REAL WEDDINGS-February 2013
Photographs by Kate Crabtree
June 23 | North Haven

Susannah and Gardner met on North Haven, where Susannah’s parents live, the summer before they went off to college. When they started planning their wedding years later, there was no question that they’d marry on the island. Pulpit Harbor Church is located just down the road from Susannah’s parents’ house, and she had dreamed of getting married there since she was a little girl. Holding a wedding on an island can be tricky (and pricey), but Susannah and her mother got creative. Susannah’s mother spent most of the spring tending to tiny potted sweet alyssum plants they used on the tables instead of traditional centerpieces and made arrangements with wildflowers for the church ceremony and reception, which was held in a tent and an old barn by the water. The incorporation of lovely details like these gave the day a casual but elegant feel, punctuated by traditional elements that held special meaning to the bride and groom.

“HAVING TREES INSIDE THE TENT REALLY PUT THE FINISHING TOUCH ON THE SPACE. IT FELT SO ROMANTIC.”

Why…

that dress? Susannah fell in love with the Lasara gown, with its sweetheart top and flowing A-line shape, when she saw it in stores and catalogues, but couldn’t justify spending so much on a dress she’d wear just once. Instead, she bought it sight-unseen from oncewed.com and—luckily—it fit like it was made for her.

the southern details?The cotton boutonnieres were a nod to Susannah and Gardner’s new lives south of the Mason-Dixon Line. The couple also served fried green tomatoes.

signature cocktails?Susannah and Gardner wanted to offer their guests something in addition to beer and wine, and picked two classic summer drinks with wide appeal. The Tipsy Arnold Palmers, made with Firefly sweet tea vodka and lemonade, and gin and tonics did the trick.

that hair style? Susannah wanted a simple updo that was not too formal, but would stay put throughout the night. She wore a long chapel veil during the ceremony and replaced it with a silk peony for the reception.

that caterer? The couple left the menu in the capable hands of Amanda Hallowell of Nebo Lodge. The food was locally sourced and absolutely delicious.

Click for a full list of resources from the 2013 Wedding issue.