Sarah and Dan purchased a Connecticut farmhouse during their engagement — their first home together — with the dream of getting married on the property. They made it happen with their wonderfully intimate orthodox Jewish wedding on December 6th 2015, the first night of Chanuakah! Sixty of their closest friends and family joined them to celebrate the happiest days of their lives. I certainly can’t think of a better way to commemorate owning your first joint home!
This informal yet elegant affair just goes to show that you don’t necessarily have to incorporate a rainbow of colour or an abundance of details to have the wedding of your dreams. Mazal Tov Sarah and Dan!
Choosing to get married in our new home
Sarah, the Bride: After having both lived in studio apartments in New York City our dream was to live on a quiet retreat within arms reach to the city. We found a farmhouse dating back to 1790 in Connecticut, that we purchased during our engagement ,with the dream of being married on the property.
Colour scheme
Our colours were complimentary to our surroundings. Beautiful bouquets of off whites and greens, elegant and farm themed without being kitsch-y.
Invitation design
I designed our invitations myself using vintage botanical drawing from the same year our house was built, 1790.
hair + make up
Riki Frankel did exactly what I dreamed of for my hair and makeup. I have very long hair and I wanted to showcase that. We did light natural curls and ballet inspired makeup, going heavier on the eyes and cheeks but keeping everything within my natural tones. My best friend Sally Biondo designed organic lotions for me that kept my skin moisturised with natural golden tones throughout the day.
the dress
My dress was by the Portuguese designer Diogo Miranda. I made a few changes in the structure of the dress- adding panels, changing the neckline and adding a waist to create a cinched effect.
Because this wasn’t a typical wedding and I’d be walking down the aisle on grass, I chose to wear simple lace ballet flats in off white.
accessories
I wore custom made solitaire diamonds that were given to me by my mother-in-law for the occasion. My veil was vintage.
The handsome groom
My husband wore a navy blue Tom Ford suit — we originally went for black but it seemed too uptight in comparison to my relaxed attire.
The ceremony
Our Rabbi, Maurice Appelbaum, brought an unexpected amount of humour and entertainment to our ceremony. Without our knowing, he told the entire story of how we met, including details that I wouldn’t have added myself. I’m not sure I would have added in that Dan asked me to go to Jerusalem to meet his mother on our second date. The audience was really exposed to the depth of connection we share with a big dose of laughter.
chuppah design
We wanted something rustic and the truth is our original design didn’t work so this masterpiece was made the night before thanks to our friend Jacob.
Flowers
We had an array of cream and green flowers, mainly hydrangeas, cream roses, and Phalaenopsis orchids. Our arrangements were from Rosa Florist in Bridgeport.
Our fantastic photographer
As a model I’ve worked with photographer Nicole Vaunt a number of times. I was drawn to the idea of having a female photographer, her style and familiarity was the perfect fit.
Music
Our music selection was traditional with a few unexpected Hebrew covers. I connected with the DJ Jeff Azamra right aware and trusted him with the music. We made general suggestions and we were happily surprised with his taste and energy.
favours
Our friends at Maison Lambert generously gave us custom designed bags of Rose teas for our guests with our initials and the date of our wedding.
Sarah & Dan’s Little White Book
Photography — Nicole Vaunt
Venue — the couple’s own farmhouse
Flowers —Rosa Florist
Bride’s Dress — Diogo Miranda
Hair & Make Up — Riki Frankel
DJ — Jeff Azamra
Favours — Maison Lambert
