Archive for the ‘Pretty Post’ Category
Pretty Post: Christina & Aaron’s Colorful Wedding featured in Brides Magazine
This wedding, simply put is a ‘feel good’ affair! While sorting through these images we couldn’t find one that didn’t make us smile, which is why we felt so inclined to submit the wedding to Brides Magazine. Naturally, Christina & Aaron’s colorful wedding was accepted and now can be seen gracing the pages of the most recent issue.
There are so many things we love about this wedding.! The ‘first look’, the sweet and vibrant details, the reception venue, and of course the fashion! We absolutely cannot get enough of the amazing turquoise touches, especially the necklace Christina wore- what a refreshing addition to a bridal look.
Read below for Christina’s incredible recount of her gown search here at The White Dress by the shore. We loved her choice for both ceremony and reception- fashion forward yet fun and sweet:
“My wedding dress was the first and last dress I tried on, “Dora” by Melissa Sweet. It had caught my eye online, and I was dying to try it on. Unfortunately, the designer had stopped production of the dress and a single sample was the last of it’s kind at The White Dress by the Shore. By some stroke of luck or fate, someone had actually purchased the gown but changed their mind and opted not to wear it. Once I put it on, it was love- we purchased it on the spot. It’s SO true when they say that it’s just a feeling…when you know, you know. I loved how it was so simple, yet had these amazing and fun details that made it so romantic. I absolutely adored the silk organza adorned with faint polka dots, the matching sash that wrapped delicately around the waist and the slight length of a train in the back. It hugged my curves in all the right places, but was comfortable at the same time- comfort is key! I felt simply beautiful in it
I also decided to purchase a party dress for the reception as I knew I would want something later in the night that I could easily cut a rug in. “Sass” by Ivy & Aster was fun, flirty and fit like a glove. I am still waiting for an occasion to come up where I can recycle this dress, I absolutely love it!”
Christina’s maids also purchased their gowns with us, each wearing different styles of Ivy & Aster dresses in either a soft gray or deep turquoise. Three of her maids were pregnant at the time of the wedding and we think they all choose incredibly flattering styles. Being a pregnant bridesmaid is often stressful, but not an uncommon bridal party issue, and these girls met the challenge with style and grace. We love the way the colors play into the attire of the groomsmen and the overall look of the wedding.
The occasions’ reception took place at The Lace Factory in Deep River, CT- one of our all time favorite locations. This wedding successfully blends the historic value of the venue with bright, modern pops of color and various cultural influences. Hats off to Ambiance Luxe and Ryan Designs for setting the perfect stage for this couple to share their love with family and friends.
To end, we wanted to share one of Christina’s memories from the night that she won’t soon forget:
“I have a large extended family that reside overseas in Korea. Fortunately, a handful of them were able to make the trip for the wedding. My aunts wore traditional Korean garments and cut a rug to Michael Jackson- it was quite a site! There were too many individual moments to include…the dance floor and glasses were never empty, the overall day was so so amazingly fun and special to us. Guests are still talking about it to this day!”
Congratulations to this beautiful couple!
Credit Reel:
Ambiance Luxe -Wedding Designs Planning & Design
Michelle Gardella Photography -Wedding Photography
The Lace Factory -Reception Venue
Rolling Hills -Ceremony Site
Just for You Floral Design -Ceremony & Reception Flowers
Cloud 9 Catering -Caterer & Glassware
Rentals Unlimited -Aqua Blue and Pearl White Chivari Chairs
Ryan Designs -Fabric Draping & Turquoise Chandeliers
The White Dress by the Shore- Priscilla of Boston Swiss Dot Wedding Dress(Wedding gown) and Sass by Ivy & Aster (Reception gown)
Kelly Bard of Dana Bartone -Bride’s Hair Stylist
Simply Gorgeous by Erin -Bride’s Makeup Artist
Patti Murphy- Wedding Day Paper
xoxo, TWD
Picture of the Week
For our ‘Picture of the Week’ we choose to bring a little rainy day magic your way! We can’t get enough of this image – the pop of the lip, polka dot umbrella, preppy gown and fabulous statement necklace- its just all too much! If you love this look as much as we do, be sure to plan a visit to The White Dress by the shore on Saturday, March 16th during our Donna Morgan Bridesmaid trunk show, as Kelley, designer of the fabulous necklace above, will be on hand working with clients to customize bridal and maids jewelry!
With every purchase of a bridesmaid dress in the month of March, you are eligible for a 10% discount off of Aquinnah bridesmaid jewelry. Your purchase also qualifies you for a one-on-one consultation with the designer. How cool is that?
Book an appointment now at 860.669.4596!
FASHION & STYLING: Beth Chapman | The White Dress by the Shore
GOWN: Anne Barge
JEWELRY: aquinnah
ART DIRECTION: Candice Coppola | Jubilee Events
PHOTOGRAPHY: Carla Ten Eyck
BEAUTY: Dana Bartone
xoxo, TWD
Pretty Post: Winter’s Kiss and Wedded Bliss
There’s not much we love more than classic New England nuptials by the shore- and Lorin and Skip’s wedding is the embodiment of just that. From the venue, to the special details, and of course the gorgeous gown, this month’s Pretty Post speaks to the timeless elegance which we are all about!
The Saybrook Point Inn was the perfect venue to host Lorin and Skip’s December reception- its views overlooking a quaint marina on Long Island Sound couldn’t have made a better backdrop for their special day. We love photographer Steve Depino’s ability to capture the spirit of the bride and groom as well all of those intimate moments you won’t soon forget, including the images of our very own seamstress (and Beneath the Gown owner), Josie, dressing Lorin before her walk down the aisle. Lorin chose to partake in our Dressing Service in which we send a talented seamstress to your location the day of your wedding to take the stress out of dressing!
Lorin wore a gorgeous Augusta Jones organza a-line gown with a sheer bateau neckline with buttons cascading down the back. We love how the vintage clasp at the waist plays off of all of her other fabulous accessories including the Maria Elena headpiece and bracelet and Haute Bride coin pearl earrings. Lorin’s ensemble was made extra special by the straight-off-the-runway ostrich feather bolero from her fabulous employer, Ralph Lauren. The satin fingerless gloves were her ‘something old’ ,as they were worn by her beloved grandmother on her wedding day. Her flawless beauty is by Nicole Moleti for Laura Mercier and her hair was done by Essence of Old Saybrook.
The maids wore a look inspired by Jackie Kenney’s bridal party reinvented up by The White Dress by the shore owner, Beth Chapman and bridesmaid designer, Coren Moore. They paired a crisp white shirt (by Ralph Lauren of course), a navy shantung skirt (Coren Moore) and pearls to create a refreshing yet timeless take on the bridesmaid ensemble. The dapper groomsmen were outfitted with sophisticated style in none other than Ralph Lauren tuxedos.
Here is Lorin’s recount of her dress shopping experience:
“I had the most amazing experience selecting the perfect gown for my wedding at The White Dress by the Shore. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly and made me feel at ease every time I came back for a fitting. Not only is the gown selection exquisite – but the accessories are a must! Beth has the best selection of vintage-inspired jewelry that really adds the finishing touch to any look. I picked out all of my jewelry, shoes, veil, headpiece and even underpinnings – all at The White Dress. It make things so much easier, especially during such a busy time in a bride’s life. A very special thanks to Josie who made my dress fit ‘like a glove’!”
Cheers to Lorin and Skip! We loved everything about your winter wedding day!
Credits~
Venue: Saybrook Point Inn
Photographer: Steve Depino
Gown: Augusta Jones | The White Dress by the shore
Accessories: Maria Elena and Haute Bride | The White Dress by the shore
Bridesmaid Ensemble:Ralph Lauren dress shirt with Coren Moore shantung skirt
Beauty: Nicole Moleti for Laura Mercier
Hair: Essence Wellness
Florist: Montville Florist
Groomsmen: Ralph Lauren
xoxo, TWD
Pretty Post: Lexi & Kevin’s Vineyard Wedding with Delicious Details by Robert Norman
We can’t get enough of our bride Lexi’s wedding and with her dream team of vendors- how could she go wrong? Her planner, Earth2Events‘ Josh Chalmer’s, brings us the inside scoop on these nuptials with delicious details below:
“What’s more fun than teaming up to do the wedding of the daughter of one of the region’s top caterers? How about this — a trusting and adventurous bride and groom open to creative quirks and whimsical additions that made even the early brainstorming as exciting as the party itself!
It all grew from the inspiring and beautiful Saltwater Farms Vineyard, with a modern color palette of soft gray, persimmon and ivory. They wanted elegant comfort food and an intimate feast for 135 family and friends, topped off with humor and wild dancing.
The caterer was, of course, also the Mother of the Bride, Linda Sample, and A Thyme To Cook. Imagine hot, tabletop skillets of cornbread, the groom’s mother’s meatloaf recipe, a Taco Truck off the bed of a red pick-up, ingredients from local farms, and a surprise groom’s cake (he’s a cheese monger) topped with a hockey-playing mouse.
Event planner Josh Chalmers, of Earth2 Events, borrowed furniture and props from his own Connecticut cottage to create displays — an arrival beverage station at an antique writing desk, an Irish Pine hutch to host the stationary hors d’oeuvres, an old card catalog box for the guest book station, and a gift drop made from old trunks. For a twist on the standard escort card display, he asked for an edible version, which resulted in baby biscuits for guests to “Eat To Find Your Seat.”
Dark wood farm tables, built by the folks at Liberty Rentals, were topped with natural burlap runners, twinkling candles, and round chalkboard table numbers. Square menu cards, created by Maxie Etess, fit perfectly inside the bread and butter dishes.
Knock-your-socks-off florals came from Yumiko Fletcher and the Hana Floral design team. “We were so thrilled to work on Lexi’s wedding,” says Yumiko, “and just a tad nervous, too, as we knew Linda had seen it all when it came to wedding flowers!” This imaginative and fun client wanted a bold color scheme, so persimmon was the choice throughout. They also loved using various textural flowers.
For the tables, Hana Floral used a mix of the following in zinc planters: orange pincushion proteas, orange garden roses, peach berries, succulents, air plants, orange dahlias, mokara orchids, mini calla lilies and gloriosa lilies. These were alternated with bronze compotes of various succulents and air plants.
For Lexi’s bouquet, they used softer orange tones and accents of ivory, with Juliet garden roses, mango mini calla lilies, beige Sahara roses, orange mokara orchids, blushing bride protea, berries, ferns, succulents and air plants. The bridesmaids carried brighter versions, wrapped in a pewter silk ribbon.
Ryan Designs brought the space to life with lounge vignettes in front of the fireplace and in the loft, including an oversized bed on the balcony overlooking the vineyard property. Because of the bride’s background in fashion, they were motivated to accent the lounge furnishings with custom throw pillows in a bold mix of fabrics and prints. Three bright, custom-finish persimmon chandeliers hung over the center of the dining room, sparkling with crystals.
Doug Jastremski, of Power Posse Productions, brought the music and the production lighting, using warm uplights along the walls, beautifully illuminating the wine barrels, the passageways, the loft and the lounge areas.
The bridesmaids wore J .Crew dresses in graphite, with the Maid of Honor in the Raquel style of the Cotton Cady line, also in graphite. Their chunky, funky necklaces were from an unlikely source – the website Totally Collegiate. The “Summer Jewels Chunky Bead Necklace” is a three-row, multi-hued, multi-faceted beaded creation.
The bride was styled by The White Dress by the shore. She wore a delicately beaded lace gown by Augusta Jones. Alexis accessorized her look with an organza floral and beaded sash and lace-trimmed veil, both by Augusta Jones, and vintage-inspired filigree earrings by Maria Elena.”
Congratulations Kevin & Lexi- we know you danced the night away!
Want more of this fabulous wedding? Check out the recent Style me Pretty feature here!
Wedding Photography: Robert Norman Photography
Wedding Venue: Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington, Connecticut
Event Design: Ryan Designs for Earth2 Events
Event Planning: Josh Chalmers for Earth2 Events
Floral Design: Hana Floral Design
Wedding Catering: A Thyme to Cook
Wedding Invitations: Maxie Etess
Wedding Dress: Augusta Jones from The White Dress by the Shore
Shoes: Christian Dior
xoxo, TWD
Pretty Post: Mandi & Dan
Mandi and Dan’s nuptials were very special to us here at The White Dress by the shore, as they have posed as models on numerous photoshoots styled by owner, Beth Chapman. Mandi even choose her gown during the filming of a video to promote the launch of our White Carpet Appointment service!
We were thrilled to be part of this couples destination wedding at the gorgeous Los Suenos Resort in Costa Rica. The couples reception took place at Casa Marlin, a private residence that they rented through our friends at Stay in Costa Rica. We love that the beauty of the location inspired the wedding decor designed by in WHITE member, Jubilee Events. Bright punches of color mixed with natural fibers were present throughout the table scape, paper design, wedding favors and floral arrangements making for a truly delightful visual experience for the intimate guest list.
This beautiful bride wed the love of her life in a gorgeous Modern Trousseau tulle ball gown complete with an embellished sash and simple cathedral veil. As previously mentioned, Mandi found her gown at a White Carpet appointment and then went on to complete her fittings with the Connecticut-based designer achieving a custom look. You can also watch Mandi get her gown fitted in this video in which Modern Trousseau demonstrates the making of a custom, couture gown.
The maids wore different tropical hues by Melissa Sweet while the groomsmen looked dapper yet relaxed in their J.Crew suits. A strict shoe policy was in place for this hot and steamy climate- sandals only!
A few details we can’t get enough of-
-None of the flowers used the the arrangements were bought, shipped in or ordered- all were plucked fresh from the jungle and designed on-site by floral genius, Tony Palmeri of Datura: A Modern Garden.
-The bride and groom were able to have each an everyone of their small guest list participate in their vows by having a “blessings of the rings” ceremony where each atendee was able to ‘hold and honor’ the couples rings before they were exchanged.
-The brides’ Mother acted as Maid of Honor as the grooms’ Father acted as Best Man.
-All of the fish served during the dinner reception at Casa Marlin was caught off shore in the Pacific Ocean the very same day.
The photos of this day, captured by inWhite member, Carla Ten Eyck are truly magical and (almost) make us feel like we are there among the guests in a tropical paradise.
The couple shared their first dance by the resorts large infinity pool that overlooks a lagoon, lush vegetation and the pacific ocean. And after the evenings’ festivities got underway- everyone, including the bride and groom, ended up in that spectacular pool.
Congratulations to our friends, Mandi and Dan, we were truly honored to be a part of your incredibly special day.
You can also see this wedding featured in the latest issue of Inside Weddings magazine, the pages are on our blog here.
If like us, you can’t get enough of this wedding, you can watch Mandi and Dan’s wedding by Vintage Cinema, here.
Credit Roll:
Bridal Gown: Modern Trousseau
Bridal Boutique: The White Dress by the shore
Cake/Catering: El Buensabor Chef Privado and Catering Service
Consulting: Candice Coppola for Jubilee Events
Floral Design: Datura: a modern garden
Formalwear: J.Crew
Invitations: Renaissance Writings
Jewelry: Portobello Jewelers
Linens: Eventos Boadicea
Photography: Carla Ten Eyck
Rehearsal Dinner: The Terrace Lounge at Los Suenos Resort Marina Village
Rentals: Eventos Boadicea
Venue: Casa Marlin at Los Suenos
Videography: Vintage Cinema
xoxo, TWD
Pretty Post: Jillian and Tim’s Eclectic Fete
My, oh my! Your eyes do not deceive you- this wedding is actually that gorgeous! The soft serenity that surrounds Jillian and Tim was captured by none other than the incredible, Michelle Gardella. This photographer captured all the details that made this day so special- the dream catchers, the hugs, the gowns’ stunning details, the pocket watch, even the cat’s gorgeous eyes!
The Barns at Wesleyan Hills made for the perfect setting for this ethereal fete. The eclectic charm embodying this couple was only enhanced by their other vendors including florist extraordinaire, Datura: A Modern Garden (check out that mossy gorgeousness cloaking the table). The brides’ ensemble is one we won’t soon forget here at TWD; she wore Ivy & Aster’s ‘Sweet Pea’ the way it should be worn- with custom details that made it her own, including a floral Modern Trousseau Belt and ruffled Moyna bolero- both available at The White Dress by the shore. Her gold leaf earrings and glittery oxfords are the icing on the cake- speaking of, that gorgeous creation is by Take the Cake.
These images truly speak to the love between this pair and we can’t stop looking! Congratulations to this amazing couple!
xoxo, TWD


































































































































































































