We first connected with Jessica and Brendan just 7 months before their big day. After a couple of emails each direction, Jessica and I realized we actually knew each other, from our school days and our brothers had played sports together. During our first meeting, it was fun to reconnect and talk all about Jessica and Brendan's wedding ideas.
A good portion of their wedding vendors had already been selected, but were seeking our guidance for event design and coordination. Both with demanding careers and challenging priorities, they knew they wanted their wedding to be spectacular, beautiful, polished and fun, but weren't certain how it would all come together.
Jessica and Brendan selected
Amanda Tedeschi Photography who captured their entire wedding day beautifully and provided all of the photos in this post.
Jessica and the girls started the day at the Mystic Residence Inn, where Lindsay and Jennie of
Jennie Fresa Beauty Library came in for hair and make-up respectively. Jessica wore the gorgeous
Melissa Sweet Lia, purchased at
The White Dress by the Shore. The gown fit Jessica like it was made just for her, absolutely stunning! Brendan and the guys also readied at the Residence Inn, looking quite dapper in classic black with a modern twist.
Jessica and Brendan wed at the Harkness Chapel at Connecticut College, following in Brendan's sister's footsteps, and at a location rich in meaning for his family.
The Chapel was decorated beautifully thanks to their florist Sandra, from A Special Place, who captured the essence of the modern garden party perfectly, mixing roses, orchids, callas, and a variety of gorgeous greens in statement altar arrangements, pew decor, and in the bouquets and bouts! The lively colorful bouquets were the perfect offset to the sophisticated smokey purple bridesmaids gowns. We provided Jessica and Brendan's wedding ceremony programs and all other coordinating day-of stationery.
The meaningful and personalized ceremony was touching, readings were provided by family members and Jessica and Brendan were glowing as they excited as newlyweds!
In the months leading up to the wedding, we created story boards, considered florals, and selected linens and speciality rentals all the while building the refined garden party wedding which balanced beautifully off the rich interior of their stunning seaside reception location,
The Branford House Mansion.
Guests were greeted to a patio cocktail hour with delicious stationary and passed hors d'oeuvres provided by Felix and the fabulous team from
Grand Gourmet. Escort cards were apple candles, with leaves directing guests to the appropriate dinner tables. The dinner which followed was absolutely delicious as well.
Inside the mansion, tables were dressed with a subtle green "Fern" Damask linen, rich purple lamour napkins, and tied with a silver grosgrain ribbon. Table numbers were each framed in silver, and amethyst goblets polished the look. In the main ballroom, candelabras drooling with gorgeous flowers in Jessica and Brendan's green and purple palette drew the eye up, and in the East ballroom, low arrangement provided a more cozy and intimate feel. The mantles were decorated with tall pillars of floating candles and loose arrangements to provide warmth to the space. In front of the West ballroom fireplace, a traditional 4 tiered confection from Marjolaine Bakery sat atop a beautiful silver cake platter. Adding to the overall ambiance and glow,
ShinDig Lighting provided uplights, a wash and pinspots in both amber and purple bringing all of the decor to life!
Guests danced the night away under the direction of Kurt from
Fun Factory DJs and it was all caught on film by John from
AJV Video who was such a pleasure to work with.
Jessica and Brendan, is was our honor and privilege to be a part of bringing your wedding vision to life. You are an incredible couple, so warm and genuine and we wish you all the love and happiness in the world for many years to come.
Cheers,
Talia
