Caroline Ogilvy and Dave Reisler Bruce were married in the garden of Caroline’s parents’ private estate on one of the prettiest days of Summer 2015. And last week I was honored to see the ethereal film scans by AE Stelzer Photography from this gorgeous AYE wedding featured on Style Me Pretty {SMP feature here)!
When Caroline and Dave approached me with their wedding vision in the winter of 2014, I couldn’t wait to begin dreaming up a stunning design for their big day. We met at the Four Seasons Boston for a glass of champagne and dessert and held their initial consultation. And what stood out to me the most was that above everything that Caroline and Dave asked for, their first and foremost priority was ensuring that every single one of their guests had the most remarkable time — one they would talk about long after the day was over. So when Caroline and Dave booked me for full service planning, we set our focus on creating a unique and wonderful guest experience!
Only July 25th sweet couple was married on the Ogilvy’s private estate complete with a garden, a miniature Cape Cod cottage playhouse adorably referred to as the “dollhouse,” and a white wash barn sitting upon Siders Pond in the heart of Falmouth, Cape Cod. What I loved so much about this property (other than how gorgeous it was!), was it had meaning as Caroline’s parents had been married at the same location 40 years before. In my opinion it’s the meaningful details like this that set a celebration apart and make it truly bespoke.
For a color palette, we selected navy, white, coral and blush to invoke the nautical chic vibe, along with a Sperry sailcloth tent that offers that lovely, magical soft glow inside. Caroline chose a breathtaking Monique Lhullier lace gown with a chapel length veil, and Kate Spade wedges adorned with giant white bows for a sassy yet classy touch. The Mother of the Bride’s aquamarine solitare ring served as Caroline’s “something borrowed,” which had everyone swooning. The bridesmaids wore dainty navy chiffon knee length gowns and carried coral, blush and seashell pink blooms tied with navy and white striped ribbons. And the three flower girls (the cutest in the history of weddings, I might add) wore precious coral dresses with flower sashes and giant navy ribbons in their hair, and carried Nantucket baskets tied with navy and white grosgrain ribbon streamers and filled with coral rose petals.
Prior to the wedding, the couple met a Surf Drive Beach for a first look on the ocean. Dave arrived in the Father of the Bride’s vintage Mercedes and practiced his vows while waiting for his bride to arrive. And after a sentimental first look, the two enjoyed a drive to Falmouth Harbor for a few photos on the boat, which were straight out of a Cape Cod Lifestyle magazine.
The ceremony was hosted on pond’s edge, where Caroline and Dave stood under a white chiffon draped floral arch with coral and blush garden roses and greenery. Guests were greeted with blueberry lemonade, and handed ceremony program fan tied with a navy and white striped grosgrain ribbon bow. As a little extra hospitable touch, all guests received a pair of navy wayfarers inscribed with the couple’s favorite saying (and hashtag), Better Together for comfort during the sunset ceremony. For the cocktail reception, we selected a round Sperry tent with a navy and white star big top that housed navy linened cocktail tables tied back with white anchor rope in a square knot.
The reception part of the evening was absolutely magical in every way. The guest tables were set with gold flatware and gold rimmed china and glassware. White nautical lanterns filled with pillar candles and surrounded by lush garden roses and blush blooms at the base served as the centerpieces. Guests were completely blown away by the stellar seven piece band of the evening, The Sultans of Swing, who are a New England favorite. And the evening was filled with surprises, including an introduction by the Father of the Bride who made an entrance on his vintage motorcycle which he drove straight through the tent, past the sweetheart table and onto the dance floor to meet his wife and Mother of the Bride for their toast! After dinner, cake cutting and formal dances, the guests danced the night away under cafe lights in the sailcloth tent to Motown hits and New England favorites (including Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond for our bride!) performed by the Sultans.
And for a slam bang finish Caroline and Dave ran off to their after party through a sparkler tunnel down their private lane.
A couple of months back I emailed back and forth with Caroline, and she made a point of telling me that their “guests are still to this day talking about the fabulous wedding.” And that my friends, was music to my ears. It truly was the remarkable day Caroline and Dave had so hoped for.
Until next time.
xoxo, Keri
