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
  • About Us

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!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • 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
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • 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 Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

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!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. A Romantic Blue Wedding at an Outdoor Restaurant in New York
Martha Stewart Weddings

A Romantic Blue Wedding at an Outdoor Restaurant in New York

Skip gallery slides
Pin

1 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Stephanie and Ben

rw-stephanie-ben-2.jpg

Stephanie Ellis Brown and Ben Brown were married on April 30, 2008, but had another three years later, on May 29, 2011. The New York City-based actress and writer/director/producer -- who met in acting school -- first tied the knot at City Hall after just nine months of dating. They decided to get married "again" and invited friends from all over the world, including the bride's native Australia, to the bigger celebration in a picturesque countryside setting.

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Invitation

rw-stephanie-ben-invite.jpg

Ice Cream Social designed the invitation after looking through bags of beads, photos, clippings, and papers that Stephanie and Ben had collected. It incorporated a monogram and an illustration based on a picture of the couple in India holding up peace signs. The floral border was inspired by the ceremony decor and the logo at the top of the invitation was reworked onto a tag that hung from twine wrapped around the suite.

2 of 25

3 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Location

rw-stephanie-ben-yard.jpg

The event took place at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, a farm-to-table restaurant situated on an agricultural center in Pocantico Hills, New York. Located just 30 miles north of Manhattan, the working farm was the perfect spot for the couple's rustic, bohemian reception.

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Fashions

rw-stephanie-ben-1.jpg

Stephanie wore a bright blue dress the first time around so she went in a more muted direction for round two. She paired a light-gray Lanvin gown from Kleinfeld with Lanvin shoes, Hannah Clark rose-gold hoop earrings with black pave diamonds and small fresh pearls, a silk-and-gold threaded bracelet from ABC Carpet and Home, a Hannah Clark feather-shaped bracelet, and a twisted gold ring by Carla Caruso with black diamonds from Lori McLean (the same store her engagement ring and the original set of wedding bands came from). She carried a bouquet of peonies, snowball garden roses, blue nigella, mini thistles, unripened blueberries, and flowering clematis vine, made by Poppies and Posies. Ben had his three-piece suit made at Freeman's Sporting Club. A Hamilton shirt, Alexander Olch tie, and John Varvatos shoes completed his ensemble.

4 of 25

5 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Flowers

rw-stephanie-ben-boutonniere.jpg

Family member's boutonnieres and corsages were made with unripened blueberries, mini thistle, ornamental oregano, small peony blooms, and spirea.

5 of 25

6 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Something For Everyone

rw-stephanie-ben-necklaces.jpg

Given their shared appreciation for yoga and meditation, Stephanie and Ben chose to add a spiritual element to their ceremony. Each guest wear a Mala garland, which represented the circle of being present. Stephanie and her mother made all the necklaces themselves with Buri seed beads and Griffin Silk Beading Cord.

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Precessional

rw-stephanie-ben-kiss.jpg

Stephanie's sister Gemma wore a J.Crew silk chiffon skirt with a silk top from Bloomingdale's and off-white Vera Wang ballet flats. Her daughter, Sienna, the flower girl, accompanied her down the aisle in a silk Crewcuts by J.Crew dress and silver Bloch flats.

7 of 25

8 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ceremony

rw-stephanie-ben-ceremony-1.jpg

Stephanie and Ben's spiritual vow-renewal ceremony focused on their commitment in front of the people they love most. The 64 people in attendance sat a U-shaped configuration, with the bride and groom and their families in the middle.

8 of 25

9 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Special Touch

rw-stephanie-ben-5.jpg

Hannah Clark designed a necklace for Ben. An oxidized silver chain with rose-gold clasp held a pendant that had two Ouroboros (snakes swallowing their own tails, which represent eternity and continuous change) joined together. Each contained tiny black diamond eyes and the bride's and the groom's birthstones on the heads. Stephanie wore a white-gold ring in the same serpentine form. It incorporated stones from an old ring of her grandmother's.

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ring Box

rw-stephanie-ben-rings.jpg

Stephanie presented the necklace to Ben to wear as a representation of their vow renewals. Ben gave Stephanie a vintage diamond ring from Doyle and Doyle. Both tokens were carried down the aisle on a rough piece of crystal quartz nestled in a rectangular ceramic container filled with moss.

10 of 25

11 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ceremony

rw-stephanie-ben-ceremony-2.jpg

Sammy Cagnina, a good friend of the couple's, presided over the ceremony. He spoke to how the pair define marriage and to the recommitment they were making to each other. Their readings echoed the importance of love and devotion. "We tried to match each one to the spirit of the person reading it," Stephanie says. "It felt really touching that people got up and spoke from their hearts -- in some cases barefoot on the grass. There was a certain earnestness to the proceedings."

11 of 25

12 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sealed With A Kiss

rw-stephanie-ben-kiss.jpg

The couple embraces, after exchanging vows they wrote themselves.

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Portraits

rw-stephanie-ben-4.jpg

After the ceremony, Stephanie and Ben wandered around the gorgeous grounds with their photographer, Robert Sukrachand. As dusk approached, they joined their guests for cocktail hour.

13 of 25

14 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cocktail Hour

rw-stephanie-ben-424.jpg

Stephanie and Ben, vegetarians, liked the idea of inviting their guests to join them for an amazing meat-free feast. "If there's a place to eat a vegetarian meal that would satisfy everyone, it's Blue Hill," Stephanie says.

14 of 25

15 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cocktail Hour

rw-stephanie-ben-guests.jpg

The al fresco cocktail hour made the most of the day's glorious weather.

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Decor

rw-stephanie-ben-flowers.jpg

Outside, large arrangements of white peonies, snowball garden rose, white scabiosa, unripened blueberries, artichokes, oregano, spirea, mini thistle, seeded eucalyptus, and veronica enhanced the natural beauty of the landscape.

16 of 25

17 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Escort Cards

rw-stephanie-ben-cards.jpg

Each table was labeled with a significant element of the couple's relationship. Rubber stamps, made through Casey Rubber Stamps, were used on eco-friendly escort cards. Guests' names were added using a typewriter Stephanie bought from Brady and Kowalski, and the cards were displayed on a bed of moss with delicate florets of white scabiosa, veronica, and miniature thistles.

17 of 25

18 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Reception

rw-stephanie-ben-tables-2.jpg

After cocktail hour, everyone moved to the private dining room for dinner.

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Tables

rw-stephanie-ben-tables.jpg

The card with each table's icon was placed on a slice of wood next to a centerpiece of peonies, snowball garden roses, blue nigella, white scabiosa, unripened blueberries, oregano, and spirea. Small clipboards with menu cards were set at each place. Stephanie made place cards by typing guests' names on mini kraft-paper hang tags, which were tied to the clipboards with brown baker's twine. The menu included greenhouse greens and herbs with a fresh farm egg; handmade cavatelli with mushrooms and spinach; and cauliflower "steak" with carrots and grains. A Sacher cake (an Austrian dessert consisting of chocolate cake, apricot jam, and delicate chocolate icing) paired with salted caramel ice cream ended the meal alongside a selection of petits fours. Blue Hill at Stone Barns paired each course with an appropriate wine.

19 of 25

20 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Guest "Book"

rw-stephanie-ben-type-writer.jpg

A vintage desk, set up with the couple's Royal "Quiet de Luxe" model typewriter and old framed photos, served as a sign-in spot where guests could type notes or write their well wishes. Also on display? A book made by a friend featured quotes sent in by guests.

20 of 25

21 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Picture Perfect

rw-stephanie-ben-camera.jpg

The bride incorporated her love of vintage cameras by passing around a collection of toy cameras and Polaroids throughout the evening.

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

First Dance

rw-stephanie-ben-dance.jpg

Mr. and Mrs. Ellis danced to "Tema d'Amore' by Ennio Morricone from one of their favorite movies, Cinema Paradiso, as played by the Matt Munisteri Trio.

22 of 25

23 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dancing

rw-stephanie-ben-musicans.jpg

The band played gypsy jazz, ragtime, and Americana musicduring the reception.

23 of 25

24 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Favors

rw-stephanie-ben-favors.jpg

The design from the invite tag was stamped onto small notebooks from Scout Books, which were set out in a rustic box from The Upper Rust, a favorite antique store of the bride's in lower Manhattan. Little boxes of handmade chocolates (passionfruit for her, dark chocolate for him) were arranged on a wire stand for guests to take.

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

rw-stephanie-ben-3.jpg

Photography: Robert Sukrachand

Location and Catering: Blue Hill at Stone Barns

Ring Box: ABC Carpet and Home

Hair: Gregory Alan of I Did The Hair

Makeup: Virginia Bradley Linzee

Flowers: Poppies and Posies

Transportation: Best Trails, 212-206-6974; BLS Limousine, 800-843-5752

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • Prince William Didn't Watch Kate Middleton Walk Down the Aisle at Their Wedding—Here's Why He Missed This Moment
    • These Brides Brought Their Romantic, Secret Garden-Themed Wedding to Life at an Art Museum
    • 5 Ways You're Jeopardizing Your Relationship With Your Daughter- or Son-In-Law—and Your Child
    • In Addition to Duke and Duchess, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Hold Other Royal Titles for Life
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 25 Stephanie and Ben
    2 of 25 The Invitation
    3 of 25 The Location
    4 of 25 The Fashions
    5 of 25 The Flowers
    6 of 25 Something For Everyone
    7 of 25 The Precessional
    8 of 25 The Ceremony
    9 of 25 A Special Touch
    10 of 25 The Ring Box
    11 of 25 The Ceremony
    12 of 25 Sealed With A Kiss
    13 of 25 Portraits
    14 of 25 Cocktail Hour
    15 of 25 Cocktail Hour
    16 of 25 The Decor
    17 of 25 Escort Cards
    18 of 25 The Reception
    19 of 25 The Tables
    20 of 25 The Guest "Book"
    21 of 25 Picture Perfect
    22 of 25 First Dance
    23 of 25 Dancing
    24 of 25 The Favors
    25 of 25 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

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

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 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 Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    A Romantic Blue Wedding at an Outdoor Restaurant in New York
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.