Connecticut Wedding Planner | Lara and Robby's Fall Celebration at Saltwater Farm Vineyard

On the stunning fall day of September 24th last year, we found ourselves again at one of our favorite venues, Saltwater Farm Vineyard, for the marriage and wedding celebration of Lara and Robby.  When we first sat down with Lara and Robby we fell in love with their idea and vision to convert the modern and streamlined hanger space into a warm, inviting and feminine atmosphere, lending subtle nods to their love of travel in south Asia.  We worked together to put ideas using blush, peach, and creams offset by a warm toffee brown, angular willow branches and statement Phalaenopsis orchids.   

A special thanks to Steve Depino who captured Lara and Robby's wedding in pictures and provided all of the images within this post.

Lara and the ladies readied in the bridal suite overlooking the vineyard.  In late September, the view is spectacular with the grape filled overflowing vines, the views of Wequetequok Cove, and the color of the trees in the distance just starting to show signs of fall.  Robby and the men arrived downstairs to some pre-wedding wine tasting, before showing off their own style (hot pink socks you say!) and we then made our way outside for a first sighting.  



The ceremony was held between the vines, with the vineyard's archway dressed drooling in phal orchids, ever so artistically arranged and presented by our friend Yumiko at Hana Floral Design.  The girls bouquets were soft and fluttery with ivory, cream, and pale pinks, complimenting their dresses.  The ceremony itself was sweet and personal, with endearing notes of love and witty metaphors of their relationship's history and it's future.

Following the ceremony, guests were greeted to a lively cocktail hour on the patio of the vineyard, with tables dressed in peach and toffee, light music playing in the background and savory bites from A Thyme to Cook.  



The evening transitioned into the converted hanger space where guests were met with a warm glowing reception, peach lamour dressed tables, toffee lamour napkins each accented with a phal orchid and menu card, gold accents in the statement Saturn Chargers and chivari reception chairs, and completed with a mix of high and low centerpieces beautifully designed by Yumiko and her team.

The mood of the reception was family focused and sentimental.  The speeches by family members including Lara and Robby's parents and Lara's sister spoke volumes on the importance of how family has shaped their lives, and how their education and their life experiences created such a strong foundation for Lara and Robby to build upon as a married couple.  Not without some humor in both the speeches and the photo montage which followed, the emotion was very high.

Following dinner, the dance floor was a sea of activity under the spell of The Park Avenue Band from Hank Lane.  While many guests danced the night away other retreated up to the loft area to relax in the lounge created by Ryan Designs.



In the end, Lara and Robby created a celebration for guests which was unforgettable, personal and unique.  We were thrilled to be a part of it all and wish them both a very full and happy married life together.


Fabulous Fete Fruitioners:

Event Design, Coordination, and Stationery: Sixpence For Your Shoe
Venue: Saltwater Farm Vineyard
Photography: Steve Depino
Caterer: A Thyme To Cook
Florist: Hana Floral Design
Ceremony Music: Millennium Music
Reception Music: Hank Lane
Videography: Silver City Sound
Wedding Gown: Vera Wang
Styling: Jennie Fresa and Naomi Martinez Salon
Lounge: Ryan Designs
Rentals: Party Rental, LTD, Cloth Connection via Sixpence For Your Shoe

Connecticut Wedding Planner | Bryanne and Matthew's Late Spring Wedding at Saltwater Farm Vineyard

One of the cutest couples we have ever met, Brie and Matt, were married on a bright, breezy and beautiful June day. Brie and Matt, completely and utterly in love, set the stage for a heart filled, personalized and all around fun event.

The day's festivities were kicked off at a local Mystic cottage where Brie and her gals sipped mimosas, giggled with excitement and received hair and make-up from the talented Susan, Jenna and Lindsey from Naomi's Salon & Spa. Brie wore an incredible tiered Lazaro gown that seemed to float on air as she moved about, while her maids were soft and pretty in smoky purple cocktail dresses. The guys arrived by trolley for a first sighing on the property, and then with IRIS Photography (who graciously provided all of the fabulous photos for this post), they headed throughout Mystic for photos and adventure!

Later that afternoon, the ceremony took place deep within the vines at Saltwater Farm Vineyard. Purple flowers and greens dressed the rustic arbor, while mason jars filled with garden flowers graced the aisle. Before taking their seats, guests were treated to a lemonade and iced tea stand and a mango-peach fizz drink served in mason jars, a tribute to Brie's favorite Arnold Palmer drink. Mystic Harpist provided light yet exquisite background music, Reverand Bob Henderson officiated and girl that Brie used to babysit for as a child sang. With the breaking of the glass, a kiss and a cheer, Brie and Matt were wed and the party began!

Brie and Matt's wedding is the perfect example of how an artistic medium can serve as the central muse for an entire wedding. Early on in her planning process, Brie fell in love with the book, Porch Flowers, which focuses on outdoor entertaining. From this idea, an eclectic farm stand theme was born. Carey from Stems Floral Design understood the vision immediately, and completely brought the theme to life with "just picked from the garden" style arrangements. Cocktail hour on the patio featured an old fashioned farm table, gorgeously presented with delicious hors d'oeuvres, ribbon and wildflowers. Inside the vintage hanger, guest tables with textured steel linen featured purple and yellow arrangements in mercury glass and mismatched purple vases sourced from antique malls and flea markets. Floral napkins tied with a peppy mustard ribbon gave our tables a kick and pulled the entire look together. Mason jar stamped escort cards hung cheerily in the entry. Linda and her gang from A Thyme to Cook served an incredible meal while the amazing band Soho brought the house down. Passed mini ice-cream cones were a sweet highlight of the evening, while midnight munchies of donuts and French fries kept the crowd grooving. A sleek, yet rustic lounge space on the second floor was the perfect spot for guests to relax for a moment and take in the amazing day.

Fabulous Fete Fruitioners:

Photography: IRIS Photography

Event Coordination: Sixpence For Your Shoe

Venue: Saltwater Farm Vineyard

Catering: A Thyme to Cook

Florist: Stems Flower Design

Ceremony Music: Mystic Harpist

Band: Soho

Gown: Lazaro via Mariella Creations

Hair and Make-up: Naomi's Studio & Salon

Lounge and Farm Table: Ryan Designs

Linen: Cloth Connection, BBJ Linen & Party Rental, Ltd.

Trolley: A Perfect Limo

Connecticut Wedding Planner | Liz and Fred's Lakeside Private Estate Wedding

Just last summer, Liz called Sixpence to inquire about our services a mere three months before her wedding.  Ever the organized bride, with so much passion and so much energy, Liz could not be more excited to tell us all about her plans to marry Fred on Fred's family property in central Connecticut.  Much was planned and so many special touches arranged, although Liz and Fred were seeking our guidance to pull all of the final details together for their Sperry-tented, lakeside, at-home wedding.

We had the wonderful opportunity to work with some of our favorite vendors, and also meet some new who have also become new favorites (love that!) all while bringing Liz and Fred's understated, farm-to-table, romantic dinner-by-the-lake wedding to life. The wedding day weather could not have been more perfect for mid-October with sun and mid-seventy degree temps, and a night which brought crispness and the smells of the fall outdoors. 

A special thank you to Bob Young at Blue Diamond Photography, who was so wonderful to work with, and so nice to share his stunning images with us to blog!

Liz and the ladies readied for the wedding at the Inn at Middletown after having their hair and makeup done at Iron Scissors.  Liz was radiant in Olivia, by Watters, the creamy color was perfect and soft against her complexion, and the floral detailing was delicate and feminine, complimenting the natural setting for the wedding reception.  The girls carried bouquets in pale tones of fall colors, and the statement church arrangements were magnificent, all created by a dear family friend, Maria, who just happened to also be Fred's family's next door neighbor.  The ceremony was held in the Chapel at Wesleyan, which was meaningful to the bride and groom, and a nod to their long standing ties with the school.  A string quartet played and the Very Reverend Peter Moore Officiated.  




Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed to the residence, and greeted by a lively cocktail hour with eclectic music by one of our favorite duos, Judy and Mark, delicious bites from A Thyme To Cook who were incredible from start to finish - as they always are, a little lakeside fishing, and details with a rustic and whimsical nod.

The reception tent was polished with long rectangular tables, in crisp white linen, with navy and burlap runners.  Atop the runners sat varied height candles on cut wood slices, ones which Fred personally cut, and mixed with potted herbs to play off the natural setting and Liz and Fred's love of cooking and good eats!  To start the reception, Fred's father couldn't have been more excited to welcome everyone to his home and then sing Du, Du Liegst Mir Im Herzen, a German tune which was very touching.  The Happening band delighted guests with a packed floor all evening, except for the break in the action to witness the fireworks display.  Later in the evening, a bonfire was lit, guests enjoyed s'mores while recalling old stories and a few even chose to partake in a moonlight swim!  It was the perfect end to Liz and Fred's wedding day!






Fabulous Fete Fruitioners:

Event Coordination:  Sixpence For Your Shoe
Catering: A Thyme To Cook
Photography: Blue Diamond Photography
Hair and Makeup Stylists: Iron Scissors
Officiant: The Very Reverend Peter Moore
Ceremony Location: The Chapel at Wesleyan
Cocktail Music: Judy and Mark, Mandolin Duo
Reception Music: The Happening
Florist: Maria Holzburg
Cake and Cupcakes: Fusion Bakery
Tent: Sperry Tents
Rentals: Party Rental Ltd. and Connecticut Rental Center
Transportation: Liberty Limousine and Premier Limo