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.
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.
For Eleanor's bouquet, Antony Todd made an unusual sculptural arrangement of chartreuse lady slipper orchids.
Bridesmaids wear silk dupioni dresses by Penny Babel; they carry bouquets of lamb's ear, geranium leaves, stephanotis, and mint.
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.
Eleanor's mother, Ronnie Heyman.
Guests Martha Stewart and Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman before the reception.
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."
Rodney and Eleanor Propp stand alone on a luxuriant lawn overlooking the Long Island Sound.
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.
Rodney's cousin, flower girl Adrienne Prop, 7, dashes across the lawn with her basket of rose petals.
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.
This cake has round layers, pink icing, and white sugar tulips.
This cake has octagonal layers, green icing, and sugar hydrangeas.
This cake has square layers, pale-blue icing, and sugar calla lilies.
Eleanor and her father, Samuel Heyman, dance to "Unforgettable," by Nat King Cole.
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
