i D❤! Tina Niemann Ciapciak]
& Tommy Epstein 6 | 11 | 11 by lauren madras | photos by stephen seebeck
Tina and Tommy grew up together—a year apart at Villa Duchesne Oak Hill School. Their parents and siblings are friends, and they shared many events as children. But when Tina was home from college her senior year, she wasn’t sure that Tommy would recognize her, all grown up. “I approached him when I noticed him out one night, and he laughed, ‘Of course I recognize you!’” Tina says. “That night, I told my mom how I had seen him, and how cute he was. Apparently, he did the same thing with his parents.” They started dating right away, and about a year later, Tommy proposed. For the couple, having the ceremony at the Ciapciaks’ parish church was paramount. Also, with a big family, they gave more than a year’s notice so everyone could play a special role in the ceremony. “That’s why we had a long engagement,” Tina says. “And we found something to do for everyone, whether it was bringing up gifts, saying readings, or being in the bridal party.” The reception was traditional, yet fresh. The bridesmaids wore playful Lilly Pulitzer frocks and carried dusty pink hydrangeas. The bride carried stephanotis, a small, white flower that represents marital happiness. The tented reception featured elegant all-white linens, china and Chiavari chairs, with tall flower arrangements of pink and white. Monograms personalized almost everything from the invitations to the programs and the dance floor. The wedding festivities wrapped up with a brunch the morning after, and the newlyweds had a romantic honeymoon in Paris and Cannes.
[ resources ] [ wedding party ] Ceremony | Church of the Annunziata Reception | Old Warson Country Club Gown | Amsale from Town & Country Bridal Planners | Barbara Hoover, Susan Rabbitt Music | Ralph Butler Band Rings | Simon’s, Saettele Florist | Ken Miesner Cake | Encore
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MArch 14, 2012
Bride’s parents | Mr. & Mrs. Robert James Ciapciak Groom’s parents | Mr. & Mrs. Thomas William Epstein Maid of Honor | Julie Ciapciak Bridesmaids | Madison Niemann, Carolyn Niemann, Margaret Niemann, Claire Thiedke, Elizabeth Devcich, Caitlin Epstein, Margaret Epstein, Andrea Aliperti, Ann Notestine, Alexandra Gensheimer, Caitlin Brennan, Margaret Mulvihill, Sarah Phelan, Mullally Barnhart, Claire Kerkchoff Junior bridesmaid | Annie Epstein Groomsmen | Robert Ciapciak Jr., John Ciapciak, Charles Epstein, Louis Epstein, Alexander Kerlick, Richard Carney, Alexander Barake, Daniel Bannister, Joseph Stewart, Ryan Taylor, Ryan Covert, Brian Horneyer, Matthew Dickherber, John Willis, August Hager Flower girls | Julia Niemann and Alexa Niemann Ring bearers | Patrick Niemann, Oliver Niemann, Timothy Niemann, Benjamin Epstein, Noah Epstein