Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Real Weddings A Nautical-Inspired Navy-and-White Wedding in Connecticut By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 20, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Ingalls Photography 01 of 25 Gillian and William Ingalls Photography Gillian Jayson, a school art teacher, and William Graves, a portfolio manager at a hedge fund, were "just friends" until a romance developed. The coupe dated long-distance (she in NYC; he was in Wisconsin) for a year. In the summer of 2010, Will moved to NYC, and during a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, he professed his love for her. The following summer he proposed on the Pont des Arts spanning the Seine in Paris.Both avid sailors, the couple married in a nautical-themed celebration at Gillian's parents' waterfront home in Connecticut, on July 28, 2012, in front of 185 guests. 02 of 25 The Invitations Gemma & Andrew Ingalls The invite featured stars and stripes, both the name of the America's Cup team that Will sailed with and a nod to the wooden stars on the steps at the Jaysons' home. 03 of 25 The Aisle Gemma & Andrew Ingalls Gillian planned to arrive at the ceremony by boat, but on the wedding day, hard rain made them change plans. From a nearby marina, the bride arrived at her parents' dock -- lined in nautical flags -- by wooden skiff. 04 of 25 The Bride's Entrance Ingalls Photography Gillian's dad met and escorted her down the dock, or "aisle". A family friend officiated, then a reverend made it legal. 05 of 25 The Groom and His Girls Ingalls Photography Gillian, Will, and Elizabeth Graves, the editor in chief of Martha Stewart Weddings. 06 of 25 The Ring Pillow Gemma & Andrew Ingalls The embroidered ring pillow held the couple's bands (from Suzy B) well enough for Gillian's baby niece, Harper, to hold. 07 of 25 Welcome Bags Gemma & Andrew Ingalls Guests staying in the hotels received welcome bags filled with sailors' goodies to enjoy, including Mast Brothers Chocolate, Anchor Steam beer and an anchor bottle opener, Blue Crab Bay Co. sea-salt nuts, Mount Gay rum, Life Savers, and water bottles. See More Welcome Bag Ideas 08 of 25 The "Almost" Getaway Car Ingalls Photography En route to the event, guests passed the getaway car with its "Almost Married" sign that was later turned around to reveal "Just Married." See More Getaway Car Ideas 09 of 25 Mother of the Groom Ingalls Photography The groom with his mother, Grace, and his new bride. 10 of 25 The Bride's Parents Gemma & Andrew Ingalls Gillian's parents, William and Anne, in a Kirribilla dress, hosted and helped plan the nuptials -- from exciting start to sweet finish -- at their home. 11 of 25 Ship's Bell Gemma & Andrew Ingalls The newlyweds rang an engraved ship's bell, a day-of present from Will's family. 12 of 25 The Guest Book Gemma & Andrew Ingalls The guest book was an embossed ship's log. See More Wedding Guest Book Ideas 13 of 25 Cheese Plate Ingalls Photography The cocktail hour paid homage to Will's Wisconsin roots by featuring the the state's best cheeses selected from Foster Cheese Haus. The custom boards, outfitted with boat cleats from handles, were made by their dear friend Grant Tankoos of Soundview Millworks. 14 of 25 The Escort Cards Gemma & Andrew Ingalls The calligraphed and blind letterpressed escort cards were attached to a fabric-covered board using pins pushed through inexpensive anchor charms. 15 of 25 The Reception Gemma & Andrew Ingalls Tables were covered with natural linen and topped with overflowing arrangments of white hydrangeas and garden roses. Each number was crafted from seashells by Gillian's mom, who also designed shell frames for the celebration's signage (say that six times fast!). See Gillian & William's Rehearsal Dinner 16 of 25 The Cocktail-Hour Eats Gemma & Andrew Ingalls Cocktail fare also showcased plenty of seafood to pay tribute to the coastal locale, including mini lobster rolls, tuna tartare, crab cakes, and shucked oysters. 17 of 25 Special Guests Gemma & Andrew Ingalls From left: Lauren Hokin, a friend of the bride's since childhood, gave a toast at the reception; Laura, Gillian's sister and maid of honor; and Kevin Casper, Will's best man. 18 of 25 Sweet Sailors Ingalls Photography The happy couple took a post-ceremony spin around Farm Creek in the wooden skiff the bride arrived in. 19 of 25 Ice Cream Cart Ingalls Photography Gillian's sister and maid of honor Laura, a pastry chef, stocked her bike cart with ice cream sandwiches for late-night snacks. 20 of 25 Frosty Treats Gemma & Andrew Ingalls Laura's ice cream sandwiches were served in striped bags. 21 of 25 The Cakes Gemma & Andrew Ingalls Laura also made three towering delights, including carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, chocolate with buttercream, and vanilla with fresh strawberries and buttercream. 22 of 25 The Favors Gemma & Andrew Ingalls And the MOH baked butter cookies "embossed" with anchors for favors. See More Favor Ideas 23 of 25 Newlywed Chairs Ingalls Photography Before a dinner of filet mignon, the newlyweds enjoyed the father-of-the-bride's toast. See More Newlywed Chair Ideas 24 of 25 The Party Gemma & Andrew Ingalls Guests danced under a tent into the evening. 25 of 25 Sources Gemma & Andrew Ingalls Wedding Production: Alison Events Planning & Design Catering: On the Marc Flowers: Flowers & Flowers Wedding Photography: Mel Barlow & Co.Officiant: Reverend John Livingston of the United Church of Rowayton Sationery: Lion in the Sun Calligraphy: Cathy Volpe for Lion in the SunDesserts: Dough Girl Baking CompanyMusic: Eric Nicolas & One Love for Elan Artist Rentals: Party Rental Ltd. Tent and Lighting: Sperry Tents Bride's Gown: Elizabeth Fillmore Accessories: J.crew (wellies); Prada (sandals)Hair: Michelle Leone from Fredric & Company Makeup: Andrea Bunny Clark from Laura Mercier Groom's Attire: Giorgio Armani (suit, shirt, tie); Seize Sur Vingt (shoes) Menswear: Vineyard Vines (ties) Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit