Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Real Weddings A Nature-Inspired Intimate Vintage Wedding in New York 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: Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio 01 of 18 Matthew and Jack's Heart-Felt Wedding Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio For some couples, it's love at first sight. For Matthew Robbins (our long-time contributor) and Jack Myers, who met as art students in Memphis in 1992, it was love at first illustration. After noticing each other on campus, a mutual friend arranged a date at a local diner, where sparks began to fly. Before long, the two were serious, and when New York State passed the marriage-equality bill on June 24, 2011, the partners of 20 years decided right then and there to make it official. On October 27, 2012 in Cold Spring, New York (where they now live) Matthew and Jack wed in front of 80 loved ones before celebrating at their Southern-inspired reception. 02 of 18 Antique-Inspired Invitations Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio The stationery suite featured botanical prints, vintage maps, and historical photos from the couple's collection of antique ephemera. "We loved the mix of exotic foliage with industrial details," says Matthew. "It felt unique and romantic and not too feminine or traditional." See More Invitations from Real Weddings 03 of 18 Portraits With the Pups Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio The J.Crew-clad couple posed with their pooches, Bruno and Ollie, before their I do's. "I was a bit nervous that Bruno might start barking," says Jack, "but they were amazingly calm and sweet during the ceremony—likely due to the fact that they were exhausted after the photo shoot!" See More Dogs from Real Weddings 04 of 18 Stylish Flower Girls Glen Allsop The flower girls, wearing top knots and J.Crew frocks, carried clutches of chrysanthemums and ferns. See More Flower Girls from Real Weddings 05 of 18 A Walk to Remember Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio Matthew and Jack strolled to the ceremony with their dogs. "The chapel is on a hilltop, so our guests could see us making our way up, and we could hear music from the xylophonist drifting down," recalls Matthew. "It's a moment I'll always remember." 06 of 18 For the Ceremony Shawn Connell In lieu of programs, guests were given linen handkerchiefs printed with lyrics from the grooms' favorite song, "Sabali" by Malian duo Amadou & Mariam. 07 of 18 Leafy Decor Shawn Connell Wreaths of umbrella ferns, asparagus ferns, passion vine, tillandsia, and succulents graced the church's doors. "We both love greenery," says Matthew, who made them. "It suited us more than the usual flowers." 08 of 18 An Emotional Moment Shawn Connell "I don't think people realized what it was like for Matthew to work in an industry he loves but couldn't actively participate in," said Jack. "That notion struck me right before the ceremony, and the tears just started flowing." Here, the happy twosome left the chapel as husbands. "Seeing all this love directed at us was tremendously powerful," Jack added. 09 of 18 A Unique Reception Venue Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio After the service, everyone headed to a former drugstore (now an event space) for a reception inspired by the men's southern roots. Candles clustered in galvanized-metal lanterns marked the celebration spot. "During cocktail hour, guests spilled out of the storefront onto the street, which I loved," says Matthew. 10 of 18 Light Bites Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio Silver trays of hors d'oeuvres were topped off with moss and apothecary-inspired signage. See More Cocktail Hour Ideas from Real Weddings 11 of 18 Signature Drinks Shawn Connell A bourbon bar kept the drinks flowing for partygoers. "Everyone especially loved the Porch Swing Swizzle, a delicious (and dangerous!) whisky, mint, and ginger beer concoction," said Matthew. 12 of 18 Handy Seating Cards Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio Paper lantern escort cards, illuminated by mini LED lights, led partygoers to woodland-animal-themed tables at the reception. 13 of 18 Lush Dining Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio Terrariums and apothecary beakers showcased ferns and passion vines clipped from the couple's garden, and flickering votive candles lent warmth. Arak Kanofsky Studios printed the menu directly onto graphic linen napkins, which, thanks to attached tabs, also served as place cards. 14 of 18 Southern Comfort Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio Grits, served in individual casserole dishes, were garnished with the guest's choice of topping: stewed spicy shrimp (pictured), pulled pork, or roasted mushrooms. 15 of 18 A Trio of Cakes Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio Three of Matthew's favorite Graham & Brown wallpapers were layered to form the backdrop for a trio of gluten-free and vegan Madagascar vanilla cakes. See More Alternative Cakes from Real Weddings 16 of 18 Aromatic Favors Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio Each attendee left with a twine-tied goodie box stocked with a bamboo-jasmine candle, rosemary-fig soap, and cypress-fig room spray from the local Cold Spring Apothecary. See More Favors from Real Weddings 17 of 18 Unexpected Guest Book Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio The grooms opted for a vintage ticket-collection box instead of the traditional guest book. 18 of 18 Sources Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio Locations: The Chapel Restoration; The Living Room Wedding Coordination: Francesca Events Catering: Julie Taras Wallach of Tipsy Parson New York; Cobblestone Catering Flowers and Design: Matthew Robbins Design Wedding Photography: Christian Oth Studio Officiant: Rev. Jim Rooney Invitations and Printed Accessories: Arak Kanofsky Studios Cakes: Lael Cakes Music: Vali Entertainment LLC. DJ: Juanita More! Rentals: Party Rental Ltd. Hair: Kate Hanley of Takamichi Hair NYC Grooms' Attire: Hermes cufflinks; Barneys New York shoes; Prada shoes Votives: Glassybaby Vases and Terrariums: Accent Decor Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit