After spending just one evening together, New Yorkers Lauren H. and Lauren M. knew that they were meant to be. “We explain it to people by saying that both of our lives were in fast forward, and when we kissed for the first time that night, everything just slowed down,” says Lauren H. Their dreams came true when they tied the knot on a fall day in September 2011.
The brides chose Saybrook Point Inn in Old Saybrook, Conn., for their wedding venue soon after getting engaged in fall 2010. Despite the fact their home state of New York would pass the Marriage Equality bill before the lovebirds tied the knot, their hearts were set on the enchanting New England retreat. “Regardless, we wouldn’t have changed the location,” says Lauren H. “It was perfect for us.”
The 19th-century style retreat rests on the waterfront and offered rooms for out-of-town guests to stay. “We both knew that we wanted the ceremony and the reception to be at the same venue, and being outside, on the water, with that sort of nautical/intimate vibe but the guest rooms really sealed the deal for us,” says Lauren M. “They are gorgeous.”
Neither bride wanted to wear a traditional white gown, so they each opted for off-white bridesmaid dresses. Lauren M. quickly fell in love with her dress at first fitting—a Venus Bridal gown bought at a small mom-and-pop shop in Manhattan. “I tried on only one dress and ended up falling in love with the asymmetrical ruching and simplicity of the strapless floor length,” she says.
After six or seven attempts, Lauren H. found her wedding gown of choice, a short and playful piece she had custom made in a gorgeous “candlelight” color and tailored to fit.
Lauren H. proposed with a three-stone style cluster ring featuring 19 individual brilliant diamonds during a romantic getaway in Italy. Three months later, Lauren M. returned the favor with a simple round-brilliant cathedral-setting diamond solitaire.
The bouquet and centerpieces, created by Candace McClure of Candace Floral Designs, featured white roses mixed with white hydrangeas.
The brides’ two men of honor wore pale yellow Vineyard Vines khakis, white button downs, navy blue blazers and light blue Vineyard Vines bow ties featuring whimsical whales. The bridesmaids wore navy dresses of their choosing, paired with gold shoes and accessories.
Lauren and Lauren’s Friday evening ceremony was held just as the sun was setting. It was performed by Justice of the Peace Laura Minor, who opened with an introduction about the meaning of marriage, and followed with the family candle lighting, exchanging of rings and vows. “It was very spiritual and reflected who we are as individuals,” says Lauren H. The ceremony also featured two readings—the first from “The Velveteen Rabbit,” and the second was a selection of lyrics from “This Must Be the Place” by Talking Heads. “The readings were amazing and very meaningful to both Lauren and me,” says Lauren M.
The couple each wrote their own vows. “My favorite part of the ceremony, without a doubt, was listening to Lauren’s personal vows,” says Lauren M. “She is such an amazing writer and hearing the words she wrote for our wedding ceremony was incredible. I cried the whole time.”
Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour on the marina following the ceremony, and then went straight to the reception, also held at the inn. The nautical theme was seen throughout on customized menus at each place setting featuring navy blue anchors and lettering, while white hydrangeas and roses fashioned the centerpieces.
Votive candles and a radiant glass chandelier twinkled as the sun descended into the night, casting a romantic glow around the room. Bay windows in the ballroom overlooked the marina, and guests could mingle both inside and out.
As elegant as the reception was, it was equally as fun. “One of my favorite parts was the introductions for Lauren and me, and our parents/bridal party. We all walked in with wayfarer sunglasses to Hall & Oates’ “You Make My Dreams Come True,” laughs Lauren M.
Pastry Fusions in Cheshire, Conn., created a custom-designed flavor for the wedding called Boston Crème. “I grew up in Massachusetts, right outside of Boston, and have always had a very special place in my heart for the flavor combination of Bavarian vanilla cream and rich chocolate ganache,” says Lauren M. “That combo is what inspired our wedding cake.”
It featured white butter cream frosting and, in lieu of a traditional cake topper, they used fresh white roses and hydrangeas.
As sincere appreciators of music, Lauren and Lauren were meticulous in their song selections, giving DJ Rich from Power Station a detailed playlist of what they wanted (and didn’t want), including their first dance to “To Love Somebody” by Nina Simone, the father/daughter dances to “My Girl” by the Temptations and a mix of rock, oldies and ’80s. “By the end of the night, we were literally dragging people off of the dance floor!” says Lauren M.
