Winifred Binda & Brian Gibbons May 21, 2016 Winifred: 26, from Massachusetts Brian: 29, from Block Island Now Reside in: Glastonbury, CT
Photos by Hilary B Photography
The Details Ceremony: Saint Andrew Catholic Church Reception: The Spring House Hotel Rehearsal/Welcome Event: The Spring House Flowers: Robin Hollow Farm Cake: Sweet Cakes Photographer: Hilary B Photography Music: DJ Danielle Duffy Transportation: Mig’s Rig Taxi Hair: Koru Eco Spa, Kinga Kaminska
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Before the Ring and Proposal Winifred and Brian met on their first day of law school at University of Connecticut School of Law. Having all of their classes together, the couple got to know each other outside of the classroom once Brian stopped spending all his weekends on Block Island. On July 4, 2015, Brian took Winifred and their dog Freddie, for a walk on the beach at Grace’s Cove, and proposed at the same spot where his father had proposed to his mother 32 years before. The engagement ring was made by Brian’s father, local jeweler Peter Gibbons. Block Island because…… Brian and Winifred feel like it was a perfect way to share the Block Island experience with many of Winifred’s family and friends. “The Island’s beauty provided the perfect setting for our wedding and we couldn’t have imagined getting married anywhere else.” The Day and Design Deciding to do “first look’” photos before the wedding, Brian recalls that one of his favorite memories was seeing his bride for the first time at the Southeast Light. Winifred described the same moment as one of joy, and total calm. The ceremony was held at Saint Andrew Catholic Church and highlights included music by Winifred’s cousins and reciting their traditional vows by memory. The reception was held at The Spring
House where cocktails were served on the porch, food was served on family style banquet tables and guests danced in Victoria’s Parlor. Heartfelt speeches were given by the Matron of Honor and by the co-Best Men, Scott Gibbons and Harry Pike, and the newlyweds surprised everyone with their dance moves. Winifred says that dancing with all of her guests to an epic playlist by DJ Danielle was a huge highlight of the evening — even her mother was out on the dance floor for almost every song! The Wedding Weekend Winifred and Brian had a wedding website with all the key information for guests. Welcome bags, embroidered by the mother-of-the-bride, were given to all of the out of town guests. Personal notes were dropped into each bag with suggestions of the couple’s favorite places on the island, along with a list of activities they thought guests would enjoy. The couple gave the groomsmen Vineyard Vines Block Island bowties from Mahoney’s Clothier and the bridesmaids received Block Island pendants made by the groom’s father. A close friend hosted a bridal shower for Winifred at The 1661 and the rehearsal dinner, reception, and farewell brunch were held at The Spring House. During the week before the wedding, Winifred and her parents rented old West Side Baptist Church, which gave them access to their very own church bell — Winifred’s mother got to ring the bell the morning of the wedding.
Block Island Weddings