I guess if your dad is an uberflorist, you get the style gene too. Erica’s summer wedding was a stunner. It all started with a bridesmaid dress color and unfolded from there. If you haven’t picked your summer wedding colors yet….
Erica & Daryl July 26, 2009 Newport, Rhode Island
What you did on your first date
We met for a few drinks at a bar in Boston called Lucky’s. It was a work night so we didn’t stay out for all hours of the night…but before the night was over we had already set up another date.
How you knew he was the one
Daryl was unlike anyone I had ever dated. Aside from being a total gentleman, he was sensitive and thoughtful. He was creative and witty but most importantly he loved me for me. I could be myself around him, and I was so comfortable.
The ceremony
Our ceremony took place at St. Mary’s Church in Bristol. The church is just gorgeous inside. It reminds me of a cathedral in Italy. It was the perfect setting for our large Italian families to come together and witness our marriage.
The moment Erica will never forget
The moment that the doors of the church opened and I could see Daryl standing at the alter waiting for me. It was the moment I had been waiting all year for and it was just as perfect as I imagined.
The reception
Our reception took place at the fabulous Belle Mer’s Island House. The Island House is located in Newport, on Goat Island. The property is incredible. It’s an open air venue with views of the ocean. The design allows guests to have access to the grounds and lounge by the fire pit or take in the view of the ocean. The reception was perfect. The food was amazing, the service impeccable, the music and dancing began as soon as we were announced and continued throughout the entire evening. The dance floor was filled with great aunts who are in their 80’s to Daryl’s wild groomsmen and it was so sad when the night came to an end.
Did your wedding have a theme. If so, what was it and how did you bring it to life?
I didn’t have a theme, but I did carry certain colors and details throughout the entire event. It all began when I found the most gorgeous Kay Unger gown hanging on the rack at Bloomingdales. I tried it on and immediately decided that this was to be the bridesmaids gown. I searched every Bloomingdales in the U.S. to find one for each of my maids… and then began my planning.. everything shades of peach and coral with white accents.
My father is an incredible florist and an extremely talented designer, so the flowers were over the top gorgeous and abundant. Although he probably wanted to kill me, I had him make 5 vases for each table, all with the same type of flower in each but different shades. Each vase was white but a different shape and size. For the most part he chose to use huge garden roses in multiple shades of coral, peach, and pink.
I also added a white lantern on each table and tons of votive candles. At night they looked so pretty.
My place cards, programs, and cupcake wrappers all matched the details of the white lantern. They each had laser cut outs in a filigree pattern and it was all very feminine and fresh.
For the church I carried the same colors
and hung kissing balls constructed completely of sweetheart roses from the pews. I also anchored the alter with two huge exotic arrangements and my place cards sat on a bed of peach carnations tightly packed in white boxes my dad had also constructed so that the white filigree details on the cards would pop.
We decided to go with cupcakes for our dessert. We chose an assortment of flavors and people seemed to love the options. I created a cupcake display using several white cake stands I had found while on one of my many shopping sprees! In addition to cupcakes, we also made homemade Italian cookies- 2000 to be exact. It’s a tradition in my family to make cookies for every wedding. I chose to use the cookies as my favor. Each guest got to take home an assortment of homemade Italian cookies in a little bag with a small tag that read “Thank You” ….on coordinated peach card stock of course!
Advice for other brides
Hit the Martha Stewart section of your local Michael’s craft Store. There are SO many things you can use for labels and DIY kits. I wanted everything and it really helps you to stay in budget when you do some things yourself…plus I think it makes it a bit more special and fun. Also visit www.etsy.com. This site is incredible. It’s all handmade items that people make to sell often custom. I ordered my custom pearl bracelet as well as located my calligrapher there. Finally, be sure to find a great florist like my father, ronaldgestoneATyahooDOTcom. The flowers really transformed the space and created the ultimate romantic setting we could get lost in.
