Shelby and Ryan

Friday, June 12th at Westover we knew
And of course, the school colors of yellow and blue.

I thought it was only appropriate to start of this blog post about my sister in law’s wedding with a piece of my matron of honor speech. It was very different experience, indeed, planning a wedding for a family member; an event in which I was more than personally vested - an emotional involvement that can only be described as similar to the way I felt about my own wedding.

Even before they were engaged, it was always Shelby’s dream to be married at Westover School in Middlebury, Connecticut, where her blood runs deep. My father in law has worked there for over 25 years, she attended school herself, and since college has returned to hold a number of positions and now resides on campus. Ryan and Shelby envisioned a late spring country wedding with a bit of panache, and we carried the yellow and blue theme throughout. With an exceptionally large guest list in a rambling, unique space we had to be creative, but the end result was awesome and everyone is still raving about what an incredible day it was.

All photos courtesy of Eileen Broderick , assisted by Julia of Salty Grapes Photography. Both were so wonderfully sweet to work with and really told the story of Shelby and Ryan’s day. Thank you both!

Early morning preps began in Shelby’s dorm apartment by the ever so fabulous Naomi Martinez and Angela from Naomi’s Studio & Salon of West Hartford.

Shelby donned a Bellisima "Chloe" lace dress with a custom band and skirt alteration from Mariella Creations. As luck would have it, we are similar in size and thus, she she also wore my Fenaroli veil and Vera Wang for Stuart Weitzman shoes (Ebay, baby!) and carried my beaded clutch as her something borrowed and her grandmother’s necklace as her something old.

We went downstairs into one of the libraries for her to put on her dress, and during this time Ryan sent over a gorgeous diamond and sapphire bracelet. Jane of Just For You provided the bridal party and ceremony flowers. Shelby carried a beefy calla bouquet with blue delphinium.


Then it was time for bridal party photos outside. The maids wore metallic navy dresses from Jim Hjelm Occasions and Nine West shoes, along with jewelry and yellow clutches Shelby gave to us as gifts. We carried yellow calla bouquets.
Flower girl Hannah in a dress from Target (yes, target!), customized with a sash from the maids extra fabric and my little chap Landon, head to toe in Janie and Jack (love that store).

The guys wore custom navy suits from Antonio’s in Waterbury and looked dapper, indeed. Ryan’s father was his best man, so touching. My husband (the shorty) and his two brothers are on the left of the photo.

The ceremony took place at Saint John of the Cross, just a few steps from Westover. The church was decorated with two yellow glad arrangements and the pews were tied with lanterns, a nod to Westover’s signature symbol.

With a kiss and lots of applause they were married at last! Guests walked from the church across the street to Westover's Senior Garden where Emily’s Catering put on the most fantastic spread, and were waiting with glasses of wine. The first thing guests saw was the two Adirondack chairs guest book, along with place cards along the old stone wall on a wide ribbon. All paper designed by Talia of Sixpence For Your Shoe.
Inside in the dining hall, we swapped the original ladder-back chairs for white chivari. Tables were dressed with navy linens, white folded napkins and Westover’s own Spode china. All rentals were through Durants Tents and Events. Table numbers and menus complimented the original stationary suite. The candle centerpieces were provided by a local florist. Dinner commenced with a trio of cold heirloom tomato soup, spring salad with sweet basil dressing and a miniature pancetta BLT, followed by a choice of gorgonzolla encrusted beef tenderloin with a roasted shallot merlot, herb roasted sea bass with a cherry salsa or spinach & fresh motzarella stuffed chicken breast. Desserts consisted of cupcakes from Edible Dreams, Italian cookies from Shelby’s grandmother and a gelato bar via Gelato Guiliana. We had originally planned to dance outside, but with the iffy weather, the dance floor was set up on Red Hall. Our back-up plan worked out well as it made a great statement in the space. Following dinner, Shelby and Ryan danced their first dance to “Everything" by Michael Buble. This couple had no need for dance lessons, they floated like they were on air.
Guests danced until 2am to tunes of all kinds. DJ Rob Waldron from Standing Ovations kept the dance floor packaged for 4 hours straight.

Shelby and Ryan, it has been my honor and privilege to be part of your engagement, as well as your wedding from start to finish. It was an absolute blast sharing in the anticipation and excitement of your engagement to the very last detail of your wedding. I need not wish you happines, because I know you have it.

xoxo,
Lindsay

Liz and Geoff

Liz and Geoff were married on a very warm day in June, under the beaming sun. Liz planned her wedding from out of town, and even though she was our very first 2009 client, booking early in 2008, we never actually met until her final walkthrough at the Seamen's Inne, the week of her wedding! Despite meeting for the first time, I felt like we had known each other for a very long time. Liz is warm and bubbly, sweet and caring, and an outgoing type A all around. She is the perfect compliment to Geoff who is quiet and reserved, a thinking and clearly deeply in love with Liz. I couldn't have been happier to have them as our clients.

A special thank you to Robert and Kathleen Photographers who captured Liz and Geoff's day beautifully. It was fantastic to work with both of them.

I started the day at Liz's parent's beautiful home in Rhode Island. The house was full of family, friends, the bridesmaids and the fabulous Dana Bartone. She did a beautiful job on the ladies' hair and make-up.

Kristen from Anderson's Garden had already arrived to drop off all of the flowers, which were so cool. The overall look was cream, green and blue but Liz's flowers were deep, deep red gerber daisies that just popped. There were a couple of other subtle red touches at the reception as well.

The entire bridal party met up at Liz's parent's house, including the guys and Liz and Geoff had a first look in her parent's private backyard. From there, the group took a party bus to Wilcox Park in Westerly, Rhode Island, where they let loose a bit!

Following pre-ceremony pictures (we love when our clients choose this option as they have so much time for their pictures without missing any of their party), everyone made their way over to the Seamen's Inn. It was clear that Liz put a lot of thought into all of the little details. Her father also took the "project" under his wings and really had a hand in ensuring all of the little details took shape. It was very sweet. In addition to being a beautiful day and weekend, the Mystic Boat Show was taking place, so Liz and Geoff had the beautiful backdrop of this antique vessel behind them for the ceremony. Quite fitting for a seaport wedding!

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the patio. We hung fun and funky parasols and lanterns under the tent in blue and green. And inside the details continued. From early on in the planning, Liz knew that she wanted to have a Paper Crane tribute, and on the escort table, a large Manzanita branch stood, with many a blue and green crane, and of course a little touch of red. We dressed the chairs with white covers and light blue sashes. The sashes matched the light blue organza overlays which draped the tables. Tall centerpieces of hydrangea, willow and hanging votives provided height that this ballroom commands, and the tables were polished off with individual menus and paper cranes at each setting. Liz and Geoff's place settings each had a golden crane!

Victoria from Toria Dolce provided the beautiful cake. One of her signature designs and It definitely tasted as good as it looked! I love how closely it ties into the groomsmen attire and overall color scheme of the wedding.

The reception started to introductions of the parents, the bridal party and finally Geoff and Liz. They made their way onto the dance floor and shared their first dance to "Make You Feel My Love". Guests gathered around to watch.

After dinner, guests danced the night away to the rocking tunes of the Bock and Blu Band. They played hits, classics and everything in between and had the dance floor packed. In addition, they were able to really involve both families with some classic Irish and Italian tunes.

Liz and Geoff,

Thank you so much for allowing us to hold such an important role for your wedding. You and your families were wonderful to be a part of. It is so clear how strong your love for each other is, we wish you years and years of continued love and happiness together.

xoxo,

Talia and Lindsay

More Cuties for Cuties

While blogging a recent wedding (stay tuned!), and linking to the adorable Janie and Jack store, it came to my attention that my favorite kiddy shop now boasts a wedding line! Where or where have I been?? The options are exceptionally cute and the come in a myriad of colors. And with Janie and Jack's constant sales and friends and family coupons, there are bound to be a few deals to be had.

Little Ladies:

Masters:

Happy Friday!

Lindsay

Michelle and Ryan

When we first met with Michelle and Ryan, it was easy to see how much they adored one another and how magical it was for them to be married at Michelle’s parent’s home in Woodstock Valley, CT. An estate of rolling hills, barns, paddocks and gorgeous horses, the location took our breath away every time we visited. No strangers to throwing fun family bashes on the property, it was exceptionally important to Michelle that her wedding be more than just another party in her parent’s backyard. Together we worked over the last year to fully design her event from the ground up into an elegant and fresh late spring soiree.

All photos courtesy of Troy Photography.

On June 6, 2009, early morning prep began in the farmhouse kitchen. Michelle’s niece was her flower girl and was too cute! Hair and make-up was provided by Elan Salon.

Upon arriving on the estate, guests were transported via golf carts from Ron’s Golf Cart Rental to the hill overlooking the property where the ceremony was to take place. We planned a little surprise pre-ceremony social hour with fresh lemonade, mojitos and spiked punch before the ceremony began. It was delicious and so refreshing!

They were married in the late afternoon by Reverand Tom Meyer, accompanied by a string trio from Wildwood Groups. Garden Gate Florist did an gorgeous job decorating the arbor with blue & green hydrangea, white stock, blue delphinium, lemon leaf and ivy garland. The aisle was lined with shephard hooks holding glass vases with more blue hydrangea. The best decor of all, however, was the unmistakably incredible view.

With a kiss and a cheer the ceremony ended with Michelle and Ryan leaving on a getaway golf cart for some formals around the property. Michelle’s gown was 2Be, veil and accessories were from Mariella Creations. Ryan and his guys wore tuxes for Samuel’s in Vernon. The maids cornflower dresses were purchased there as well. Michelle carried a hand tied bouquet of hydrangea and stephanotis, while the girls carried bouquets and white hydrangea and greens.

Guests made their way down to the lower part of the property on foot, stopping to pluck their place cards from a bale of hay wrapped in ribbons. Cocktail hour took place in the great room as well as the pool area of Michelle’s parents home where Gourmet Galley served up such goodies as lamb lillipops, steamed vegetable dumplings with soy hoisin dipping sauce and Maryland crab cakes with chipotle rémouladeand. Michelle's father was an accomplished hunter and the great room was filled with his conquests.
Dinner followed under the crisp tent where guests feasted on grilled tenderloin of beef served with a merlot demi glaze or breast of boneless chicken rolled with spinach, shitake, and goat cheese served with a wine butter sauce. Tent and associated rentals were through Taylor Rental of Manchester. Guest tables surrounded by silver chivari chairs were adorned with navy pintuck linens and blue lamour napkins via BBJ, topped by custom menus and table numbers. High centerpieces composed of calla lilies, blue hydrangea, curly willow, light blue delphinium, white stock and assorted greens brought the eye up to the beautifully draped ceiling and hanging chandeliers.

The night was complete with both classic and modern tunes performed by Black Tie Band. The cake was provided by the bride's cousin, Carol Murdock. Wine lovers at heart, Michelle and Ryan gave each guest a bottle of their favorite wine from Ballet of Angels. Videographer David Lammey did an fantastic job capturing the day as well.

Here is a little collage of details Troy put together. All paper products were designed by Sixpence For Your Shoe.

Michelle and Ryan, it was easy to see that the sun shined especially for you guys on June 6th. An incredible venue, a glorious day, a couple madly in love. It was our honor and privelage to plan your wedding with you. We wish you all the best in your married life!


xoxo,
Lindsay & Talia

Marjan and Matthew's Welcome Bar-B-Q in Mystic

The last weekend in May, the Sixpence team started the wedding season with a bang! I am not quite sure how to adequetely explain how wonderful Marjan and Matthew are, and how thrilled we were to hold such a special part of their planning journey and wedding weekend. They are the type of people that draw others to them, people who push you to be better yourself and people who make you feel genuinely cared for, whenever you are around them.

Marjan's smile and laugther are infectous, Matthew's inquisitive nature was a breath of fresh air and made you stop and wonder too. Their love of all things mid-century modern, Vienna Succession design, and a desire to incorporate their families heritages, all in conjunction with throwing an incredible wedding that would delight their guests and leave them with with unforgettable memories of a fun time shared by family and friends was a wedding planner's dream. They pushed us to be more creative and more imaginative, to truly design the finest of details with the big picture in mind, and to ensure their vision took shape, even when it may have been hard to visualize. Marjan and Matthew are the type of clients who remind us that doing our jobs are living our career dreams.

I want to thank Becker for all of the amazing images in capturing Marjan and Matthew's wedding. We couldn't have been happier to work with a more fun and talented photographer on such a wonderful wedding.

On the eve of their wedding, Marjan and Matthew began their weekend celebration with a wedding rehearsal and clambake/bar-b-q at the The Boat Shed at Lighthouse Point in Mystic, Connecticut. Almost all of their guests travelled from out of town, and what better of a way to welcome them to the Connecticut shoreline than with a festive New England feast!

Naturally I got in on the action too as we walked through the ceremony. There were a lot of questions and many involved people, as the joining of the couple involved paying respect to both Marjan's Iranian heritage and Matthew's Jewish religion. It was quite chilly for the last weekend in May, and misting, I might add, but I will take weather like it was that night, any weekend of the year, if it means that the following day will be as picture perfect as their wedding day weather delivered!

Following the rehearsal, guests began to gather at the boat shed for the evening's festivities.

We decorated the tables in red and white checkered linens, perfect for the setting and the menu. And to dress the tables in a subtle manor, terracotta potted Marigold's, one of Marjan's special requests were placed in the center. Guests enjoyed a mix of Iranian tunes, some classic rock, and some chill Indie tunes, thanks to Rob Waldron from Standing Ovations DJ

I had to share a picture of the operation. Everything was cooked in large pots, grills and an open flame. Guests couldn't help but watch, it was really a sight to see. One of the most popular items, the mini bags of mixed shellfish. A perfect sampling of steamers, little necks, and mussels - YUM!

Not only was the occasion special b/c it was celebrating what was to come on the following day, but it was also Matthew's birthday. From early on in the planning, Marjan knew she wanted to surpise Matthew with a birthday cake, and when we went to the cake tastings (for the wedding), Matthew kept talking about how much he loved the red velvet, we had our flavor. You may recognize the similarily of Matthew's incredible birthday cake to the 1956 "Marshmallow Sofa" originally designed by George Nelson. We can't thank Audra from Let Em Eat Cake, enough for her incredible talent in designing and executing the vision. To say that Matthew, and Marjan actually, were floored, would be an understatement. Guests LOVED it too. Not only do Audra's cakes look super cool, they taste divine as well!

After the cake cutting, Marjan and Matthew's dear friend Dave took the mic to begin the Roasts, the Toasts, and the Talent Show, including a beautiful and moving song by Marjan's friend. I was a bit nervous when M&M told me that they wanted to leave the job of the emcee to their friend rather than the professionals, but not only did Dave live up to the task, he blew everyone away. His whit, his charm, and his fondness for Marjan and Matthew were very touching. As he spoke, guests couldn't help but listen and laugh.

Sadly, closing time came too soon for the lively crowd. As staff and vendors cleaned and packed for the evening, Marjan, Matthew, and their guests moved the party to the Octagon Bar at the Mystic Marriott where everyone was spending the weekend. Friday the 29th of May could not have been a more perfect start to a wonderful weekend.

We can not wait to come back and share the details of the wedding with you soon!

xoxo

Talia