Siobhan and Mark's Rustic, Fall Wedding at the Heritage Hotel in Southbury, CT

** All images provided courtesy of Kevin Kelley Photography: http://www.kphotok.com/

Burgundy and yellow – if this color palette doesn’t just scream FALL WEDDING, then I don’t know what does. These colors were in abundance at Siobhan and Mark’s October wedding at the Heritage Hotel in Southbury, CT.

I first met Siobhan and Mark back in February when I exhibited at the Heritage Hotel Bridal Expo in Southbury, CT. Siobhan was one of those rare brides who just knew exactly what she wanted. You could see it on her face as she perused the various booths – she knew what she liked and she knew what she didn’t like. She and I spoke a bit when she approached my booth and she mentioned that she was previously in the events industry. With her experience there, she felt confident managing her own pre-planning but would be more comfortable bringing someone on board in those weeks leading up to her big day to cross her T’s and dot her I’s. We briefly talked about my Month-Of Wedding Management package before it was time for them to move on to the next booth (and I don’t blame them, I was right next to a booth giving away chocolate samples!). I made a note to follow up in more detail after the expo and really talk more about what she was looking for. We ended up going back and forth via email and she decided that option would be exactly what she needed.

The months went by and I checked in with her several times before the 8-week mark arrived. Now it was time to really start finalizing their details! This included speaking with all of her vendors to confirm their set-up needs, timing details, song selections for important dances and moments through out the evening. I also attended their final venue meeting at the Heritage Hotel to help confirm their cocktail hour menu, dinner menu, signature drink choice, linen and napkin colors and review the flow of the day and layout of the space. These meetings and pre-vendor communication are so important as this is where I get all of the information I need to draft a comprehensive wedding day timeline (and address any concerns!), finalize the ceremony processional, confirm all set-up needs like a microphone for the officiant, power requirements for the band, tables for the photo booth props, etc. are all taken care of before I compile my master “Wedding Packet” that gets emailed to everyone working on the wedding day.

Before we knew it, October 20th had arrived! The day began with the bride and groom getting ready separately at their family homes in Stamford, CT. Bridesmaids were clad in matching denim shirts and black leggings during hair and makeup (provided by Lisa Hayes and Marie Orecchio) while sharing tons of laughs. The bride selected beautiful burgundy dresses for her bridesmaids, each dress was slightly different in style (a trend I love!)

The couple opted for a church ceremony at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Fairfield, CT. The bride and groom arrived separately to church as they chose to not do a First Look. The bride pulled up in a limo moments before the ceremony began. Her bridesmaids made their way down the aisle one by one and Siobhan was escorted down the aisle by her father, Sean. Needless to say, she took everyone’s breath away! Their ceremony was a full mass and lasted approximately an hour. They receded down the aisle after saying their I Do’s and guests had gathered outside of the church to send the newlyweds off with a grand bubble exit!

A limo was waiting to transport the bridal party to Southbury Falls for outdoor photos while guests made their way back to the Heritage Hotel to indulge in cocktail hour. Guests were treated to an array of passed hors d’oeuvres and stationary items, including a chef-attended pasta display and the couple’s signature cocktail, Mark-a-Ritas!

Around 6:30pm, guests were asked to move into the Timbers room for the reception. Tables were decorated with yellow linens, wood slab table numbers (crafted by Siobhan and Mark!) romantic burgundy and yellow floral centerpieces, and dazzling twinkle lights overhead. Music was played by the talented Silver Arrow Band. The bridal party was introduced followed by Siobhan and Mark. The couple went right into their first dance to the song Everything by Michael Buble.

Toasts and speeches followed with dinner to be served afterwards. Guests had the option of filet mignon, salmon or chicken served with seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes. The fun really got started with the bride/father dance! Siobhan and her family are huge fans of Queen so it wasn’t a surprise to anyone when she and her dad rocked out to Somebody to Love by Queen. Mark and his mom were up next and they didn’t disappoint as they moved their feet to Pretty Young Thing by Michael Jackson! Now the party was started and the dance floor open. This crowd was dancing all night long!

In between songs, guests were treated to coffee and dessert. Storeybook Cakes provided two different flavors of cupcakes, both of which were delicious! Cupcakes were set out on a birch cupcake stand that the bride also made herself (this is how you DIY correctly!) The reception wrapped up around 10:30pm but no one was ready for bed yet! Everyone moved upstairs to the tavern and kept the party going!

Siobhan and Mark were such a fun couple to work with and I am so honored they chose me as their planner! I think all of the vendors that worked on this wedding would agree they were a fun couple and a great wedding to be a part of! I wish Siobhan and Mark the best in their new life together as husband and wife!