It is one of the most exceptional parts of our job to witness and celebrate a couple coming together and celebrating the next part of their adventure surrounded by their loved ones. It may top the list, really! We’re witness to one of the most monumental and intimate events in a family’s life, something we call ourselves lucky for. When Carats & Cake featured the dear Amanda and John‘s mansion wedding at the Branford House this past week, we were easily reminded of this sentiment and afforded the opportunity to relive one of the most special, personal days — and one of the BEST dance crowds — we’ve ever been a part of!

The Couple

A little bit about Amanda and John… we love them!! And it’s just that. They are our people and we thoroughly enjoyed every element of this process with them and especially on the day of. They’re down-to-earth, kind, and so excited about planning an experience that they and their guests would enjoy. And boy did they!!

They’re also not scared of a bit of adventure, which we all celebrated when these two stopped traffic on the Mystic Bridge for a few photos. Yes, you read that correctly… they stopped traffic on the Mystic Bridge for a few smiles and even more jaw-dropping reactions from their crew — vendors, wedding party, and strangers alike! Thanking our lucky stars for the beautiful soul that is Brooke Allison, as she captured and embraced every moment of this as our couple did.

The Design at the Mansion

The Branford House is one of our most favorite spaces to work with and every design we have created within this property has become a timeless favorite. When we began mansion wedding design, Amanda described her day as embodying a classic, art-deco, romantic, nature-inspired. I remember her giggling because, how could that make sense, she asked. It does, though! We can always make sense of the array of images and words in your mind and that, to us, is one of the coolest aspects of design!

Through our floral decor with the amazing Blush Floral Design, black and white checkered dance floor, and the most romantic color palette of blush, taupe, cream, gold, and pops of navy and slate blue, we created an aesthetic that made our hearts sing and will continue to do so for eternity! Add in the most amazing stationery design from Coral Pheasant Stationery to set the tone for this momentous occasion, complete with a wood grained invitation that awakened the senses and we had a celebration on our hands.

The Best of the Best

Looking at Amanda and John’s photos, there were so many that I could call my favorite, but the ones that stood out the most — other than these two stopping the world in their tracks on the Mystic Bridge — were the photos of everyone dancing. The life and enjoyment on their faces and happiness behind their experience. Also, this bridal party has been unofficially adopted as our hype squad for all events and projects in life, wedding related or not! It’s safe to say we all found ourselves cheering and smiling when surrounded by this crew!

Amanda and John, THANK YOU SO MUCH for giving us the most fortunate chance to be a part of your story and be in the presence of such happiness. We are the luckiest ones to have been surrounded by so much love that day and we hope that’s a feeling that stays with you always!! Here’s to many more days, weeks, and years smiling, laughing, and dancing together. XOXO

For other amazing Branford House weddings, check us out here!

credit reel

Photography: Brooke Allison
Ceremony Location: Saint Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Mystic
Event Planning + Design: Diana of Jubilee Events
Flowers: Blush Floral Design
Reception Location: The Branford House
Catering: David Alan Hospitality
Reception Entertainment: DJ Eko
Stationery: Coral Pheasant Stationery
Beauty: Rob Rivers Salon and Spa
Lighting: Drape Art Designs
Bride’s Gown: Made With Love from The White Dress by the Shore
Bride’s Accessories: Love Bird Bridal Boutique
Alterations: deMelis Atelier
Rentals: La Tavola Linen, PEAK Event Services, Gather + Lounge
Trolley: Rockstar Limo