A Jubilee Event: Sandy & Mike’s Vineyard Wedding at Jonathan Edwards Winery in Stonington, Connecticut
Sandy and Mike’s wedding was a day that reminded me why I love my job so much; from seeing their vision come to life, to spending time with their adorable and funny families, I got to know the two of them like friends over the course of a year and consider them to be just that. It was a beautiful September evening at one of our favorite vineyards in Connecticut with one of the most incredible sunsets of the year. Surrounded by 80 of their closest family and friends, they exchanged vows amongst the vines and danced the night away under a romantically lit Sperry Tent. Sandy has undeniable style, and when she came to me with her inspiration, I instantly fell in love with her color palette. It was unique, different, fun, and colorful– and Elisabeth at BLUSH Floral Design really embraced all these elements. I have so many favorite details from this wedding but my absolute favorite was the quote on the program cover, calligraphed by our friend Elizabeth Porcher Jones, that read “It takes two when it use to take one.”
Sandy wrote about her wedding for Style Me Pretty and I wanted to share her perspective of the day…
From the bride...We had a small wedding of less than 100 people, as we really wanted an intimate evening with our closest friends and family. We chose Jonathan Edwards Winery because we are big wine people, and we thought the place had a great mix of Connecticut charm and outdoor elegance. September is the perfect time to get married there, as the grapes are almost fully grown, and the weather is mild. Since many of Mike’s friends and family members live on the West Coast, it was exciting to show them the beauty of New England. The natural, understated beauty of the venue also allowed me to design my own space from the ground up, not only for the ceremony, but inside the gorgeous Sperry tent for the reception. I worked closely with Candice of Jubilee Events to make my vision come to life and loved every minute of it. I didn’t want to go with the typical dark, fall color palette, and chose to mix pops of colors and textures. I have a real love for beautiful typography and had calligraphy strewn throughout the wedding. My Amsale “Dahlia” gown served as a great inspiration for everything, from the floral design and the wedding cake to the welcome bags I designed. We included a lot of thoughtful details that had special meaning for us as a couple. We had succulents throughout the space as a nod to Mike’s home state of Arizona and a tequila signature cocktail to represent our shared love for Mexico (I studied abroad there, and Mike lived there for five years). Robert & Kathleen Photographers captured our day so beautifully, and thanks to them and the rest of our wonderful vendors, we had a lovely wedding day!
And now, the beautiful images by one of our favorite photographers, Robert and Kathleen.. and the wonderful video by our friend Mike Cyr of Buzz Media Company.
sandy + mike from Buzz Media Company on Vimeo.
A huge, heartfelt thank you to all our amazing creatives that made this wedding one of the most beautiful events we’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of. I can’t stretch my arms wide enough to thank Sandy and Mike for letting me be apart of their personal history. Congratulations guys– love ya! XOXO
Credit Reel
Photography:Robert & Kathleen Photographers
Venue: Jonathan Edwards Wineryin North Stonington, Connecticut
Event Design + Planning: Candice Coppola of Jubilee Events
Floral Design: Blush Floral Design Studio
Wedding Cinematography: Buzz Media Company
Officiant: Mary Coburn
Catering + Wedding Cake: A Thyme To Cook
Lighting: Shoreline Audio Visual
Rentals: Party Rental Ltd.
Linens: La Tavola
Calligraphy: Elizabeth Porcher Jones
Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Music: Joe Kiernan Trio
DJ: Rob Alberti
Tent: Sperry Tents Marion
Wedding Signs: SweetWeddingDetails
Cake Topper: ReadyGo
Wedding Invitations: Smock
Wedding Gown: AmsaleDahlia via Amsale Flagship Salon
Jewelry: Prins & Volkhardt Jewelers (610-687-8840) +Tiffany & Co.
Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale via Plumed Serpent
Beauty: Jennie Fresa
Bride’s Shoes: Milk & Honey Shoes
Groom’s Attire: JoS. A. Bank+Brooks Brothers
Flower Girl Dresses: Crewcuts
A Wedding Story: Allie & Jacob at the Old State House and Hartford Club | Hartford, Connecticut
You must wake and call me early, call me early, mother dear;
To-morrow ‘ill be the happiest time of all the glad New-year;
Of all the glad New-year, mother, the maddest merriest day;
For I’m to be Queen o’ the May, mother, I’m to be Queen o’ the May.

I have been waiting with baited breath to share this amazing, touching, thoughtful, and down right gorgeous may day wedding with you. It was just featured on Martha Stewart’s website and now we’re really excited to share the story of A&J, as captured by Amanda Herzberger of Orchard Cove Photography. But before we do– I need to caution you– their story is a STORY and it can’t be told in a few words. I promise you that the pictures are yummy and delicious, but the meaning behind them even more beautiful.
Allison and Jacob are the reason why I love my job so much. Not because they had a beautiful wedding with lots of sentimental and meaningful details— but because they are two amazing, lovely people with a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love story that we are so honored to share with you. To know Allie and Jacob is to know that first and foremost, they love each other. And I mean they love each other like Jack loved Rose, Richard Burton loved Elizabeth Taylor and Big loved Carrie. Yeah. It’s pretty major. Sometimes, they would write each other emails about how much they loved each other and forget that I was cc’ed on them. They are extremely creative, thoughtful people who wanted every aspect off their wedding to be a reflection of them, their lives, and their families. Allie and Jacob love Connecticut— and love the city of Hartford. They work here, are intimately involved in the community, and wanted to share our lovely rising star with their nearest and dearest, who flew in from all over the world to attend their black-tie nuptials.
They met while attending Middlebury College where Allie became the best of friends with Jacob’s sister, Jenny. Story goes, beautiful blond California Girl moves to the east coast for college and meets a handsome, studious boy from Huntington, New York… who immediately falls in love with her. She played hard to get, but finally, the two became a pair. After college, they maintained a long distance romance and wrote love letters to one another while they were apart. Not being able to stomach another moment away from each other, Allie moved to Connecticut where they settled down and started a new home in West Hartford.
The muse for Allie and Jacob’s day comes from the whimsy and jubilation of May Day. The dawing of Spring, where everything comes alive once again; the towering Maypole, with her fluttering ribbons. May Day is all about joie de vivre—and so is a Spring wedding. Allie was also inspired by a striking spode pattern from her mom’s china, which was displayed behind glass ever since she could remember. A few years before Allie and Jacob were engaged, Allie’s mom passed away to cancer. Growing up, her mom had this very special set of china that was only used for the most special occasions. Not on yearly holidays or special dinners with friends.. But REALLY special, once-in-a-lifetime kind of occasions where only the prettiest, most perfectly blue china would do. I guess you could say that in the grand list of occasions one has during a lifetime, Allison’s mom would consider the wedding of A&J as the specialist of all.
Allison and Jacob’s guests were asked to save the date with a beautiful, amazing, totally gorg save the date as designed by Cheree Berry (and our bride and groom, who were so closely involved in the paper process). Cheree is an incredible designer and put together the entire paper suite. Their save the date was a whimsical notice decorated with a maypole and the important deets, with the spode pattern blind embossed on the back. Their wedding day invitation suite was a tiffany blue edged, fanciful letter pressed art piece with lots of marvelous touches, including a passage from the may day poem above. Elizabeth Porcher Jones (our all time favorite Southern belle) was the calligraphy composer, with her light, breezy hand. All the interior envelopes addressed their guests by their nicknames, like Moo, Poopsy, and Jenny. Their guests sent back the most delightful responses— putting as much thought into their reply as Allison and Jacob had into the invites. One was even transformed into a watercolor— we LOVED looking through them!
The day began with Allie and her maids prepping in a suite at the Hartford Marriott with beauty by Jennie Fresa Beauty Library. Allie chose to wear a borrowed Vera Wang luxe gown (hereby referred to by name, which is “Holly”) as part of a sweet tradition started by her mom and god mom. When her mother Barbara married Allie’s dad, she wore her best friend Patti’s dress. And so, when Allie married Jacob, she wore Patti’s daughter’s (also named Allison) dress. It was a perfectly whimsical gown with a pleated ball skirt and springy details along the hem. Holly was paired with the daintiest veil and bolero from The White Dress by the Shore. Allie chose to wear special jewelry that was her moms, too. Her maids wore lovely floor length satin Vera Wang gowns. Shoes, of course, by Jimmy Choo.
Not to be outdone, Jacob wore a stellar tux with custom blue and white polka dot suspenders and bow tie… Perfect.
Allison and Jacob exchanged vows at place that makes my own heart skip a beat— The Old State House in Hartford. It’s such an architectural showstopper with it’s clean white trimmings, big windows with buttery light, and the giant gold chandelier. Allie and Jacob especially loved this location for it’s history and meaningfulness to the state of Connecticut. Plus, Jacob’s law firm overlooks the state house, so it’s an important piece of his daily life. Me? Well, it’s where I got married too… so I love it for all those reasons and more!
Guests arrive to the Old State House and were greeted by stunning details and décor. Allie had fabric made from the spode pattern, which were turned into fabric boutonnières and corsages for every guests. What would a black tie event be without a corsage or boutonnière? Paper lilies of the valley decorated the foyer, too. Their program was a beautiful die cut folded booklet (also by Cheree Berry) with all the important deets on the inside and little touches of romantic imagery through out.
Their ceremony was as emotional and tear-jerking as they come. In fact, Diana and I stood in the back corner and cried our little heads off, especially while they read their own vows to one another. Allie and Jacob decided not to see each other before the ceremony (which is so rare these days), so this moment of Allie walking down the aisle to Jacob with her dad was really extra special. Allie carried a gorgeous bouquet of peonies and garden roses alongside a very special hankie. Guests were surrounded with beautiful white hydrangea wreaths hung on the walls, sprigs of flowers tied with blue bows, and ribbon playfully attached to the backs of their chairs. The aisle runner was hand painted with a faint blue pattern of spode down it’s center. Perfect. Their chuppah was understated, but completely gorgeous, with blue ribbons cascading down it’s sides. The poles were tucked into big garden pots, bursting with moss and spring flowers. We had swags of boxwood garland to make the balcony above festive. Rectangular boxwood pots also sat along the window sills. Elisabeth from BLUSH floral design is responsible for all the incredible, amazing, stunning, and down right fairytale beautiful flowers.
So many details went into the ceremony, it’s hard to believe there could be more left over for the reception. When guests entered the The Hartford Club, where Allie and Jacob are members, they were not only greeted with a blue ribbon signature drink (yum! or so I hear), but also a towering maypole– also created by BLUSH and her talented team. Teacups and saucers in the spode pattern decorated cocktail tables, and a fun escort card display with calligraphy by Elizabeth Porcher Jones.
Guests wrote their wishes for Allison and Jacob and dropped them into a well.
We transformed the upstairs ballroom into a space fit for a may day celebration. Tables were bursting with whites, blues, and silver. Draped in a deep blue crinkle taffeta linen with stunning floral designs by BLUSH– big tall arrangements dripping with beautiful flowers in mercury glass vases, and lower arrangements all perfectly situated in spode tea cups, casserole dishes, fruit bowls… the list goes on. There were surrounded by candlelight and a bed of moss, flowers, and petals. So romantic. Cheree stunned us again with blue paper pennant flags which were leaping out of moss containers for table numbers, the prettiest menu cards detailing the evenings gastro delight, and a surprise waiting for guests beneath their antiqued silver charger. Ribbons in varying shades of blue danced along the backs of their silver chairs. We brought in custom lighting, draping, and even an amazing white dance floor that made the whole room take on a soft, white glow. Their cake, a five tiered white masterpiece, was the design of Ana Parzych. It had lily of the valley detailing along each tier, with a dainty cluster of lily of the valley sugar flowers on top.
The Hartford Club and Chef Kube served up an evening of spectacular spring inspired food— most notably delicious was a “leaf” of pasta (a special dish developed by the groom and chef). Yummy California wines (hand picked by the bride’s dad) and Champagne flowed through out the evening. The best man and maid of honor, both siblings to the groom, gave touching speeches all remarking on one common thing: how perfect Allison is for Jacob, and Jacob for Allison.
Important to them was not only the look, the food, and all the small details…. But also the party. Their band, David Clark and the Renegades, did NOT disappoint. As a matter of fact, they go down in history as having the best Bon Jovi rendition I’ve heard!
Jacob surprised everyone with a performance after dinner. In college, Jacob was part of an acapella group named “D8”, who serenaded our beautiful bride with a four-part musical and theatrical performance. It was outstanding— to say the least!!! Everyone absolutely loved it— myself included!
As the night came to a close, the Hartford Club passed the most yummy blue french macarons from Jerome Bouston with shots of milk. Could you not have a more perfect midnight snack? As guests left for the evening, they were given a Favors: Ben Wolff pot with borage seeds— which closely resemble our spode inspiration, but more importantly, are perfect for cooking (and in case you didn’t know, A&J also LOVE too cook and are quite good at it, too!).
And now.. on to the images.. all captured by the talented Amanda Herzberger of Orchard Cove Photography.
… and they lived happily ever after.
xoxo
Photography: Orchard Cove Photography / Planning: Jubilee Events / Floral Design & Decor: BLUSH floral design / Wedding Gown: Vera Wang / Maids’ Gowns: Vera Wang / Beauty: Jennie Fresa Beauty Library / Veil & Accessories: The White Dress by the Shore / Paper: Cheree Berry Stationery / Ceremony: The Old State House / Reception: The Hartford Club / Cake: Ana Parzych / Band: David Clark and the Renegades / Rentals & Lighting: Jubilee Events / Film: Vantage Point Films / Ceremony Musicians: Millennium Music / Macarons: Jerome Bouston / Favors: Ben Wolff Pottery
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
A Wedding Story: Joseph & Marin in in New Haven, Connecticut

Jubilee Events coordinated the wedding of Marin and Joseph, who were married in a beautiful and intimate ceremony in the gardens at the Elizabethan Club at Yale University on a Sunday morning in August with a luncheon reception at the historic Union League Cafe.
Event Ingredients
Photography: Wendy G. Photography
Make up: Jennie Fresa
Hair: Once Upon a Bride
Floral Design: Blush Floral Design
Cake & Catering: The Union League Cafe
Ceremony Musicians: The Amherst String Ensemble
Reception Guitarist: Anna Lisa E. Wald

The bride wore an amazing gown by Monique Lhuillier that just fluttered in the sunny morning breeze. She had on gorgeous Christian Louboutin ballet flats, a veil with a Maria Elena ribbon headband. They had a great looking bridal party — the bridesmaids all chose a dress in a pretty shade of blue. I love the contrast and personality that each individual girl offers! The groom wore a handsome suit from Brooks Brothers and the groomsmen all wore blue striped Brooks Brothers ties.


Marin and Joseph met and fell in love while attending Yale University and wanted to incorporate their love of New Haven into their wedding. I really admired the beautiful and amazing garden behind the Elizabethan Club, which houses original Shakespearean folios and quartos (so romantic!). In the back garden there is a bust of Shakespeare, with an inscription that reads: “I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows, where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk-roses, and with eglantine..”



Guests arrived into this secret downtown New Haven Garden with beautiful purple flower carnation pomanders on shepherds hooks and chairs. Strung alongside were White Dendrobium orchids and ribbons that fluttered from the trees. The sounds of The Amherst String Ensemble filled the air. Guests found small wicker fans at their seats for cooling themselves (it was hot!) The bride carried a bouquet of antique purple roses mixed with hypericum berries alongside her grandmother’s vintage hankie. It was so gorgeous and romantic!
Marin and Joseph’s interfaith ceremony incorporated some Jewish traditions, like the signing of the Ketubah and breaking of the glass. Their close friends and professors spoke about their love and marriage and the ceremony was officiated by their friend, Judge Jose Cabranes.




After their ceremony guests were handed maps of New Haven and walked from the Elizabethan Club to enjoy a delicious lunch at one of my favorite New Haven restaurants, Union League Cafe. Guests enjoyed music by guitarist, Anna Lisa E. Wald and floral design by my good friend Elisabeth of Blush Floral Design. Guests took home delicious tea favors from Harney & Sons.
A big congratulations to Marin and Joseph!! What an amazing and beautiful wedding. Thanks to all of their spectacular vendors, especially Wendy G. Photography, Blush Floral Design, the staff at the Elizabethan Club, and The Union League Cafe for making Joseph and Marin’s wedding simply one-of-a-kind.
xoxo
























