Real Weddings
Sara and Justin - Pine Orchard, CT
Classic Seaside Style in Connecticut
- The Photographer:
- Jon Butterick Photography
- The Venue:
- Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club
- The Bride:
- Sara Egan, Sales Manager, 25
- The Groom:
- Justin Hardy, District Sales Manager, 26
The Stage: Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club
Inspired by the Connecticut shoreline, Sara and Justin crafted a beach-themed wedding with plenty of nautical details in Pine Orchard, CT.
Following the ceremony at Pine Orchard Union Chapel, a Connecticut historic landmark, guests strolled down the road to the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club for a wedding reception overlooking the Atlantic and scenic Thimble Islands.
Elementary School Sweethearts?
Sara and Justin’s relationship goes way back to the second grade. The friendship that began in elementary school flourished over the years, as the two occasionally found themselves dating throughout parts of high school and college. By the time Sara and Justin entered adulthood, the relationship had developed into an impenetrable bond. Then two best friends realized they were meant to be.
Planning Made Perfect
With both Sara and Justin growing up on the Connecticut shoreline, the choice of wedding location was easy. The couple set out to craft an affair steeped in classic Connecticut elegance. But while they planned a polished event, the approach nevertheless remained relaxed. Never frantic or rushed, Sara and Justin made planning decisions over glasses of wine and soft music. Often times, these wedding detail discussions gave way to fond trips down memory lane, as the two traded stories of growing up together. Throughout the planning process, Sara and Justin’s focus never strayed from the true meaning of the occasion. They always managed to keep the wedding plans in perspective - a feat which has proved elusive to so many other couples.
Nautical Touches
Both beach people at heart, Sara and Justin infused nautical details throughout their wedding day. The Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club overlooking Long Island Sound made an ideal setting for the outdoor waterfront reception, while the yacht-dotted coastline provided a decorous backdrop. To tie together the seaside theme, they incorporated a starfish design element throughout the décor, placing them on garland outside the chapel entrance, on guest place cards and upon the ballroom mantle set amongst twinkling lights and berries.
The bright summer day was capped off by a gorgeous sunset over the sparkling water.
Making Memories
Events enveloped in love and friendship are always memorable, and Sara and Justin’s wedding was no different. Surrounded by friends and family who had watched the couple blossom from tiny second graders to man and wife, Sara and Justin knew they were lucky. The couple succeeded in pulling off the ultimate in formal elegance, yet with a blend of good food, lively music and friendship that created a festive vibe and a good time had by all. And long after Sara and Justin set off that evening for their honeymoon in Los Cabos, the jovial group kept the party going into the night’s wee hours.
How it All Came Together
Attire:
Bride’s Wedding Gown – Sara selected a dress by Anne Barge that featured intricate bead work and a full layered skirt - The White Dress by the Shore - Clinton, CT
Bridesmaids’ Dresses – Sara’s bridesmaids wore Jenny Yoo - a strapless, raspberry colored dress with pink sashes tied around the waist. The younger bridesmaids wore straps.
Wedding Flowers and Decor: Madison Flower Shop and Garden - Madison, CT
Sara and Justin set out to create a look of elegant simplicity with their wedding décor. Each arrangement featured only roses in shades varying from pale pink to deep raspberry.
Bride’s Bouquet – Raspberry colored roses with green palms tied together with white satin ribbon
Bridemaids’ Bouquets – Light pink colored roses tied together with pink satin ribbon
Centerpieces– Tables alternated between raspberry colored roses and light pink colored roses with green palms
Wedding Music: Ceremony Musicians - Classical Music for All Occasions, CT- a string duo of violin and cello
Cocktail Hour and Reception - Matty B and Joe - Plainville, MA - a combination of live and DJ entertainment, featuring live saxophone
First Dance - “Crazy Love” – Van Morrison
Father/Daughter Dance - “What a Wonderful World” - Louis Armstrong
Mother/Son Dance - “Imagine” - John Lennon
The Menu – Catering provided by the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club - Pine Orchard, CT – a sit down served dinner with a choice of surf and turf, chicken piccata or grilled salmon with champagne dill sauce
Wedding Cake – Cake provided by renowned pasty chef at Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club - Pine Orchard, CT – the white cake had a chocolate raspberry mousse filling and featured pearl dots with roses and tea lights surrounding it.
Officiant – David Youngerman, JOP - Madison, CT
Photography – Jon Butterick Photography - CT
Transportation – Sunset Limousine - Guilford, CT
Hair and Makeup:
Hair (Bride, Bridesmaids, MOB) - Urbane, Guilford ñ CT
Make-Up - Darcy - Madison, CT
Accommodations:
Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale - New Haven, CT
Comfort Inn - Madison, CT
Rehearsal Dinner – Café Allegra - Madison, CT
Honeymoon – Dreams Resort and Spa - Los Cabos, Mexico