A Modern and Formal White Wedding in Connecticut

July 27, 2011

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Eleanor and Rodney

As a Manhattan bachelor in his thirties, Rodney Propp had been on his share of the blind dates. He approached his first date with Eleanor Heyman with the kind of clear-eyed practicality that comes from experience. But his skepticism melted away the minute that he saw her, and dinner only confirmed a startling feeling that he had finally met his wife. After dinner, to prolong the evening, the couple walked to Central Park and sat on a deserted bench in the mist. With amazement and happiness, they talked for hours. Exactly one year later, they said their vows.

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A Home Wedding

Eleanor had always wanted to marry at her family's 1939 Georgian-style stone house on the Connecticut shore; for the occasion, an upstairs window is draped with an American flag.

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The Bouquet

For Eleanor's bouquet, Antony Todd made an unusual sculptural arrangement of chartreuse lady slipper orchids.

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The Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids wear silk dupioni dresses by Penny Babel; they carry bouquets of lamb's ear, geranium leaves, stephanotis, and mint.

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Sisters

In their parents' room, Eleanor and her bridesmaids, sisters Elizabeth and Jennifer, clasp hands for a moment before the ceremony; Eleanor's gown is by Angel Sanchez.

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Mother

Eleanor's mother, Ronnie Heyman.

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Guests

Guests Martha Stewart and Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman before the reception.

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The Ceremony

Wedding guests gather to witness Eleanor and Rodney saying their vows. Garlands of stephanotis are draped from the huppa, and large urns filled with pear branches tent the line. The rabbi was a family friend; the Orthodox ceremony surprised the couple with its emotional power. "It was strange and sublime," Rodney says. "I was moved to tears."

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Newlyweds

Rodney and Eleanor Propp stand alone on a luxuriant lawn overlooking the Long Island Sound.

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The Reception

Centerpieces of wheat grass in pewter cachepots decorate the pristine white tables, which are set for the first course; a trio of ravioli with beurre blanc.

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The Flower Girl

Rodney's cousin, flower girl Adrienne Prop, 7, dashes across the lawn with her basket of rose petals.

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The Cakes

Cake baker Sylvia Weinstock made forty cakes for the reception, in different shapes and sizes, including a grand white one. This miniature cake is adorned with sugar narcissi.

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The Cakes

This cake has round layers, pink icing, and white sugar tulips.

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The Cakes

This cake has octagonal layers, green icing, and sugar hydrangeas.

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The Cakes

This cake has square layers, pale-blue icing, and sugar calla lilies.

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Dancing

Eleanor and her father, Samuel Heyman, dance to "Unforgettable," by Nat King Cole.

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Sources

Event Planning: Elizabeth K. Allen, New York 212-289-4931, Boston 617-742-4931
Photographers: Philippe Cheng, 212-627-4262, and John Dolan
Flowers and Event Design: Antony Todd, 212-367-7363
Catering: Newman and Leventhal, 212-362-9400
Rentals: Party Rental, 888-774-4476
Videographer: Tony Arzt Supreme Video Work, 203-833-2099
Bride's Dress: Angel Sanchez, at Barney's New York Bride Etelier, 212-833-2099. By appointment only.
Groom's Suit: By Kiton at Bergdorf Goodman, 212-753-7300

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