momument on top is the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston, a location particularly special to Hillary and Rory.  Just before the rain began to fall, we moved guests outside of the tent to watch the most incredible fireworks display, provided by Atlas Productions.  Then, guests danced the night away to tunes played by The XRAYS, a Burlington, VT based band who also played at Hillary's brother's wedding. 



Hillary, Rory, and Tom, thank you so much for allowing us the opportunity to bring your vision to life on your gorgeous property.  It was a spectacular day, filled with wonderful memories, and we were thrilled to be a part of it.  Hillary and Rory, we wish you many years of love and happiness in marriage and hope that you always look fondly back upon your wedding day as the beginning of your lives together as one.

Cheers,
Talia, Lindsay, Rachel and Nicole 

Fabulous Fete Fruitioners:

Wedding Planning, Event Design, and Day-of Stationery: Sixpence For Your Shoe
Catering: Emily's Catering
Photography: Eileen Broderick Photography
Hair and Makeup: Dana Bartone Salon
Tent: Sperry Tent
Rentals: Party Rental, LTD
Florist: The Growth Company
Music: Millenniumm Music, The XRAYS
Fireworks: Atlas Productions
Wedding Cake: Classic Cakes