Shayna and Gregory’s French Inspired New England Wedding

Shayna and Gregory were inspired by the bride’s love for French style, so their New England wedding combined their local region with plenty of elegant details–like the bride’s French lace gown! We absolutely adore all the fun this couple had at their family oriented celebration, and can’t get enough of the images by Corinna Raznikov Photography. We know you are going to LOVE.

What made the wedding special and unique?

The round hay bales and VW Beetle were especially unique, but the bride’s lovely French style was so refreshing for a New England wedding. The vast majority of the bridal party included the bride’s siblings (1 brother and 6 sisters), all from the same two loving and supportive parents.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

The bride found her wedding gown at L’Elite Boutique in Boston, MA. Living in DC at the time, the bride traveled to MA for one weekend to start her search. Coincidentally, there was a Reem Acra trunk show that same weekend showcasing the newest styles not currently in stores. While trying on several gowns, she spotted her soon-to-be gown on another bride and knew right then that she had to try it on. The unique French lace matched so perfectly with the French-style New England summer wedding.

What were some touches added to make it personal?

The bride and groom read their vows to each other separately before the ceremony, just after their first sight and it was very touching. The chuppah, which the bride and groom were married under, was constructed from birch trees found around the venue (the bride’s family residence) and was put together by the groom as a symbol of providing shelter and support for their growing family.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The most memorable part of the day was the anticipation and build up just before the “first sight.” It was a surreal and perfect moment that could never be replicated. The bride and groom were surrounded by everyone they loved in a serene and peaceful oasis before the full event went underway. Corinna impeccably documented that feeling with our gorgeous family shots surrounding the antique French settee tucked into the woods just along the bay.

But the wedding day went by in a flash! The bride and groom were able to extend their wedding a bit further with a “day after shoot,” which allowed them time for just the two of them all while documenting the occasion in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

The bride and groom met during orientation before freshman year of college, it was one of those “saw her from across the room” moments.

The groom proposed on the first night of their 5-year anniversary vacation in Antigua. He planned to propose with his mother’s ring on the second night of the trip, but upon arrival, he just couldn’t wait. On a desolate beach, he proposed under the multitude of Caribbean stars.

Vendors: Photography: Corinna Raznikov Photography // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amanda Urprichard // Wedding Dress: Reem Acra // Calligrapher: Honey Honey Calligrapher // Band: Ripcord // Table Numbers: Paper Tangent // Catering: Harriett’s Catering // Florist: Sayles Livingston Flowers // Tent: Chase Canopy Company // Makeup Artist: Angela Janarelli