Fun, edgy and as Hilary explains, today’s Real Wedding was ‘NOT traditional‘. And what better way to stand out from the crowd, than wearing an ethereal and unique Vera Wang gown in dusty blush?! That’s right, Hilary was pretty in pink! I love that the groom picked out the bride’s wedding dress and that Hilary + Matt made sure to make their day packed full of really fun details. Like featuring a string quartet that played The Killers and Lady Gaga, temporary tattoos as party favors, New York Metro themed table decor as well as ‘morbid but true’ skulls with ribbon that said ‘Til DEATH Do Us Part’ for the younger tables. Such an awesome wedding. Enjoy!
Hilary + Matt | August 25th 2012 | Orchard Vali Golf Club, Lafayette, NY
The Ceremony
Our ceremony was set in gazebo outside the golf club, with majestic hilltops, apple orchards and a rolling green scape in the background. We had microphones for our vows, not the prettiest, but we wanted everyone to hear our promises and our great sense of humor! We also combined religions with candle lighting and glass stomp – which we both participated in. Again, NOT traditional.
The Reception
The reception was laid back with a large outdoor patio featuring a string quartet playing The Killers and Lady Gaga, inside a belly dancer entertained, buffet style eating and our guests danced for 6 hours. Home made seating cards, table numbers and center pieces gave it a personal touch (metro cards and subway signs, we’re from NYC). For the younger tables, we put skulls on them with ribbons that said “til DEATH do us part,” morbid but true. We ordered temporary tattoos with our names emblazoned on hearts and also a goofy worried photo of us on water bottles that says “what did we just do?” with our wedding date as favors. We also offered glow sticks and mardi gras beads and a photo booth with props to really get the party started. My dad sang me a song, and my husband, also a singer sang many songs. Two words can describe the reception: House Party.
Hilary’s Dress Search
I started my dress search nearly a year in advance because I knew I would be hard to please. I was looking for something that would flatter me but that wasn’t the boring usual dress. My idea was a short or cap sleeved dress, Monique Lhuillier appealed most to me, but was of course way out of my price range. I searched high and low for anything with sleeves (not a Princess Kate style though!). I even went as far as looking on religious based wedding websites for something more conservative, but alas they were all drab. I tried this pink dress on just for fun after seeing it (and nearly gagging) a few times. When I looked in the mirror it was magical, and my fiancé’s eyes confirmed it when I walked out to show him (taboo I know!!). At the beginning, I absolutely swore against something sleeveless, but in the end this dress proved that although it was sleeveless it hardly blends into the crowd.
How Hilary Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Powerful, Feminine, Royal
Why Hilary Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I decided to sell the dress when I starting thinking about it’s lonely fate in the back of my parent’s closet. It is too beautiful to only be worn once and for such a short time (I changed into a cocktail length dress for the reception). I received so many compliments, and still do, and I just want to see it worn again. It definitely belongs to someone with a flair for style that is a bit rebellious. Hence why I let my husband choose the dress.
Hilary’s Party Dress for the Reception
I am keeping the white dress, it was a super deal for only $200 by Galina purchased at David’s Bridal and I am thinking of dying it a pale pink so I can wear it again. It was the best idea to have a party dress for the reception, I was really able to let loose… though I do wish I could have worn the big dress longer.
