REAL WEDDINGS-February 2014
Photographs by Brendan Bullock
June 15 | Peaks Island

Casie and Nate met as students at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Several years later, Nate proposed at the boathouse on Seneca Lake near campus. He was of course terribly nervous, completely conscious of the ring in the pocket of his jeans and the possibility that he would fumble it into the lake in a burst of nerves. Afterward, outrageously happy and walking up the hill from the water, a bird flew out of nowhere and left a “gift” on Casie’s shoulder and hair—which is supposedly “good luck.” In love and in luck, when the newly engaged couple began searching for a venue in Casie’s home state they found it in the Trefethen-Evergreen Improvement Association on Peaks Island. With lots of help from family and friends, Casie and Nate created a mix-and-match vibe that was subtly nautical and also homey. Nate’s father married the couple, and after the wedding they stuck around the state for their honeymoon at the renowned Nebo Lodge on North Haven.

Why…

that color scheme? Casie and Nate opted for a palette of grays, navy blue, stripes, and muted neutrals. Casie found herself Pinterest-searching “French nautical,” and it shows in the subtlety.

that menu? The talented folks from Dandelion Catering prepared a delicious meal that guests are still raving about. A lobster dinner wasn’t permitted by the venue, so the couple went with lobster crostini and they were a hit. Risotto was provided for guests who don’t eat meat or gluten.

that dress? Casie didn’t want a strapless dress or something with a lot of fabric, but rather a gown with clean lines and a vintage feel. The Nicole Miller dress fit perfectly, and was so unique and dramatic it “took a lot of the pressure off of everything else I wore,” says Casie.

Click for a full list of resources from the 2014 Wedding issue.