Describe how you felt when you saw each other for the first time: Bride: Excited!! So excited and happy and ready. I could not stop smiling. Once we were together everything else sort of faded into the background for a few minutes. It was nice to have some time with just Jim before everyone else joined us for pictures.
Groom: There was so much effort put in during the weeks leading up to the wedding by some many people; the anticipation really begins to build and the meaning of the day can be lost in the commotion and planning. On the wedding day, I saw Lizzie for the first time when she joined me outside for pictures prior to the ceremony. She looked incredible, and that was when, for me, it started to be about us and our day. At that point, I stopped worrying about guests and planning and focused on nothing but enjoying the day with my wife.
Favorite moment: Bride: Being with my mom, Jim’s mom and my bridesmaids in the locker room beforehand. Seeing both of our Grandma’s during pictures – they looked so beautiful and proud. During my dad’s funny, sweet, sincere speech. Watching Jim’s little cousins have the best time on the dance floor. Seeing my gorgeous bridesmaids with the belts my mom had hand sewn for each them and appreciating how talented she is and how much work she had done throughout my entire engagement. Realizing I finally have a sister! Seeing Jim with his new ring on and feeling incredibly lucky to have found such a good person.
Groom: Some reception highlights will always be remembered, including the time the father of the Maid of Honor thought he was in a fraternity and decided to see how many sweet tea whiskey shots he could do and when our 6’8, 275-lb. friend did a split dancing to Party Rock, but, in addition to those moments, I really appreciated the time spent with family. It was great to take the time during the reception to catch up with our rather large, Midwestern families.
Unique Traditions or something that was special to you? Rather than take away from the energy of the party and the dance floor, we decided to cut our cake outside on the patio with just our parents. It was perfect. It gave us a few minutes with just them and made it special for us to share that moment together.
Advice for couples getting married? Sleep on it. Put yourself in your (insert family member, friend)’s shoes. Ask yourself what really matters to you and your fiancé and then give in a little for your families’ asks. Enjoy the day and let things roll.
Photography: Justin & Mary // Venue: Country Club of Darien // Videographer: Videler //
Florist: The Flower Fall // Cake: Brooklyn Cupcake // Entertainment: Half Prince //
Hair Stylist: Salon DeMatteo of Westport // Make-up: Beauty Marked Design //
Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller // Bride's shoes: Badgley Mischka //
Bridesmaids dresses: J. Crew Bridal // Groom's Suit: Canali // Groomsmen's Suits: JoS. A. Bank //
