Weddings on the Shoreline 2024

WEDDINGS

FEBRUARY 2024

Perfect venues A look at some of Connecticut's best wedding spots

Custom dresses

Fittings, embellishments, and more with local artisans

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Seamless planning Professionals who handle the details

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Antique Shop Shop A Cons Antique Cons Antique Shop A Consignment

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The views and opinions expressed in each article are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of On the Shoreline, The Day Publishing Company, or Shore Publishing.

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WEDDINGS

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FEBRUARY

CONTENTS

26

6

WEDDINGS

The perfect place Dreamy wedding destinations worth exploring along the Connecticut shoreline and beyond

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Water Street Jewelers

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Organize your wedding planning

Local stylists and seamstresses guide brides to the perfect dress

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Christianne and Michael Smith pose for photos on their wedding day. Valeen Thivierge of the Fitting Room completed custom alterations of the bride’s gown. The groom was dressed by Modern Formals. Photo by Nick Rezendes Photography

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Local stylists and seamstresses guide brides to the perfect dress

W

By Gretchen A. Peck e’re currently in the midst of a wedding boom, according to experts. More than 2.5 million Americans tied the knot in 2022 alone—among them were couples who’d hoped to marry a year or two before, but postponed their nuptials out of COVID concerns. As couples plan their big day, reception venues, florists, bands, deejays, and bridal shops across the region are again in high demand.

Seamstresses are especially busy. Valeen Thivierge has been a professional seamstress her entire career. She learned to sew at the tender age of 8, and put the practical skill to use later in life when she began to do bridal alterations. Over the years, she worked for bridal shops all across the

region. In January 2020, she opened the Fitting Room—the first retail shop of her own—unaware that a global pandemic was imminent. Her first year in business came to a halt, but by 2021 and throughout 2022, her calendar booked up fast.

“It’s still very busy. There are very few of us professional bridal seamstresses around.

Very few. It’s a lost art,” Thivierge says.

In addition to standard alterations, she’s able to help brides further customize the fit and style of their gowns—for example, adding whisper-thin straps or delicate sleeves. She recommends factoring three months for alterations into a wedding timeline, especially if the bride has multiple looks for the wedding—one for the rehearsal, one for the wedding, and another for the reception.

Thivierge sees her role as not just a technician but as a calming influence on brides, who can rest assured that their gowns will fit beautifully and be ready on time. “ I have a lways loved wedd ings ,” Thivierge says. “My husband used to tease me that I’d watched Cinderella too much as a kid, because I’ve always loved ball gowns and fancy dresses.”

FIRST, THE DRESS One thing many brides and grooms share in common is that they want to look their best on their wedding day—and that their attire should reflect their individual style.

Chelsea Tyler McNamara recalls feeling that way when she was a bride.

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ABOVE Accessories should complement the dress rather than detract from it. Everthine, a bridal boutique in Madison, also carries jewelry to complete the bride’s wedding-day look. Photo by Julia Luckett BELOW Sheilah Calder and Derrick Pizzo enlisted seamstress Valeen Thivierge’s help to perfectly fit the bride’s striking black wedding gown. Thivierge, who owns the Fitting Room, provides alterations and custom redesign elements to brides and members of their wedding parties. Photo courtesy of Valeen Thivierge

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It was the search for her own wedding gown that inspired her to start her own bridal business, Everthine, in Madison. McNamara graduated with a business management degree from the New School’s Parsons School of Design, and began her professional career in public relations for major fashion brands, including French Connection USA. She’d moved to Connecticut from New York City and recalled being at a career crossroads. At the same time, she and her fiancée began to plan their wedding, and she started looking for a dress. “ The only local shops that existed all offered the same A-line cake-topper dresses, so to speak.

They just didn’t feel like me at all.

I wanted something simple and fashion-forward—almost something that you might wear again, that didn’t feel like a wedding dress but was still very elegant,” McNamara says.

“There was a gap in the market, and I thought there had to be other brides like me out there who don’t want a traditional wedding dress.

What are they doing? At that point, I started researching independent, nontraditional yet fashion-forward wedding dress designers, who offered a more understated, elegant look,” she says.

Not only did she find the perfect gown, her career path was laid out before her. She founded Everthine to help other brides discover their ideal wedding look. The brand is intentionally focused on the bride and carries no attire for other members of the wedding party.

Brides come to Everthine at various stages in their gown quest.

Some come with a specific vision

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Brides come to Everthine in Madison for expert guidance on choosing a wedding dress that’s hand-crafted and nontraditional by design. P hoto by Julia Luckett

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WEDDINGS

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in mind; others aren’t quite as certain, and that’s when Everthine’s stylists can help.

McNamara and her team have developed relationships with local designers and others from across the globe.

“None of their gowns are mass-produced.

Many have their own production studios, and their teams are small. Everything is done by hand, and to the bride, it feels unique and personal,” McNamara says.

The stylists have even helped brides find custom designs.

“Just yesterday, we had a bride who came to us for a black wedding dress, which is absolutely beautiful,” McNamara says. “We often have brides who want to wear something that doesn’t necessarily feel like a wedding dress. It may be something like a simple slip dress. Think of one of the

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ABOVE Everthine’s bridal stylists attend the latest bridal fashion events and develop relationships with an exclusive group of bridal designers from around the world. Photo by Julia Luckett BELOW Bride Christianne Smith prepares for her wedding day. Valeen Thivierge, a seamstress and owner of the Fitting Room, did custom alterations on the gown. Photo by Nick Rezendes Photography

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WEDDINGS

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Bride Christianne Smith, left, and her mother, Deborrah Glenn-Long, marvel at the intricate beading and lace detail on her wedding gown. Valeen Thivierge of the Fitting Room performed the artful alterations. Photo by by Nick Rezendes Photography

most iconic wedding dresses of all time—Carolyn BessetteKennedy’s ivory slip dress.”

Bridal separates are increasingly popular, because they allow the bride to transition looks throughout the day.

“Maybe she has an overskirt for walking down the aisle, and she removes that for the reception to reveal a simple sheath for the reception,” McNamara suggested.

The process of choosing and purchasing a gown can take as long as eight months or more. Some of the supply-chain wrinkles associated with the global pandemic have been ironed out, but the U.S. is still experiencing long lead times for fabrics, McNamara says.

“That’s why it’s so important to purchase your dress so far in advance, to really lock in your fabric, lock in your production schedule, and have some peace of mind that you’re guaranteed to have it delivered on time,” she says. McNamara echoed Thivierge’s suggested timeline—that fittings and alterations may take up to three months.

For brides who may not have the luxur y of time, Everthine also has sample-sale dresses and off-the-rack options for discounted prices.

“My team is the glue that holds us all together,” Everthine’s founder says. “They come to work every day with the biggest smiles on their faces and ready to make these brides’ dreams come true. It’s such a rewarding experience for the stylists, the bride, and the bride’s family.”

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WATER STREET JEWELERS

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happily ever after

By Jennifer Carmichael Photos courtesy of Water Street Jewelers etting engaged marks the beginning of two people embarking on a lifelong adventure together. Filled with anticipation and love, the excitement of planning a future as a married couple and the promise of forever create an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

Water Street Jewelers is at the heart of this intimate, personal experience with couples, from the ring's sparkle to the proposal moment.

"We're so fortunate to go on this journey with couples," says Daniela Ba l za no, ow ner of Water St reet Jewelers with stores in Guilford and Madison. "We get to know them and hear about their lives and fantasy proposals. So, we're on the edge of our seats, waiting to hear how the proposal went and see pictures."

Balzano fell into a world of jewelry. As a child, she needed to make things and couldn't wait to wake up and head straight

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WEDDINGS

Custom ring sketches by Daniela Balzano, owner of Water Street Jewelers.

Photo courtesy of water street jewelers

to her art materials. However, Balzano followed a different path, studying pre-veterinary sciences while working at a jewelry store doing repair work in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Some years later, Kabana, a luxury jewelry company, turned to Balzano when they needed a representative in the northeast. Her best friend from college's family owned the company, and they knew she understood craftsmanship and deeply loved working with people.

After being with Kabana for eight years, Balzano built relationships with many jewelry stores and manufacturers up and down the East Coast. And that's when Sylvie, the number one bridal designer in the US, reached out to her, asking if she'd be interested in a position.

"At the time, I felt so devoted to Kabana and this family who had given me a start," says Balzano. "But when I flew to Texas to meet Sylvie, the designer herself, she showed me the elegance and craftsmanship of these

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incredible engagement rings and explained her passion for creating them, which made me feel inspired and connected with the company."

After six years with Sylvie, selling engagement rings, and continuing to develop relationships in the field, a natural transition to set up shop locally took shape.

It was time; she was always on the road, and her shop would allow her to be local for her family.

"I wanted to ground myself here in Guilford," says Balzano. "I had developed excellent relationships with jewelry companies. So when I reached out to them, saying that I was considering opening a store, they all said, 'We're here for you.' I jumped in without knowing much about what I was doing. But I knew about jewelry."

The first Water Street Jewelers was a small shop in the back of a parking lot on Water Street in Guilford.

Balzano thought the name was one people could relate to since, through her travels, she saw so many Water Streets. Here, she sold Kabana, Sylvie, and her custom designs. Everything Balzano had done thus far in her career led to this moment. She grew out of that space in two years and moved to a prime location on the Guilford Green.

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Just as she didn't think twice about moving the shop, Balzano remembers making another quick decision when opening her second store in Madison during the pandemic. A local jeweler, a good friend of Daniela's, had retired.

But while everyone thought she was crazy opening a second location one town away, she felt in her bones that it was right and went with it.

"Even through hard times like COVID, there's a need for jewelry because it surrounds love and loss; that's a part of life that will never change during a recession," says Balzano, who also does repair work. "People will still get engaged, want a wedding band of a lost loved one turned into a wedding band or repairs made to treasured religious and heirloom pieces. People still prioritize what makes them feel good."

The shop does a lot of redesigns, which Balzano loves most. When a customer brings in a grandmother's engagement ring or their mother's, who has passed away, the staff at Water Street Jewelers design it into an engagement ring for them.

When they make an appointment at Water Street Jewelers, couples can expect to sit down with a staff member, see a wide selection of rings, and look at diamonds. They can also expect to not spend beyond their means as Balzano does not want to financially push anyone across an uncomfortable place.

"I like to say to our customer, 'Tell me your budget, and let me show you the most beautiful ring I can make for you within that budget,'" says Balzano. "I think this removes much of that pressure for them to go bigger and better and creates what I hope is a good experience."

TRENDS Since trends tend to follow the economy, and the cost of gold is currently high, Balzano says small, thin yellow gold and simple settings for engagement rings are popular. But she's seeing customers want big diamonds, whether elongated cushion cut, oval, or round. With lab-grown diamonds—the same as natural diamonds but grown in a lab—now part of the jewelry world, customers can buy a bigger diamond at a significantly lower price point. In addition, customers are interested in alternative stones like sapphire, tourmaline, spinel, and topaz.

"It makes my heart sing when customers want a colored stone," says Balzano. "Here's when I create something with a different vibe."

Water Street Jewelers is a one-stop shop for anything jewelry-related for the wedding, whether unique pearl or fashion jewelry sets for bridesmaids, engraved cufflinks for groomsmen, or beautiful men's bands.

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Alternative metals are popular because they are malleable, and designers can form them into intricate designs with endless possibilities.

But while Balzano is a well-versed industry professional specializing in handcrafted inlay and bridal jewelry for the past 15 years, she says that Water Street wouldn't be the same without her 12-member staff. They, too, love what the shop does for people and play a significant role in its success.

"We're all different—opposite ends of the political spectrum, different religious and cultural backgrounds, but everyone gets along despite their differences and supports and loves one another," says Balzano, who notes that the shop is a popular destination for same-sex couples. "I feel fortunate and grateful for my staff and what we have created together."

Balzano notes that the journey with couples often continues after the wedding. As a jeweler, she says it's often lifelong; they will return for a baby bracelet or ear piercings.

And, of course, for routine maintenance. In addition, she reminds us that marriage has no age limit, with customers of all ages finding love a first, second, and third time.

"We're here for the whole ride," she says. "Just like Water Street Jewelers is a car requires maintenance, so does jewelry. There's located at 61 Whitfield Street a misconception that you buy a piece of jewelry, and in Guilford and 769 Boston it will last a lifetime. Well, that's different from how Post Road in Madison. For it works. You must come every six months to ensure more information, visit everything is safe and sound. So, it's a journey with waterstreetjewelry.com our customers—a wonderful one."

Daniela Balzano, cultivates lifelong relationships with many of her clients, helping them celebrate life's milestones with jewelry long after the wedding. Photo courtesy of water street jewelers

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By Elle Rahilly Brought to you by Tranquil Balance t’s best to book early if you’re considering a spa day at Tranquil Balance in East Lyme. Since opening its doors in 2016, the massage therapy and float center has become a top spa destination in southeastern Connecticut thanks to its unique approach to healing and wellness. Today, appointments fill up months in advance—especially amidst the bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and festivities of wedding season.

Tranquil Balance offers seven different types of facial treatments for every skin type, leaving bridal parties pampered and ready for the big day. Whether you're looking to treat

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a specific condition or simply maintain your youthful glow, you’re in the right hands with the spa’s licensed esthetician who will have you feeling ultra pampered and refreshed.

The Tranquil signature facial is tailored to address your skin’s individual needs, whether it be hydration or brightening and smoothing, and includes a relaxing aromatherapy scalp treatment. The spa’s Hydrofacial treatment uses glycolic exfoliation and infusions of antiaging serums to nourish and plump the skin. This facial will help improve collagen regeneration and skin elasticity, unclog and tighten pores, and thoroughly cleanse while delivering hydration and nourishment with no down time.

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The spa uses nutrient-rich products made with fresh fruit, pulps, plants, and exotic spices from organic environments for the most effective results. All products are free from parabens, petroleum, and other harsh cosmetic chemicals. Enhancements like a collagen eye treatment and a hydrating lip treatment can be added on to any facial for an additional fee. Waxing, brow and lash tint, lift, and lamination services are also available to fulfill all your needs in preparation for the big day.

Float therapy is an exclusive offering at Tranquil Balance that allows brides-to-be a chance to check out from their surroundings and slip into a deep meditative state. Indulge

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in a luxurious 60 to 90 minutes off the grid with effortless floating. Private float therapy rooms contain a pool filled with 11 inches of water infused with 1,000 pounds of medical-grade Epsom salt.

Float therapy rooms are virtually lightand sound-proof. The water and air are both heated to your skin temperature, eliminating the pressure of gravity from your bones, joints, and muscles. The spine lengthens an inch throughout a session in the float, and spending an hour in the float is comparable to four hours of deep sleep. In addition to relaxing the mind and body, float therapy also helps to relieve headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

Tranquil Balance also offers 12 different massage services to help alleviate any lastminute nerves and stress for brides-to-be, including Swedish, deep tissue, and reiki. For first-time guests, the Tranquil signature massage introduces you to the signature level

of care provided by the spa’s detail-oriented team while citrus cilantro body oils paired with sunflower honey butter help to awaken the body’s sensory receptors.

The hot Himalayan salt stone massage lowers stress and gently exfoliates the entire body, using stones composed of more than 80 natural minerals that leave you silky smooth from head to toe. The mellow moon child CBD massage uses a full-body CBD oil treatment with cinnamon cassia bark extract to quiet the mind and stimulate the senses.

CBD oil also has benefits for skin, helping with elasticity for a bright and youthful glow on your big day. Tranquil Balance uses Connecticut’s own Beyond Botanicals CBD massage oil, which can be incorporated into

any of its massage services for an additional fee.

You can also treat yourself to the Tranquil restorative body wrap, containing stone crop, aloe, and powerful actives to rejuvenate the skin. Wrapped up in an ultra-warm and cozy blanket, you can enjoy a relaxing head, neck, and face massage while the benefits of the product absorb into your pores. The hot towel treatment and massage with the spa’s stone crop body oil will leave you feeling plumped and hydrated.

Tranquil Balance is a woman-owned business proud to support other local businesses and women in business. Owner and founder Tina von Flatern’s philosophy is that the most important benefit of massage is human touch, and her dedication to holistic healing can be felt by each client who walks through the spa’s doors.

Owner Tina von Flatern.

Photo courtesy of Tranquil balance

Brought to you by Tranquil Balance; 15 Chesterfield Road, Suite 213, East Lyme; 860-451-8040; tranquilbalancect.com; Open Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. ; Friday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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FROM THE

COVER

Nighttime at the Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. Photo courtesy of Harkness Memorial State Park / CT DEEP

The Florence Griswold Museum sits on the banks of the Lieutenant River in Old Lyme. Photo by Zlako Batistich Photography

the

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place Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington features a World War II-era airstrip and hangar for ceremonies and receptions. Photo by MAGGIE CONLEY Photography

Dreamy wedding destinations worth exploring along the Connecticut shoreline and beyond on the shoreline

Darren and Marty at the Compass Rose at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina in Old Saybrook. P hoto by Once Like a Spark Wedding Co.

E

By Elle Rahilly

very dream wedding starts with a dream location.

Connecticut is full of one-of-a-kind wedding destinations, from rustic barns to mansions and vineyards to museums. You'll find beautiful flower gardens, New England colonial architecture, sweeping water views, and more at these local favorites.

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FROM THE

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THE FLORENCE GRISWOLD MUSEUM 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme; 860-434-5542; florencegriswoldmuseum.org

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ABOVE Place settings and a dance floor at the Florence Griswold Museum. Photo by Zlako Batistich Photography BELOW The Florence Griswold Museum boasts beautiful flower gardens to add some color to your special day. P hoto by Iris Photography BOTTOM The natural beauty of the Florence Griswold Museum has inspired artists and couples for decades. Photo by Olivia Gird Photography

Ceremony and reception area Handicap accessible Indoor, outdoor, and covered outdoor spaces

an you picture tying the knot somewhere so beautiful it drew a generation of artists? Situated on the banks of the Lieutenant River in Old Lyme, the Florence Griswold Museum offers a backdrop for a wedding to be remembered with its celebrated flower gardens and riverfront views. The late-Georgian-style house is adorned with more than 43 handpainted panels of art from famous American artists throughout the early twentieth century. The museum can accommodate up to 150 guests and staff will go above and beyond to ensure your day goes off without a hitch.

Renowned for being the home of the Lyme Art Colony and American Impressionism, the Florence Griswold Museum is also a member of Connecticut's Historic Gardens—an organization celebrating the diversity of gardens at distinctive historic homes throughout the state. Celebrate your special day along the very riverside that inspired artists like Childe Hassam and Willard Metcalf to paint “en plein air.” Guests will leave in awe of its natural beauty and eager to return for a formal tour of the gardens and exhibits.

WRIGHT’S MILL FARM

65 Creasey Road, Canterbury; 860-774-1455; wrightsmillfarm.com

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Ceremony and reception area Handicap accessible Indoor, outdoor, and covered outdoor spaces

right’s Mill Farm, located on 250 acres in the rolling hills of Canterbury, is perfect for a countryside wedding. This venue’s idyllic setting, with its waterfall and stone walls, paired with a horse-drawn carriage, adds an especially romantic air to your special day. Wedding ceremonies can be held either by the waterfall or on the outdoor patio, followed with a reception in a rustic barn that can accommodate up to 210 guests.

Wright's Mill Farm provides planning and setup for your event, and the venue’s culinary team will work with you to create a one-of-a-kind menu befitting your special day. Allinclusive packages offer a variety of unique services to make

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your day memorable, including an on-site deejay as well as a custom wedding cake or cupcakes. With its farmhouse, barns, and a water-powered mill dating back to the eighteenth century, Wright’s Mill Farm delivers a touch of old-world charm.

SAYBROOK POINT RESORT & MARINA

2 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook; 860-395-2000; saybrook.com

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TOP The Saybrook Point Resort & Marina from above. Photo courtesy of saybrook point resort & marina ABOVE Shibahn and Dillon make their way down the dock at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina. Photo by Melissa Lewis BELOW The Lighthouse Gallery ready for a wedding reception. Photo by Annandale Photography

Ceremony and reception area Handicap accessible Indoor, outdoor, and covered outdoor spaces On-site accommodations

f you’re looking for a wedding with a panoramic view of Long Island Sound, the Saybrook Point Resort & Marina in Old Saybrook is ideal. Set where the Connecticut River meets the sound, the resort is the perfect venue for a quintessential shoreline wedding. Outdoors, couples can exchange vows on the terrace or at Compass Rose, a patio overlooking the marina. Indoors, the recently refurbished Lighthouse Gallery can host up to 200 seated guests for a ceremony or reception.

The resort’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients can be tasted in the cuisine, and its award-winning chefs will craft custom menus for you based on your wedding vision.

All-inclusive packages cover wedding essentials like getready rooms and audio-visual equipment, and resort staff will assist you with event planning while coordinating with outside vendors. Accommodations at the resort include 82 rooms in the main inn, with access to the spa, fitness center, and restaurant. The resort’s two literary-themed guesthouses, Tall Tales and Three Stories, can comfortably suit up to 12 and 16 guests, respectively. Valet parking is available.

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EOLIA MANSION AT HARKNESS MEMORIAL STATE PARK 275 Great Neck Road, Waterford; 860-443-5725; portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/ Eolia---The-Mansion-at-Harkness-State-Park

amenities A

Ceremony and reception area Handicap accessible Indoor, outdoor, and covered outdoor spaces

t the turn of the twentieth century, philanthropists Mary and Edward Harkness had their choice of properties along the northeast coast to make their summer home. They chose Eolia in Waterford, a 42-room Italianate mansion set on 230

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acres of sweeping lawns along the Connecticut shoreline, for its unequaled beauty. Today, you can enjoy the same splendor for your wedding. The venue’s open-air amphitheater offers a natural seaside setting for the ceremony, with views of sand dunes and rolling waves as well as a neighboring wildlife sanctuary.

For an additional fee, couples can exchange vows surrounded by draping wisteria vines and original Harkness graperies in the pergola with covered tearoom. Adjacent to the mansion, this area overlooks a nationally recognized Italian garden with original sculptures, fountains, and pottery. Guests can stroll through restored gardens during cocktail hour before gathering under the tent for dinner, dancing, and celebrations. Eolia is open for wedding rentals from March 1 to December 23, with rental for functions beginning after 5 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day.

OPPOSITE The Eolia Mansion is adjacent to an Italian Garden with sculptures, fountains, and pottery. Photos courtesy of Harkness Memorial State Park / CT DEEP ABOVE Hold your reception inside the Eolia Mansion, an Italianate home on 230 acres in Harkness Memorial State Park. Photo courtesy of Harkness Memorial State Park / CT DEEP

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THE RIVERHOUSE AT GOODSPEED STATION 55 Bridge Road, Haddam; 860-345-4100; theriverhouse.com

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ABOVE Saltwater Farm Vineyard's restored world War II-Era airport hangar has plenty of room for your perfect reception. Photo by MAGGIE CONLEY Photography BELOW The tidal marshes that border Saltwater Farm Vineyard offer a unique background for wedding photos. Photo by MAGGIE CONLEY Photography

P

Ceremony and reception area Handicap accessible Indoor, outdoor, and covered outdoor spaces

erched on a ridge above the Connecticut River in the picturesque town of Haddam, the Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station overlooks the historic Haddam Swing Bridge and Goodspeed Opera House. Guests are greeted by a beautiful front entrance with a fountain surrounded by flowers at its center. On the grounds is a pavilion-sized gazebo for outdoor ceremonies against a backdrop of weathered wooden docks and bridges, perfect for post-ceremony photos. Inside, a spacious lobby with a grand two-story staircase leads to a ballroom boasting vaulted ceilings, Palladian windows, and stunning chandeliers. An outdoor glass-roof atrium offers an open, airy space for cocktail hour.

The venue is equipped with a four-star chef and a gourmet menu of American fare with numerous options to choose from. Sparkling wine for pouring toasts or enjoying at the bar is complimentary, as well as a coffee station for guests’ convenience. A traditional wedding cake will also be provided to add a finishing touch to the celebration. With a ballroom that can host up to 300 guests, this is a perfect venue for a larger wedding with a touch of opulence.

SALTWATER FARM VINEYARD 349 Elm Street, Stonington; 860-415-9072; saltwaterfarmvineyard.com

amenities

S

Ceremony and reception area Handicap accessible Indoor, outdoor, and covered outdoor spaces

altwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington has been nationally recognized for its award-winning wines and breathtaking scenery, set on more than 100 acres of vineyard bordered by tidal marshes. The vineyard has a 350-year history dating back to the foundation of the coastal village of Stonington and features a restored private airport from World War II. The old airfield was converted into a vineyard in 2001. Couples can

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Contact a Real Estate Professional today to help list your house this Spring! begin their day getting ready on-site before exchanging vows outside in the ocean air.

The restored World War II-era airplane hangar makes a beautiful setting for receptions, with its sleek yet cozy rich wooden interior, warm lighting, and vintage charm. Located on the mezzanine level of the hangar, the Saltwater Farm Vineyard Tasting Room overlooks 15 acres of vineyard and a fully preserved grass landing strip that dates back to the 1930s. Guests can enjoy a delicious selection of small-batch wines that are produced on-site by winemaker Giles Martin and expertly paired with fine cuisine. If you’re looking for a serene wedding location offering some of the best wine around, Saltwater Farm is the venue for you.

Agota Perry-Hill 505.463.2036

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ABOVE There's nothing like celebrating your wedding with small-batch wine made on-site at Saltwater Farm Vineyard. Photo by MAGGIE CONLEY Photography BELOW Saltwater Farm Vineyard's grape vines can frame a wedding ceremony for an unforgettable event. Photo by MAGGIE CONLEY Photography

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Owner and founder of Guilford-based Love Byrd Becca Byrd at her own wedding. P hoto by Hanah Glass Photography

A

By Jennifer Carmichael s you prepare for your wedding day, there's excitement in the air. From dress shopping and tasting sessions to choosing flowers, there are many decisions to make, each adding to the anticipation of one of the most memorable days of your life.

But all the details can also be daunting and take the fun out of the experience. Hiring a wedding planner—a professional who assists with designing, planning, and managing a wedding—can be a valuable investment.

Imagine having support with all or some tasks in the months leading up to the event and on the big day itself.

The extra money spent to ensure it's well-organized will help reduce stress, save time, ensure everything goes smoothly, and allow you to focus solely on having fun.

"I was pretty overwhelmed with all the moving parts that come with planning and executing a wedding," remembers Alex Moore Sopariwala. "I knew I would need a helping hand."

She contacted Jocelyn Montesanto, owner of Nianticbased Perfect Planning and Design, for guidance in selecting vendors, styling budget-friendly beautiful table placements to elevate the overall vibe of the wedding,

and organizing a timeline for the day. Having planned special events, birthdays, and weddings, including her own, Montesanto enjoys the details and says she offers a calming presence rather than one that feeds that stressful energy of having to accomplish things.

"This is potentially the biggest party that a couple might ever throw in their life, and I want them to enjoy the entire process, not just the day of," says Montesanto.

"From finding jewelers to venues to photographers, I'm here to find vendors that fit the couples' vision. They can lean on me and call with the smallest to the biggest questions and worries."

"We had a lot of confidence in her," says Sopariwala.

"Jocelyn was able to help alleviate my stress and even helped with the seating chart at the last minute and putting together a creative and unique send-off that abided by the venue's restrictions."

Kristen Fradiani hired a wedding planner for peace of mind, wanting someone to cover all the bases and account for every detail during the planning process and on the wedding day. She connected with Becca Byrd, owner and founder of Guilford-based Love Byrd, a company she started after more than ten years of personal

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Jocelyn Montesanto, owner of Niantic-based Perfect Planning and Design. Her wedding was held at St. Clements Castle at the Prince Edwards Side in Portland.

Photo by Mermaid’s Reel

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Alex Moore Sopariwala’s wedding. Wedding planner Jocelyn Montesanto of Perfect Planning and Design helped find the chandelier. P hoto by of Suzanne Leslie

and professional event planning experience—including conferences, fundraisers, concerts, parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, corporate meetings, and weddings.

"Once I got into the weeds of the initial wedding prep, I realized just how much time and effort would need to go into the planning process," says Fradiani.

Byrd says clients hire her to handle everything from soup to nuts, a few tasks, or solely for day-of coordination.

Those who aren't local may have already booked the location but need help with vendors, such as finding a deejay and a caterer. It runs the gamut.

"I receive calls to help from beginning to end, but I get most requests to help on the day of," says Byrd. "Sometimes, a wedding coordinator at a big venue will be upfront with the bride, saying that they have other events and won't be able to 100 percent be by their side all day, and recommend hiring a wedding coordinator."

Plus, Byrd notes that venues may have a wedding coordinator, but they often focus on the space rather than whether your bridesmaids arrived on time or who is running the ceremony. And, of course, there are some locations where you have to bring everything in. Here's where a wedding coordinator can be an asset.

"My role is to be there so the bride, groom, and family don't have to think about anything on the event day," says

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Byrd. "I make sure that everything flows and is cared for so they can have fun."

Byrd helped Fradiani with a color palette.

For example, having chosen three different color vases in small, medium, and large for each table, Fradiani asked her advice on linen colors, ultimately choosing sage green for tablecloths and white napkins. Along with the linens and place settings, the vases had to be wrapped, packaged, and labeled to bring to the venue, Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven. Knowing that this task would take time, Byrd strategically told Fradiani that she would pick up the boxes three days before the wedding.

"I was a wreck that day—the only time I was stressed because I knew she was coming to pick it up," remembers Fradiani, who was grateful that she didn't save packing for the night before the wedding and instead could relax. "I didn't anticipate packing would take as long as it did, but I'm glad Becca did."

Fradiani notes that Byrd's help with a detailed timeline for the day off was priceless. She ensured Fradiani had enough buffer time to account for delays or mishaps. It included bridesmaids’ getting ready, hair and makeup, groomsmen's morning, photos, the ceremony music—when to start and stop it— and so much more.

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ABOVE Jocelyn Montesanto at her own wedding. Photo by Mermaid’s Reel BELOW Becca Byrd, owner of Love Byrd in Guilford, guided Kristen Fradiani through her wedding day, helping with everything from reception colors to keeping everyone on time. Photo by Becca Byrd

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34 Shunpike Rd. Cromwell, CT 06416

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Jocelyn Montesanto and her wedding party. Photo by Mermaid’s Reel

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"Becca and I met at a coffee shop, and she sat with me for however long it took to ensure we accounted for everything," says Fradiani. "It wasn't until we went through that process that I realized just how beneficial having her there for day-of coordination was going to be."

Byrd was her "go-to" person, running all of the logistics so that she could enjoy the day with her family and friends. She needed someone other than herself, her mother, or the matron of honor to usher guests from the wedding ceremony to the cocktail hour or take vendor calls and answer questions.

Byrd and Montesanto remind couples that even the best-laid plans will not be 100 percent perfect. The wedding planner's job is to navigate unexpected challenges, stay calm under pressure, and quickly adapt and improvise to ensure the event succeeds.

"We reassure brides that we have backup plans in place and that everything will run smoothly for the big day," says Montesanto.

Kristen Fradiani and husband Richard Angiollo. Photo by Logan Pratt

Melinda Carlisle

22 Holmes St, Mystic 860.460.8002 mysticmelinda@aol.com

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