What is your favorite wedding day memory?

We were married in a small town in Connecticut. When our photographer suggested we do a first look prior to the ceremony we knew we wanted it to be something magical and intimate. We contacted the local old fashion movie theatre downtown and asked if they’d put our name up on the marquee. The day of our wedding we met alone (with our photographers) under the marquee that was wishing us congratulations. Seeing Dan for the first time took away all the stress and anxiety created from months of planning a semi destination wedding (we live in Rhode Island where my husband and his entire family are from, they all traveled two hours to Connecticut where my family is from for our big day). Being alone and seeing one another for the first time was a moment neither one of us will ever forget!

What did you DIY for your wedding?

I hunted Pinterest like a predator when I got engaged. I filled my wedding board with all sorts of ideas, but as budget became a reality I knew I would need to scale back. Instead of going crazy with rentals and etsy, my sister helped me to create a lot of the looks I’d seen. I work in a school, and was able to die-cut letters and numbers for our gift bags and table numbers, using glitter scrapbook paper purchased from the craft store. My sister bought all of our table number frames at IKEA and spray painted them silver with a glitter overlay (as we were married on New Years and had a MORE GLITTER THE BETTER attitude). We used craft paper and numbers to create bling for our tables. Thanks to another bride, my husband and I upcycled an old antique six pained window to use for our guest seating. My husband sanded it and spray painted it silver and we displayed our table seating arraignment in each window.

Something old, new, borrowed and blue?

Old- I used my Nana’s veil from post war 1945. It was exquisite and made from antique, yellowed lace which was perfect with my ivory dress. New- My bridesmaid hawk eyed my pinterest board and made as many of my bridal dreams come true. For my wedding shower they purchased my dream Kate Spade glitter peep toe heels and matching clutch. They also signed their names at the bottom of my shoes so they actually walked the aisle with me on my big day, literally! Borrowed- Dan and I wanted to have as much unique “US” flair as possible on the big day. We are NOT traditionalists, but that being said, I love the idea of hand-me-downs and used the same champagne toasting flutes as both my grandparents and parents did on their weddings in 1945 and 1974. Blue- My Undies :-) blue ruffles with crystal “Mrs.” spelled out on the front.

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

Everyone told me the day would FLY by. I smile and nodded… and so now, I cannot stress how fast the day actually does go. Remember what the day is all about. I promise that every concern, annoyance, frustration, and stress will be rolling off your shoulders as you approach that aisle. Everything I thought I wanted and needed and couldn’t live with out didn’t matter the moment I saw Dan and knew that I was about to become his wife. I went crazy with details in the beginning, I ordered personalized napkins and coasters and at the end of the day, no one noticed them. They were almost wasteful. No one is there to see those things, they are there to see you shine on your big day! Also, trust your vendors and understand this isn’t their first rodeo. I surrounded myself with amazing professionals on the day of my wedding, and that really helped keep me calm. – Kelly, the bride

Event Credits

Photography: Candace Jeffery Photography // Ceremony: St. John Church // Reception, Planning + Catering: Dolce Norwalk // Florist: Brides and Blooms // Cake: DiMare Bakery // Officiant: Father Joseph Cervero // DJ: Fake ID // Videographer: Louis Septrino // Transportation: Elite Limo // Dress: Haley Paige purchased at The Bridal Garden // Bride and Bridesmaids Jewelry: Lauren Andreozzi, jewelry designer Providence, RI // Shoes: Kate Spade // Bridesmaid dresses: David's Bridal // Hair: The Studio Darien // Makeup: Andrea Clark // Grooms attire: Indochino // Grooms Shoes: Aldo // Groomsmen attire: The Black Tux // Invitations: Lano Design Studio // Napkins + Coasters: TheKnot.com // Bridal Tanks: Wedding Apparel // Save the Dates: A La Carte Paperie // Handkerchiefs: Larkspur & Linen // Pashminas: Bridal Bridesmaid