Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Subscribe
Save Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight

      35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight

      One pan, pot, skillet, or Instant Pot is all you need to for these no-fuss family dinners, including salmon, pasta, pot roast, chili, and so much more. Read More
    • The Best 2021 Bedroom Paint Colors

      The Best 2021 Bedroom Paint Colors

      Explore the best 2021 bedroom paint colors, according to paint experts. Read More
    • The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When

      The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When

      Our printable checklists will tell you what you should be doing every day, week, month, season—or every once in a while—to keep your home in ship-shape year round. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

    Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

    When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. All can be made in 45 minutes or less.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    Four Simple Tasks to Complete Right Now to Make Your Entire Home a Little Greener

    Four Simple Tasks to Complete Right Now to Make Your Entire Home a Little Greener

    Our experts share the to-dos that will can make your home so much more eco-friendly.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year

    The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year

    Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts

    How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts

    Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Plant a Beautiful Perennial Garden

    How to Plant a Beautiful Perennial Garden

    Create a living work of art with a variety of flowers and plants, colors, and textures.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

    How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

    You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now

    How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home

    Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home

    Start by carving out a designated work area in your space.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE

    How to Start a Virtual Book Club

    From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice.
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. A Nautical-Inspired Navy-and-White Wedding in Connecticut
Martha Stewart Weddings

A Nautical-Inspired Navy-and-White Wedding in Connecticut

June 07, 2013
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin

1 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Gillian and William

gillian-william-0877-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: 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. 

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Invitations

gillian-william-0024-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: 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. 

2 of 25

3 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Aisle

gillian-william-dock-flags-9851-wd109007.jpg
Credit: 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.

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Bride's Entrance

gillian-william-0588-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: Ingalls Photography

Gillian's dad met and escorted her down the dock, or "aisle". A family friend officiated, then a reverend made it legal.

4 of 25

5 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Groom and His Girls

gillian-william-0832-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: Ingalls Photography

Gillian, Will, and Elizabeth Graves, the editor in chief of Martha Stewart Weddings. 

5 of 25

6 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Ring Pillow

gillian-william-ring-pillow-0009-wd109007.jpg
Credit: 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.

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Welcome Bags

gillian-william-4-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: Gemma & Andrew Ingalls
See More Welcome Bag Ideas

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. 

7 of 25

8 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The "Almost" Getaway Car

gillian-william-0100-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: Ingalls Photography
See More Getaway Car Ideas

En route to the event, guests passed the getaway car with its "Almost Married" sign that was later turned around to reveal "Just Married."

8 of 25

9 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mother of the Groom

gillian-william-0777-comp-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: Ingalls Photography

The groom with his mother, Grace, and his new bride. 

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Bride's Parents

gillian-william-7599-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: 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. 

10 of 25

11 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ship's Bell

gillian-william-7347-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: Gemma & Andrew Ingalls

The newlyweds rang an engraved ship's bell, a day-of present from Will's family.

11 of 25

12 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Guest Book

gillian-william-0065-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: Gemma & Andrew Ingalls
See More Wedding Guest Book Ideas

The guest book was an embossed ship's log. 

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cheese Plate

gillian-william-0139-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: 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. 

13 of 25

14 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Escort Cards

gillian-william-7431-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: Gemma & Andrew Ingalls

The calligraphed and blind letterpressed escort cards were attached to a fabric-covered board using pins pushed through inexpensive anchor charms.

14 of 25

15 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Reception

gillian-william-2-24-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: Gemma & Andrew Ingalls
See Gillian & William's Rehearsal Dinner

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!).

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Cocktail-Hour Eats

gillian-william-7700-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: 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. 

16 of 25

17 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Special Guests

gillian-william-guests-7811-wd109007.jpg
Credit: 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.

17 of 25

18 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sweet Sailors

gillian-william-0960-comp-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: Ingalls Photography

The happy couple took a post-ceremony spin around Farm Creek in the wooden skiff the bride arrived in.

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ice Cream Cart

gillian-william-2-21-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: 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.

19 of 25

20 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Frosty Treats

gillian-william-ice-cream-sandwiches-0043-wd109007.jpg
Credit: Gemma & Andrew Ingalls

Laura's ice cream sandwiches were served in striped bags. 

20 of 25

21 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Cakes

gillian-william-11-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: 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.

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Favors

gillian-william-8-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: Gemma & Andrew Ingalls
See More Favor Ideas

And the MOH baked butter cookies "embossed" with anchors for favors.

22 of 25

23 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Newlywed Chairs

gillian-william-1137-mwd109007.jpg
Credit: Ingalls Photography
See More Newlywed Chair Ideas

Before a dinner of filet mignon, the newlyweds enjoyed the father-of-the-bride's toast. 

23 of 25

24 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Party

gillian-william-tent-8281-wd109007.jpg
Credit: Gemma & Andrew Ingalls

Guests danced under a tent into the evening. 

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sources

gillian-william-dock-0919-wd109007.jpg
Credit: 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 Sun
Desserts: Dough Girl Baking Company
Music: 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)

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Might Name Their Daughter After Princess Diana
    • This Couple's Intimate Hotel Reception in Washington, D.C., Hinted at Their Future Wedding in Cancun
    • Six Women Explain How They Decided to (or Not to) Change Their Last Names After Marriage
    • "Queer Eye" Star Tan France and His Husband Rob Are Expecting Their First Child!
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 25 Gillian and William
    2 of 25 The Invitations
    3 of 25 The Aisle
    4 of 25 The Bride's Entrance
    5 of 25 The Groom and His Girls
    6 of 25 The Ring Pillow
    7 of 25 Welcome Bags
    8 of 25 The "Almost" Getaway Car
    9 of 25 Mother of the Groom
    10 of 25 The Bride's Parents
    11 of 25 Ship's Bell
    12 of 25 The Guest Book
    13 of 25 Cheese Plate
    14 of 25 The Escort Cards
    15 of 25 The Reception
    16 of 25 The Cocktail-Hour Eats
    17 of 25 Special Guests
    18 of 25 Sweet Sailors
    19 of 25 Ice Cream Cart
    20 of 25 Frosty Treats
    21 of 25 The Cakes
    22 of 25 The Favors
    23 of 25 Newlywed Chairs
    24 of 25 The Party
    25 of 25 Sources

    Share options

    Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

    Login

    Shop | Martha Stewart

    • Cookware Sets
    • Living Room Furniture
    • Area Rugs
    • Garden Tools
    • Dinnerware Sets
    • Patio Furniture
    • Window Treatments
    • Duvet Covers
    • Bakeware Sets
    • Craft Kits
    • Shop More

    Martha Stewart may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

    Martha Stewart

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Sitemap
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • Parents this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    View image

    A Nautical-Inspired Navy-and-White Wedding in Connecticut
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.