On September 5, 2009 I had the absolute pleasure of coordinating the wedding of Lisa and Eric. They are such a sweet couple who chose Mystic Aquarium as the setting of their incredible fall inspired wedding. Lisa and Eric were the kind of couple who incorporated a lot of meaningful details into their day, and as their coordinator, it was such a joy to see their love story come to life!

They’re day was captured by the talented and funny John of Prestige Barkley Photography.

In the early morning Lisa and her gorgeous ‘maids spent the first part of their day enjoying beauty at the Red Door Spa. By late morning, they were sipping champagne in Lisa’s suite at the Mystic Hilton. Lisa’s maid of honor and sister along with her mom got her into magnificent ivory Pnina Tornai gown (purchased at Kleinfeld). Lisa’s satin gown was full of gorgeous ruching and draping of fabric and had a corseted bodice. She wore her mother’s vintage earrings and necklace. Her maids wore beautiful Alfred Angelo floor length satin gowns in a burnt orange color.

In my conversations with Lisa she’s told me that Eric loves to create special things for her– so it was no surprise that he put together a handmade book for their wedding day and wrote in it a message to his bride. How sweet and romantic is that?

Diane Gaudett created the floral decor for the day, and designed these beautiful fall inspired bouquets with orchids, calla lillis, roses, and branches. They were so beautiful!

The ride from the Hilton to St. Patrick’s Church in Mystic was an exciting one for Lisa and her parents as Eric waited with his best man and Father Brian. At 2:15 p.m., once the bridal party had been sent down the aisle and the groom emerged at the alter, the organist began to play the slow intro to Cannon D. A ton of light flooded into the church as the two large wooden doors opened and there stood Lisa, escorted by her parents down the aisle to her awaiting groom. This is the moment I love the most about a wedding. Jessica and I watched through the door’s stained glass windows.

Once they were pronounced husband and wife it was time to head over to Harkness Park. We had prepared several dozen glasses of champagne in their party bus for the 20 minute ride!

At 5 p.m guests began to arrive at Mystic Aquarium for Lisa and Eric’s reception. The cocktail hour was held outside in the atrium known as “Arctic Coast” overlooking the beluga whale tank. It is such a beautiful setting and so unique. Jazz music courtesy of their amazing band, In Transit. Guests got into interact with the beluga whales and toward the end of cocktail hour, Lisa and Eric escorted the penguins out to great their guests!

The dining and dancing portion of the reception took place in the lower aquarium area which is surrounded by sea creatures swimming around in enormous tanks. It was the perfect back drop!

Diane Gaudett created branch centerpieces for each table, which consisted of curly branches, orange orchids, and hanging votives. They were so beautiful and really, really complimented the cool glow of the tanks. Lisa kept the table linens light with a beautiful ivory underlay and gold / soft brown overlay.

The amazing Ana Parzych created an absolutely stunning cake with two nuzzling sea horses as the topper. Sea horses were a reoccuring theme through out their wedding– in the program, on their escort cards, and nestled on top of their cake. Seahorses are known to be monogamous to one another after they experience courtship, and so they are such a fitting detail to weave into a wedding held at an aquarium.

Once they were introduced as the new Mr. & Mrs. they danced to “Home” by Michael Buble… so romantic! Guests enjoyed a delicious spread put on by Ocean Blue Catering. Once dinner was over it was time to kick it into high gear– and let me tell you– In Transit did NOT disappoint. I can safely say that they were one of the most talented bands I have ever seen!!! They sang everything from motown to the black eyed peas. And as you can see, guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves!

At the very end of the evening guests gathered out front and sent the couple off in style with a sparkler send off. The new Mr. & Mrs. Krause took off into their married life, headed for their honeymoon in Hawaii!

Lisa and Eric — It was SUCH a pleasure to be apart of your wedding. Thank you for letting me be a small part of your family’s personal history. I wish you all the joy and happiness that life has to offer! Congratulations!!! xoxox