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Sam and John met during their sophomore year in high school. Sam was new to this private school, and became friends with girls that John had already befriended. By the middle of their senior year, they were dating, however broke up before college for logistical reasons. But they visited each other regularly during college, dating and then breaking up each year! Senior year was the last time they got back together, and following graduation, Sam moved to Boston to be with John forever.
John made plans to propose to Sam on their ten-year dating anniversary, but unfortunately, the COVID virus spoiled them. So he made an excuse to take her to dinner the following week, the restaurant chosen being a surprise. Sam loves to walk and almost never wants to take an Uber, but because it was absolutely freezing cold that night, she wanted to! Again, John had to think fast and told her the walk wasn't far.
He led her to Boston Common, all according to plan, and because it was so incredibly cold, they had the park mostly to themselves (practically unheard of!). After they crossed the bridge over Frog Pond, John gave her an anniversary present, the ring, and asked her to marry him! John's brother and his girlfriend popped out from behind and bush and took photos of the happy occasion. And at the restaurant, both of their parents were waiting to celebrate with them! The surprises didn't end there, however... John arranged for many of their friends, even those from New York City, to meet them later that night at their favorite bar!
Choosing a much warmer time of year for the big day, the two planned for a fantastic wedding in the beautiful coastal city of Rye, New York. And we were looking forward so much to venturing back up to the area and to their gorgeous venue again!
We were so happy to also be there the evening before the wedding day to film Sam and John's rehearsal dinner at American Yacht Club in Rye. We heard such fantastic toasts from Sam and John's friends and family as guests enjoyed their meals and the lovely setting. The excitement for the following day was certainly building!
The next morning, Sam and her party got ready for her wedding day at her family's estate, with hair and makeup teams there to perfect everyone's look for the big day. After fun selfies and more formal photos in their blue robes, Sam's bridal party dressed into their beautiful white and blue floral gowns.
The beautiful bride put on her mermaid-silhouetted gown, featuring its lovely open back design, delicate little buttons and perfect fit-and-flare skirt. Sam completed her wedding attire with her family's very special bridal veil, which dates back to the 1800's. It's so wonderful to have such a lovely family heirloom to pass down through the generations.
Meanwhile, John prepared for the day at Westchester Country Club with his groomsmen there by his side. They helped each other with their ties and jackets, their navy suits and light blue ties looking perfect for this spring wedding on the coast. And as they got ready, Sam and John exchanged gifts and sweet love notes they wrote for each other.
Sam and John had decided to skip a first look, and to save that special moment for the walk to the altar in Christ's Church in Rye. Reverend Kate Malin delivered their marriage ceremony and led the couple in the recitation of their personally written vows and the exchange of rings. Then, it was official! As the couple exited the church, their wedding party tossed rose petals to celebrate!
Formal photos were taken after the ceremony and continued at the reception venue by Kristy May and her team. It was a pleasure to work with them as they captured those wonderful formal and candid photos of the day.
Sam and John's reception was held at the amazing waterfront venue, Manursing Island Club. We started the evening in the ballroom, where the wonderfully springy theme colors of kelly green, light blue and white were found all throughout the space. Greenwich Blooms provided gorgeous flower arrangements with those lovely blue hydrangea blooms.
A welcome speech for the guests in attendance and heartfelt toast to the couple was given by Sam's father. Then after a cute slide show, we heard more toasts from Sam's maid of honor, her sister, and from John's two best men, his brothers, while dinner was served. They were all such natural speakers with such thoughtful, engaging (and funny!) speeches about Sam and John, their personalities and their history. And Sam and John thanked their loved ones for being there for them, for that day and throughout their lives.
When the meal concluded, we all moved to the tent for the party! Sam and John first cut and shared their amazing white, three-tiered wedding cake. And dancing kicked off with the couple's perfectly choreographed first dance together, followed by their sweet dances with their parents.
Then, the dance floor stayed open for all to enjoy as Eturnity Band rocked the house with their live music! And at the end of the evening the pizza truck arrived to serve those late night slices to guests who worked up another appetite after dancing the night away!
What an absolutely amazing wedding this was. Kudos to Marygrace from Events by Marygrace for meticulously planning and organizing Sam and John's wedding event with Sam and her family.
And a heartfelt thank you to Sam and John for allowing us the opportunity to film their two events and to share in the celebrations. Congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds!
Photographer: Kristy May Weddings - Roselle Park, NJ
Floral Design: Greenwich Blooms - Greenwich, CT
Hair Stylist: Bedford Village Hair Design - Bedford, NY
Makeup Artist: Sara Skin Spa - Sleepy Hollow, NY
Entertainment: Eturnity Band - New York, NY
Cake: Manursing Island Club Weddings & Events - Rye, NY
Wedding Planner: Events by Marygrace - Marygrace Brennan - New Rochelle, NY
Pizza Truck: Colony Grill Pizza Truck - Port Chester, NY
Officiant: Rev. Kate Malin - Rye, NY
Church: Christ's Church - Rye, NY
Venue: Manursing Island Club - Rye, NY
Accommodations: Westchester Country Club - Rye, NY
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: American Yacht Club - Rye, NY