Sara and William’s wedding is full of personal touches, which took place this summer at The Aqua Turf Club in Connecticut. Their muted palette pairs well with the playful bow details that Sara made sure were everywhere! Read their sweet story along with these beautiful images by Michelle Lange.
What made the wedding special and unique?
The wedding was just the most special day of our lives! We were surrounded by friends and family from near and far on the most perfect summer day. What made the wedding so special was honestly all of the help, love, and support from both the venue (Aqua Turf) and bridesmaids/moms. Two days before the wedding, I had a house full of women helping to finalize my dinner menus and ceremony programs with sparkly and pink bows, and put cookies into favor bags. Additionally, my bridesmaids and moms spend the morning before the wedding putting our own bouquets and boutonnieres together. Each bridesmaid had a hand in creating my bouquet, it was just so wonderful to me. I was one lucky bride, and am so blessed to have such a wonderful family.
What were some touches added to make it personal?
Bows! Most gifts included some type of ‘bow-ish’ touch, and it was so great to incorporate them into the wedding. Bows could be found on ceremony programs during our vows, toothpicks during cocktail hour, dinner menus during the reception, and on my dress (2 different ones!) throughout the night. The term ‘bows on bows on bows’ was used frequently.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Hands down, seeing my soon-to-be-husband was the highlight of my day. My maid of honor, Lynn, helped me walk about half way down the long cobblestone driveway to meet Will. She turned around and left me as I approached, to keep the moment private with the photographer. As soon as she left me, all the emotions came over me, and poured out of my eyes. It was finally time to see my groom, and I was just so happy it was overwhelming. It is a feeling I hope I never forget. A close second to the ‘first look’ was enjoying our ‘first dance’ together! We had a great time practicing our dance, and using our ‘Let’s Stay Together’ song made it oh-so memorable.
Tell us how you met/proposed!
Will and I met in high school as young sophomores growing up in Connecticut. We starting dating when we were 16, and stayed together through college, graduation, and moving to the big city of Manhattan together. A few days before Christmas in 2011, Will had lined up a series of dinners and outings with his company, as I did the same. It was a busy time wrapping up the year, presents, plans and so on. In the midst of the holiday cheer, Will called me to ‘grab some dinner’ quickly on a Wednesday before we left for the holiday break. I was cranky, tired, and in desperate need to finish some shopping, but Will promised to be dressed and ready to go for a quick night out. This, not being very ‘out-of-character’, didn’t surprise me as our favorite dinner spot was part of the plan. I couldn’t say no! The wine gets me every time! On our walk out of the building, I carried on and on about all the plans and items left unfinished, the stressful day at work, the impending snow ruining our plans home, and so on. But, as we walked up the stairs of the High Line in Chelsea, my thoughts came to a standstill as Will yanked me in close for a kiss atop our neighborhood, and dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him. I gasped, answered and it was official! We enjoyed the dinner and more champagne afterwards, followed by a wonderful holiday season to share the great news.
Vendors: Photography: Michelle Lange // Venue and Table Florals: The Aqua Turf Club // Hair and Makeup: Beauty Entourage // Invitations: Graefic Design // Bride’s Dress: Jenny Yoo from The White Dress by the Shore // Shoes: Kate Spade // Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung // Bouquets: The Bride and Bridesmaids // Cake Artist: Chimirri’s Pastry // Band: Live Wire // Cinematographer: Cinematic Wedding Story // Second Photographer: Tina Elizabeth Photography