This autumnal affair was complete with playful décor, a foosball table, and lots of laughter.
Rosie and Constantine
In September of 2008, one carefree game of foosball would lead to the everlasting love of Rosie and Constantine. Needless to say, both Constantine and Rosie won that day by walking away with an unbreakable bond that would flourish over the next few years.
On a vacation to Shelter Island, New York, Constantine asked Rosie to be his wife over wine and a picnic on a secluded beach. The intimate moment was filled with joy, as Rosie did a cartwheel on the beach.
On October 25, 2014, the Brooklyn-based pair said their 'I Do's' in front of 90 of their dearest friends and family in Ithaca, New York. Seeing that Constantine attended Ithaca College, and the couple's favorite autumn vacation spot is Seneca Falls, the choice of location came easily to the pair. Inspired by their favorite season, the couple created a whimsical garden affair with whitewashed details, personalized notes, and baby-boo pumpkins for favors. The groom's background was also incorporated, with a Greek Orthodox ceremony and a reception full of Greek dancing complete with broken plates and lot of laughter.
The Stationery
Rosie, a graphic designer, created the stationery suite, which included a folded informational card with a timeline of the weekend and even some Greek "wedding" vocabulary words.
Beauty and Makeup
Simple J.Crew jewels and a loosely falling side up-do worked together to create Rosie's big-day beauty look.
The Bouquet
Arena's For Life created Rosie's lush bridal bouquet and one of her favorite details of the big day. "Our bouquets looked exactly how I wanted our day to feel—they were just so special, I remember wanting to run down to Constantine's room and show him," says Rosie.
The Fashion
Rosie's Elizabeth Fillmore dress was purchased from Ceremony Boston. The ivory Italian satin creation featured lace detailing and a matching custom-made cape and headpiece.
A Moment with Mom
Photographer James Moes captured Rosie and her mother having a sweet moment before heading to the church. "I had just finished slipping into my dress and popping my earrings in," Rosie recalls. "My mum gave me one last squeeze, tells me I look perfect, and tells me again how excited she is for this day. We were both just laughing. Our biggest emotion is laughter and this moment was no different!"
The Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids were clad in mismatched off-white, J.Crew gowns and accessories.
The Bridal Party
The blushing bridal party consisted of both the couple's siblings and close friends.
Wedding Wands
Attached to the program by Snow & Co. was a tissue paper and mylar "wedding wand" for guests to wave after the couple wed.
The Ceremony
Rosie and Constantine had a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony at the St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church.
The Music
The ceremony music was very festive, consisting of British fan fair played by the church's brass quartet—a subtle nod to the bride's birthplace of Bath, England.
The Processional
Rosie's father escorted her down the aisle to "Te Deum."
Traditional Greek Ceremony
The ceremony consisted of Greek Orthodox wedding traditions and elements—including four candles, indicating that Christ will light the way of their new life together.
The "Stefana"
Wedding crowns known as "Stefana" symbolized the bond between the bride and groom and the glory, honor, faith, and love bestowed on them by God. "The ribbon represents the unity of the couple and the presence of Christ who blesses and joins the couple," explains Rosie. The crowns were blessed and placed on the couple's heads and were exchanged three times, by the groom's cousin. Now, the dried wreaths hang in the pair's bedroom at home.
Candle Lighting
Another important tradition that transpired was the lighting of the candles. Two large ones were placed on the altar table and two smaller ones were held by the bride and groom, indicating the light that will be shed on the new life the couple will share. The priest led the couple around the altar three times, with the circle representing an eternal marriage.
Officially Wed
The duo shared a kiss as newlyweds before their closest friends and family.
Wedding Toss
Wedding guests applauded the newlyweds by tossing rice as the couple exited the church.
Champagne Toast
On their way to the reception, the duo giggled over Champagne to celebrate their marriage. Constantine's favorite moment was the ride from the church to the reception, sitting in the back seat of the car laughing uncontrollably with each other as they picked rice out of their hair.
The Venue
The celebration continued at the John Joseph Inn, where the rehearsal dinner also transpired.
Couple's Portraits
The owner of the John Joseph Inn drove Rosie and Constantine into the woods to get a woodsy background for additional portraits.
Amazing Views
James Moes used the natural setting of Ithaca to capture photos of the couple before they retreated back to the reception.
Garden Backdrop
Rosie and Constantine's day was partly inspired by the whimsical fall feeling of the gardens at their venue.
Big Balloons
Giant white balloons were tied to the wine barrels, which served as cocktail tables, to add a whimsical element to the reception. The groomsmen had gotten them blown up the night prior—but only a few would fit in the car, so more than one trip was made to get them all to the venue for what was one of Rosie's favorite décor elements.
Escort Cards
Rosie designed each place card using the fonts Eloquent and Futura Round. Each included the guest's name, table number, and a special phrase or inside joke, like "hello gorgeous" and "go sabers."
The Reception
The reception took place in a large white tent set with delicate drapery overhead. Reception tables were decorated with lush white floral arrangements and antique brass bud vases, and black and white striped table runners made by the bride's aunt.
Welcome Notes
Each guest received a personal note from Rosie and Constantine at their dinner seat.
The Grand Entrance
The newlyweds were filled with joy as they entered their reception to one of their favorite songs by MNDR.
The First Dance
Rosie and Constantine's shared a sweet first dance to the song "I Will Be There" by Odessa.
The Father-Daughter Dance
Rosie and her father laughed their way through their shared dance to "Gracie" by Ben Folds.
The Mother-Son Dance
Constantine danced with both his mother and aunt to "I Just Called to Say I Love You."
The Reception
Guests dined on beef tenderloin with a cabernet demi-glaze, seared salmon with an herb buerre blanc, and local vegetables sautéed with orecchiette, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Carrot cake cupcakes topped with spiced cream cheese frosting were served for dessert.
Foosball Fun
Rosie's first wedding buy was a foosball table for guests to play and enjoy, just like her and Constantine the night they met.
Fun and Games
The table was painted white for the occasion and guests played throughout the reception.
Traditional Song and Dance
DJ JP McLeod played traditional Greek music along with other popular dance music to get the party started and keep the guests dancing all night.
Sources
Photography: James Moes
Ceremony location: St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church
Reception location, catering, and cake: John Joseph Inn
Flowers: Arena's For Life
Stationery: Snow & Co.
Calligraphy: Laurenish Design
Music: DJ JP McLeod
Lighting: Black Tie Entertainment
Ceremony Music: Concentus Chamber Brass
Party Favors: Autumn Harvest Pumpkins
Dress Shop: Ceremony Boston
Dress/Veil: Elizabeth Fillmore
Bridesmaids Dresses: J. Crew
Groom's Tuxedo: J. Crew
After-Party Venue: Rogues Harbour