Beth + Jeff’s Nautical Soiree at Eolia Mansion in Waterford, CT
This wedding…this day was one for the books! Beth and Jeff are one of those couples that make all the work worth it and make us appreciate what we do so much. They are sweet, down-to-earth people, and have such infectiously pleasant personalities! Some of you may know the charming Beth, who recently started Lovely Day Styling & Events, located in New York and Connecticut. Shortly over nine months since their wedding, the vendors still reminisce over this amazing day, which wouldn’t have been nearly as perfect without the creativity behind Beth’s ideas coupled with the passion of all those involved.
Start with the perfect backdrop: Eolia Mansion at Harkness State Park and its lush gardens and gorgeous view of the summer ocean. Throw in a dash of sunshine, (no really, we were jumping through monsoon like rain storms that morning) and a heaping supply of bubbly smiles from Beth and Jeff and you’ve got yourself a day worth squealing over. A big thank you to the beyond talented Katie Slater for bringing her story to life. You may have seen a sneak peek of this fete on Style Me Pretty a few weeks ago, but here is the full scoop!
We had the darling Jane from Just For You Floral Design on our side that day. Beth’s overall vision had a fun twist on a nautical aesthetic, which you can see in the beautiful pastels throughout the eclectic arrangements around the mansion. Many of the details you see, such as the varied tree trunk decor, table numbers, and corn hole games were created by the one and only Mr. and Mrs.
Can we talk about Beth’s dress for a minute? This girl happened up on it at a Pronovias flagship store in Manhattan, and it’s totally swoon-worthy! How happy are you when looking at her in this picture below?!
It was sad to see this one end, but we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such an amazing couple and be a part of something so special and personal. Beth and Jeff, thank you both so much! We are excited to see all the wonderful things that the future holds for you two! XO
VENDOR REEL:
Photographer: Katie Slater for Carla Ten Eyck Photography
Florist: Just For You Floral Design
Caterer: Gourmet Galley
Cake: J Cakes
Videographer: Vantage Point Films
Hair/ Makeup: Jennie Kay Beauty
Officiant: Rev. Victoria Burdick
Band: Gypsy Wisdom
Bride’s Gown: Pronovias
Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale
Chevron Clutches: Etsy
Invitation Suite: Mr. Boddington’s Studio
Save the Dates: Posh Paperie
Calligraphy: Etsy and Michelle Dowling
Top Five: Summer Picnic Essentials
The official arrival of spring is the perfect excuse to dine alfresco! Why not host a laid back picnic in your back yard? The combination of simple and delicious foods and cozy decor will make for the perfect afternoon. Throw pillows with vintage-style picnic prints out so guests can kick back. And add unique furniture items, like this trough-style table made for keeping drinks cool, and within reach. What more do you need?
1. via Studio 773 2. via Pinterest 3. via Kate Spade 4. via Kate Spade 5. via Martha Stewart
Top Five: Indulgent Party Eats
I think we’re all in agreement that food is one of the most important things at an event. And since we’re kicking off our new blog series all about parties, I thought sharing the top five snacks that we, quiet literally, drool over would be the best way to get started. I love these food suggestions because they are perfect for any occasion. While pancakes and doughnuts are fitting for a bridal brunch, I’d happily chow down on those sweet snacks at a cocktail engagement party. And I love taking a traditional dish, like shrimp and grits, and putting a new spin on it. The square-style bites are super easy to eat, which means guests won’t have to put their drinks down to enjoy one! The best thing about these food picks: You can whip them up on your own for a dinner party with friends, or ask your caterer to incorporate them into your wedding day menu. Now, who’s hungry?
1. via Peter Callahan 2. via Food & Wine 3. via A Thyme to Cook, image by Katie Stoops 4. via Climbing Grier Mountain 5. via Food & Wine
The Great Gatsby inspired Photoshoot at The Branford House in Groton, Connecticut
Want to hear a funny story? I still have my treasured copy of The Great Gatsby that I “borrowed” from my sophomore English class in high school. It sits nestled on my bookshelf at home and from time to time I take it out and read a few passages. I’ve thumbed through its pages dozens of times and, each time I re-read this treasured book of mine, I always discover something new. I love The Great Gatsby from an academic perspective and even wrote a thesis on it in college, but like most, I also appreciate it for the red lipstick, short skirts and page boy haircuts. Why do you think we have such a fascination with the Roarin’ 20s? Every few years, I feel like this era creeps back into popular culture and for good reason– there is so much to be inspired by! And not to mention I was so excited to see this gorgeous shoot featured on Style Me Pretty this week.
It was no surprise that we decided to do a Great Gatsby inspired photoshoot. There were so many directions we could have gone in, but ultimately we chose to do something reminiscent of the era but had modern touches. We selected the historic Branford House Mansion overlooking the Fishers Island Sound in Groton Long Point, Connecticut for our location. Although it was November, there was lovely warmth in the air and we were blessed with a glorious sunset with just the right amount of cloud cover for delightful dimension.
I love the fashion elements that Beth Chapman of The White Dress by the shore put together; decadent, glamorous, opulent. Our bride wore several looks from a mini feather flapper style dress to a long sleeve satin faced chiffon gown. And our Gatsby, of course, wore a white dinner jacket that evoked the over the top parties he was so famous for hosting.
The paper story created by Nicole Michel of Coral Pheasant Stationery and Design, was rich with details. Elements such as the matchbook-style reception cards and the favor boxes that doubled as place cards allowed the guests something to open and discover.
Photographer Carla Ten Eyck used the magical light to assist in telling the visual tale. The mansion’s timeless, turn of the century beauty was further accentuated by a vintage sofa and tufted velvet chairs from New England Country Rentals. The oversized, dramatic fireplace that graces the main entrance created a stunning backdrop for the lavish tablescape. The table was the perfect combination of opulent and vintage, with a delicately sequined linen paired with mismatched antique floral china and Irish linen napkins trimmed in lace. The billowing flower arrangements from Hana Floral Design were the perfect finishing touch!
Be sure to check out our website galleries for more images! xx
Credit Reel
Photography: Carla Ten Eyck
Shoot & Table Design: Jubilee Events
Fashion Styling: Beth Chapman, The White Dress by the Shore
Floral Design: Hana Floral Design
Rentals: New England Country Rentals
Linens: Nuage Designs
Paper and Guest Gifts: Coral Pheasant
Cinematography: Jeremy White and?Steve DePino
Cake:?Ana Parzych Custom Cakes
Hair:?Jennie Kay
Make Up:?dd Nickel
Gowns:?Rivini + Ivy and Aster
Jewelry:?Maria Elena + The Something Old Collection
Beaded Cape:?Ivy and Aster
Tuxedos + Suit:?Valentino Tailors
Feather Stole: The Bridal Dresser
Gloves:?Carolina Amato



















































