A Wedding Story: Stef!

This week’s Wedding Story comes from former Rhode Island knottie, Stef!

When did you get married?
Sunday, May 30, 2010!

Stef’s hair and make-up were done by Sam Cavalope and Krystal Treanor, respectively.

Stef’s Bouquet, courtesy of Golden Gate Studios

Where was your ceremony? Reception?
We held both at the Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, RI. Our ceremony and cocktails were outside in the gardens and our reception was inside the manor.

Some indoor & outdoor views of Glen Manor House

What made you choose that reception location?

We looked at over a dozen venues in Newport, Portsmouth and Southern Massachusetts but everything was too modern or too small or held more than one event at a time. When we walked in to the Glen we knew it was the place for us! I remember both of us were speechless and just walked around the grounds in awe. It is stunningly gorgeous with their flower gardens, gorgeous water views, the bridge and boat dock and of course the beach, rocks and woods! It has a little bit of everything! The manor itself is full of marble floors and fireplaces, antique furnishings, crystal chandeliers and all things vintage! We loved having the place to ourselves for the whole day and having Katie and Don, the care takers, take care of us for the day! It truly is your home for one very special day!

What was your favorite aspect of your wedding?
Jon and I wrote our own vows and successfully made everyone cry. We wanted to be corny, emotional and just our quirky selves. I wrote my vows to the pattern of, "Love is..." and Jon wrote his to the theme of, "We work because...". We mentioned everything from our love for the Red Sox to having ice cream for dinner and being each other's best friend. It is a moment we will never forget.

What was the best resource you used during the planning process?
We actually have several friends in the wedding business and picked their brains for information, ideas and other vendors. I will also give lots of credit to The Knot and especially the Rhode Island and Boston boards. The ladies on there are so helpful and honest and are truly supportive!

Stef’s groom along with their DJ, Victor from Party Time DJ’s

Cakes from Shemry’s Cakery

What's the one thing you would have done differently?
I would of tried to wash my hands more and have had my students do the same because I had the stomach flu on my wedding day! Silly germs...I should of sprayed down every inch of my classroom the week before! Oh well, at least I have a good story to tell the grandkids!

Any advice for future brides?
Something is going to go wrong on your wedding day. It might even be several things but you cannot help it or prevent it so you just need to go with the flow. Let someone else handle it, hire a day of coordinator or a wedding planner and be totally hands off the day of. It's your big day with your husband and just enjoy him and your wedding and don't worry about your flowers not being what you ordered. No one knows but you :) No melt downs, no bridezilla moments! No one wants to celebrate that!

Photos courtesy of David Bibeault

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