From the bride... Going into our wedding we had three main goals in mind: (1) keep it intimate, (2) keep it laid-back, and (3) get everyone out on the dance floor. We thought that finding a venue that would meet all of our goals would be difficult, but Montauk Yacht Club screamed "casual elegance," and could not have been more perfect. Its location on the marina also mirrored our love for the water. We have done our fair share of traveling and have always been drawn to the water, including when Pete proposed down on one knee in the water in Mexico. The beautiful Farmhouse Ballroom complete with a stunning fireplace, candelabra, and Beth's brilliant yellow flower arrangements far exceeded our expectations.
By and large, the most compliments we have received over the past three months have surrounded our ceremony. The ceremony was kicked off by my cousin who sang Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's Somewhere Over the Rainbow as I walked down the aisle. It was very important to us to have a very personal ceremony that elicited plenty of laughs. This could not have been possible without our officient, Joanna. A friend mine for over a decade, she put together a ceremony that was meaningful, touching, and very funny. She not only focussed on our story (15 years in the making), she emphasized the importance of our family and friends presence, our love of Montauk, and our dedication to each other. Our ceremony was so very special. Our best friend read a poem on friendship, four married couples provided words of wisdom ("Happy wife, happy life" being one of them), and Joanna asked all attendees to pronounce us husband and wife. It was so heartwarming to look out at all of our guests, and hear a booming, "we now pronounce you husband and wife." It was truly amazing.
My something new, old, and borrowed all held great meaning. My something new was a beautiful pair of earrings received from coworkers turned family. My something old was a handkerchief embroidered with my name and wrapped around my bouquet. I received this handkerchief from my Aunt Tina who had been holding onto it for the past 30 years. It belonged to my namesake, and Tina and my father's favorite Aunt Sally. Lastly, I wore the same barrette that my best friend, Ali wore in her hair on her wedding day two months earlier.
After the phenomenal speeches by our maid of honor, best man (one of our three), and mutual best friend, our band- Lost in Paris started to jam out. At one point, a friend looked around and said the the groom, "You know it's a good party when no one it sitting in their seats," and sure enough, there was not one person sitting. The band kept the party going all night, and as our guest devoured the delicious cupcakes, we stood back, took it all in, and smiled when realizing that our night was absolutely perfect! We keep saying that we want to do it all over again. Perhaps for our 5 or 10 year anniversary? Our advice to any couple planning a wedding is to HAVE FUN throughout the process and make sure to laugh...or, you will surely cry :)
Wedding Photography: Betsi Ewing Studio / Wedding Venue: Montauk Yacht Club in Montauk, New York / Floral Design: Amagansett Flowers By Beth / Officient: Joanna Fernandes Ceremonies / Wedding Cake & Cupcakes: Sag Harbor Bakery / Ceremony Music: Hillary Powell / Band: Lost In Paris / Wedding Invitation: Matthew Kelsey / Day of Paper Goods: Etsy Shops - ThePinkLantern and JackAndEllaPaper / Signage System: Alexander & Company / Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller / Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaid Dress: J Crew / Hair & Makeup: Ali, Long Island Makeup and Hair / Groom's Suit: Hugo Boss / Groom's Shoes: Bruno Magli / Flower Girls' and Ring Bearers' Attire: J Crew
