Setting the Tones

It wasn't the English-style gardens of the 45-room historic manor house that led Ellen Dancy and Chris Busher to choose the Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, Rhode Island, as a venue for their July 22 wedding. Instead, it was the property's potential for a waterway sunset that dictated their final decision – especially for Ellen, who wanted her fiance to have his dream wedding setting: a sunset scene. The idea would then set the tone for the remaining wedding details. A color scheme, reflective of an early-evening summertime sky – consisting of oranges, yellows, pinks, reds, and shades of purple – were infused into the flower arrangements, tent decor, and personal attire. And as Mother Nature would have it, as the couple was about to share their first meal as husband and wife, a fiery sunset appeared over Narragansett Bay.

Jewelry – Made with Care
Ellen's friend Suzanne Wong, a jeweler, made Ellen's platinum wedding band set with pink, yellow, and orange diamonds and Chris's tungsten band, which, according to Ellen, was a must because he "could break just about anything." Wong also created the bridesmaids' gifts to be worn that day: drop earrings in the shape of sea mussels and matching bracelets made of beads, freshwater pearls, and rose quartz.

Ceremony – All in the Family
The stationery suite, designed by Ellen's sister-in-law, established a theme of family involvement even before the day arrived. But the most unique aspect of their families' contributions was the roles that both moms played in the ceremony: Ellen's mother, an ordained minister, performed the wedding ceremony, while Chris's, who has her master's in theology, gave the homily.

Flower Arrangements – Wildflower Flair
Having worked at the greenhouse at the Boston Museum of Science, Ellen had a good idea which types of flowers would nicely echo her color scheme. With the help of a Stoneblossom florist, an array of dahlias, wildflowers, snapdragons, zinnias, and roses were used to create the bouquets, the table centerpieces, and the four large arrangements that framed the dance floor

Bridesmaids' Dresses – To Each Her Own
Ellen let her bridesmaids be involved in picking their own dresses. They were given four different dress-cut options, ranging from empire waists to sweetheart cuts. Eventually, they agreed on a simple tea-length strapless gown made of silk shantung, and each selected their own color out of an array of pinks and oranges.

A Lasting Memory - Butterflies After some hectic, last-minute bridesmaids' dress touch-ups, Ellen paused on the side porch to overlook the terrace and gardens where her family and friends were awaiting her grand ceremony debut. As she looked out at all of the people who were there to support her and Chris, endless hours of planning and stress washed away. She linked arms with her father, completely at ease and ready to enjoy it all. Her father, on the other hand, who should have been used to crowds as a former Baltimore Colts football player, was not as relaxed. "My dad turned to me and said, 'I've walked out in front of 50,000 people before, but have never had butterflies like I do right now!'" laughs Ellen.