A Pretty, Pink Outdoor Destination Wedding at Home in Connecticut

Hollen and Adam, met in 7th grade at the tender age of 12, in an English class in New Haven, Connecticut. The friendship was instant and the flirtation soon followed. A few years later they were dating and about a decade later they made it official. They decided to wed at Adam’s grandmother’s home, where the family had gathered on many special occasions. In addition to offering views of the Long Island Sound, it was the site of Adam’s parents wedding, and the June 16, 2012, wedding date was the anniversary of his grandparents’ nuptials. How’s that for a classic wedding steeped in tradition and the love of generations of family?

Totes emblazoned with a design by Mr. Boddington’s Studio were stuffed with maps, information on local attractions, candy, snacks, and water. Also included were, pre-stamped postcards from the town hall of Madison, Connecticut, the groom’s home town, on which guests wrote their favorite moments from the wedding weekend and mailed back to the couple. Hollen and Adam received them when they returned from their honeymoon in Greece.

Hollen and Adam did their “first look” at Madison Beach Hotel, where she was staying. IRIS Photography documented the tearful moments before the ceremony.

Adam looked dapper in a Jack Victor suit. His blushing bride wore a custom Modern Trousseau dress from The White Dress By The Shore, Jimmy Choo shoes, and her sister’s Amsale veil. The finishing touch was her bountiful bouquet of peonies.

Modern Trousseau sewed and embroidered a personalized label into Hollen’s gown.

The bridesmaids wore silk taffeta J.Crew dresses in a variety of styles.

Hollen gave her sister, the matron-of-honor, a locket bracelet by local jewelry designer Aquinnah. In each charm she placed photos that were meaningful to her sister (her children, her own wedding day, her husband, and of them all together).

Brody, the couple’s Labrador retriever, made an appearance before the wedding for a few photos. Though not at the actual celebration, his likeness appeared on the tote bag, and Adam wore silver cufflinks—a gift from Hollen—in his honor.

The bride walked down the aisle with her father as “Hallelujah” played.

The service took place under a huppa that was just a few feet from the water. The rabbi incorporated notes he’d asked the couple to write one another into the ceremony.

A Paloma’s Nest ring bearer bowl was stamped with the wedding date and the words “Forever and Always”.

Hollen purchased small grey cards from Paper Presentation, on which a family member wrote the guests’ names. Ribbons held everything in place (with help from a few rocks) during the outdoor fete.

The duo’s monogram was stamped on to drink stirrers (and napkins) by ForYourParty. Guests sipped wines and a signature cocktail, named the “Brody’s Breeze” after the newlywed’s beloved pup, and made of Ketel One vodka, seltzer, and mango, peach, and passionfruit juices.

In lieu of numbers, tables were identified by elements of the couple’s San Francisco life. Tags were hung on carafes, showcasing places the pair had traveled over the years.

Round tables outfitted the tent, and were dressed up with gray linens and peonies, ranunculus, hydrangeas, and sweet pea in whites, pinks, and peaches.

The coconut cream cake with key lime filling was adorned with fresh blooms. To-go jars of cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and ginger snaps) were give out as favors.

The couple was lifted in chairs as guests danced the traditional Jewish wedding dance, the horah. “It felt as though my head almost hit the top of the tent,” Hollen said. “But I still loved every second of it.” When they were back on solid ground, they danced their first dance to “Stars Go Blue” by Ryan Adams.

The picturesque setting offered views of the setting sun as the dancing and revelry continued into the evening.

Photography: IRIS Photography

Event planning: Bellafare

Catering and Cake: A Thyme to Cook

Flowers: Blush Floral Design

Stationery: Mr. Boddington’s Studio

Music: NY Ceremony Music; DJ Rumor

Tent: Sperry Tents  

Hair and makeup: Jennie Fresa 

Videography: Buzz Media Company