A Wedding Story: Liz & Jayson in Norwalk, Connecticut

Liz and Jayson were married on July 11th, 2009 at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut. They were surrounded by so much love and support and celebrated their union with their loving family and friends. The Maritime Aquarium is a special place for them — it is the site of their third date. I loved being a part of Liz and Jayson’s wedding which was filled with so many unique and meaningful touches.

Robert and Kathleen Trenske spent the entire day documenting their love story. The day began with Liz and her ‘maids getting ready at their gorgeous apartment in Norwalk. The guys were somewhere close by fluffing their collars and added on their cuff links.

Liz had the most gorgeous wedding gown. I was so in love the first time I saw it at one of her fittings! It was so delicate with lace, a bit of sparkle, and swiss dot fabric. What made it even more beautiful was Liz herself — she just beamed every time she put it on. It was a true testimonial that the woman makes the dress. Look how radiant she is! I absolutely love this photograph that Rob and Kathleen captured of Liz’s mom putting her veil on. Can’t you see the excitement there?

Once Liz and her ‘maids were all ready she went outside into the center courtyard to meet her groom. Their first look was filled with so much emotion!

After it was on to the ceremony at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut. Liz’s bouquet was filled with white Calla Lily’s and little sea shells that my good friend, Elisabeth from BLUSH floral design, created. I created their wedding day paper, include their blue and silver programs. It detailed their love story and the significance of the Aquarium and also explained the various parts of their Jewish ceremony.

As guests began to arrive, Liz and Jayson held their Ketubah signing ceremony nearby. Surrounded by their parents and closest friends, along with their Rabbi, it was a beautiful ceremony. Once complete, it was time to head down the aisle! We took them through the inner workings of the Aquarium to smuggle them away from guests’ eyes.

The ceremony location inside the Aquarium is actually the cafeteria. I know. Hard to believe, right? Elisabeth from BLUSH created this AMAZING chuppah out of flowy white organza fabric and tightly arranged white hydrangea and carnations. It was the most gorgeous chuppah I’ve ever seen! When we set out to design something for this space I loved the contrast of the white against the brick, wood, and metal. The chuppah really stands out and looks so romantic and dreamy. Elisabeth scattered some rose petals and we lined each window sill with a ton of floating and votive candles to add to the romantic glow of the room. It was heavenly!

Their ceremony was so touching. Jayson sang “Grow Old Along with Me” to his bride! One of my favorite moments, that I simply have to share, was right before the ceremony as the processional was ending. It was just me and Liz at the bottom of the staircase. As the music changed to U2, “All I Want is You”, it was time for her to go. She looked at me and took my arm and said, “Oh my god Candice… this is really it!!! It’s here!!” I get all emotional thinking about it!! It was such an incredible moment for me as their coordinator and reaffirms how honored and privileged I feel to be so intimately involved in my couple’s wedding day. Truly a moment I’ll never forget!

After the ceremony Liz and Jayson joined their guests for cocktail hour. Guests mingled up the pathway of native fish tanks, shark tanks, and lots of sea critters and creatures. We had passed wine and champagne with yummy and delicious food from Phillip Stone Caterers. Can you imagine sipping champagne and watching the sharks circle around their tank? It was so unique!!

Some details from their reception: Elisabeth from BLUSH used three different style arrangements on the tables — one with beautiful white flowers, another with white flowers submerged in cylindar vases with blue sea glass and candles, and another arrangement of a hurricane vase filled with sea glass and candles. I love the combination! She created a fun escort card display of silver painted fish netting, blue sea glass, and flowers. Jubilee created the escort cards out of hand drawn vintage fish on pretty blue card stock.

Their friend, a graphic designer, and created this fish monogram for their wedding. We used that monogram on a ton of fun paper items, like custom cocktail napkins, their programs, favor tags, save the dates and invitations. It was a fun way to tie it all together!

Their favors were Hawaiian sea salt in metal tins, tied with silver ribbon and a favor tag. Their cake was a gorgeous, modern two-tiered blue fondant cake from SoNo Baking Company. They purchased the cutest little fish bowl cake topper, too!

Liz and Jayson’s reception was fun, delicious, and emotional! Their friends and parents gave touching testimonials of their relationship and good nature. Liz and Jayson really are one of the nicest couples I’ve had the opportunity of working with. They danced the night away with friends, celebrated the hora, and ended the evening with one final dance.

Big thank you to Robert and Kathleen Trenske for capturing the essence of their day and allowing me to share the photographs with you!

Thank you SO much Liz and Jayson for allowing me to become a part of your history. It was such an honor and a pleasure working with you!! xoxo