Frances and Andrew
When Frances and Andrew tapped planner and Martha Stewart Weddings contributor David Stark to plan their big day, they gave him just two directives: Use the colors in Frances's favorite D. Porthault fabric pattern (blue, fuchsia, orange), and make the day feel just like her mother's did: "joyous and family-oriented." The result? A fanciful setting on family property filled with live music, whimsical details, and larger-than-life landscaping.
The Fashions
Andrew, sporting J.Crew, embraced Frances, who wore a vintage gown purchased by her grandmother at Saks Fifth Avenue in the 1950s. The dress, which was also worn by the bride's mother, was updated with a dyed-to-match paper veil commissioned from Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave.
Groomsmen Gifts
Andrew gave each of his groomsmen a tie in a keepsake lacquered box.
The Ring Bearer
The ring bearer was decked out in a J. Crew seersucker suit playfully paired with Converse.
Eclectic Elements
A golden egg was one of the many whimsical surprises that guests encountered.
The Welcome Gifts
These canvas welcome baskets were packed with a list of cultural activities and snacks, including homemade granola.
The Ceremony
The stunning ceremony space was nestled in a courtyard between the garden and the house.
Father Daughter
Just outside the greenhouse, Frances and her father began the processional march into the garden as a seven-piece string orchestra performed henry Purcell's "Chaconne."
The Recessional
A judge and friend of the bride's family served as officiant.
Family Time
The bride and groom, flanked by her family on either side, pose for a picture.
The Sheep
Lalanne sheep statues were grazing in a meadow of daisies, while nearby in a tree house, a lute, flute, and cello trio greeted guests.
Cocktail Hour
Cucumber martinis helped keep the 150 wedding-goers cool, while Lalanne dove chair-sculptures kept them amused.
Giant Chickens
Larger-than-life "chickens" crafted from boxwood stood tall.
The Hors d'Oeuvres
Hors d'oeuvres included wild mushroom arancini with fontina Val d'aosta.
Elegant Bites
Truffled grilled-cheese sandwiches with celery relish were served in tiny bites.
The Tablescape
Custom pale blue linen napkins with fuchsia trim from D. Porthault topped each setting, and bamboo-inspired cutlery lent a casual sensibility to the Paola Navone plates.
The First Course
Frances's favorite part of the wedding decor was the place settings, which coordinated with the Porthault fabric tablecloth. The first course: a slow-cooked farm egg, fennel puree, artichoke crisps, and morels.
Colorful Staff
Servers sported in-palette jackets that were custom-made in Milan.
The Pool
A reflective pool was set for guests to hang out around, creating a lounge area.
A Custom Crest
A crest above the stage in the tent echoed the design on the stationery.
The Guest Book
A quill-like pen using paper rather than a feather accompanied the D. Porthault fabric-swathed guest book.
A Slice of Cake
Dinner (during which Parisian sister act Les Nubians played under a paper moon) was capped by the cutting of a chocolate cake. the family recipe was prepared by the bride's family's chef and decorated with fresh flowers from the garden."We just had to share it with everybody," says the bride.
Desserts
A selection of mini treats matched the Porthault fabric.
Sources
Photography: Aaron Delesie
Event Planning, Decor, and Flowers: David Stark Design & Production
Catering: Olivier Cheng Catering & Events
Stationery and Calligraphy: Bernard Maisner
Custom Crest: Happy Menocal
Guest Book: Boutique by Cypress
Music: Apollo's Fire; Les Nubians
Rentals: Party Rental Ltd.
Lighting: Bentley Meeker Lighting & Staging
Tents: Partytime-HDO Productions
DJ: DJ Pirahnahead
Audio: Aerial Enterprises (810-231- 2500)
Additional Rentals: Special Events Rental
Draping: Show Supplies
Hair and Makeup: Emile Salon & Spa
Bride's Earrings: Taffin
Groomsmen Ties: Salvatore Ferragamo
Transportation: 4 Star Inc. (248-682-1800)
Fabric Basket Bag: VintageJamie
Paper Bag with Window: Plastic Bags for You
Colored Tissue Paper: Paper Mart
Tube: M&J Trimming
Caramels: Knudsens
Lacquer Box: West Elm