"Eager to begin planning their nuptials, Kristin Bromley and Douglas Fitzgerald knew they wanted to enjoy every element of the preparations. “Quality was an important factor... every detail had to be original and well thought out,” explains the couple. First, they decided that the ceremony would be held at Christ Episcopal Church where Kristin’s parents were married. The parish is nestled in a quaint village and boasts incredible old-world charm in its architecture. An added sentimental touch: Kristin’s grandmother’s ashes are buried in the church’s Memorial Garden. “We were extremely close and it meant so much to me to have her spirit near,” explains Kristin.

For the reception, Kristin and Doug wanted an English-garden theme set in the backyard of the Bromley’s modern country home. “June is always a great month for weather, and a traditional month for weddings,” says the bride. “Plus, the gardens around my parents’ home are fully in bloom with every possible color.” A whimsical dragonfly motif became the couple’s “signature detail,” and was incorporated into every facet of the wedding. A lattice design was also brought into play once Kristin chose a gorgeous Vera Wang gown with a lattice pattern on the train that reminded her of her family’s garden. The pattern was hand painted onto invitations and tablecloths, and also served as inspiration for the couple’s magnificent cake decorated with edible butterflies, flowers, vines, and a hummingbird.

As guests entered the grounds for the cocktail hour and reception, they were met with a myriad of colorful blooms surrounding the tented area. Lush floral displays were beautifully arranged, and a genuine putting green was a bright nod to the male contingent at the event. Rectangular reception tables were lined with moss green taffeta and surrounded with complementing chairs in verdigris gold for an antique feel. Alternating floral centerpieces adorned each table so guests could fully enjoy the beauty and fragrance of every variety. “We wanted to bring all the various flowers and plants found in the garden right onto the tables,” explains Kristin. Tall glass vases filled with blossoming branches and hanging candles were paired with smaller vessels of flowers or fuller sprays of mixed blooms to loosely mimic formal topiaries. Tables were also cleverly named for the same floral varieties found in the English garden, such as Rose, Hydrangea, Sweet Pea, Trumpet Vine, Lily, and Peony. “It was so magical... the scene was elegant and romantic,” remembers Kristin of the reception décor.

The couple also wanted to focus strongly on the dining aspect of the celebration, “to make sure the ‘foodie’ side of us was appropriately covered,” laughs Doug. For the cocktail hour, a seafood bar, a hot-rocks station (food cooked on 500-degree river rocks), and a variety of bite-sized hors d’oeuvres (such as meatballs speared with forks twirled with spaghetti) were set out for guests. The sit-down dinner began with French-served shots of lobster bisque, followed by a tableside selection of roasted halibut or rack of lamb. Ice-cold shots of Limoncello and small cones of pineapple-mint sorbets were passed as a refresher before guests were handed slices of the beautifully adorned wedding cake. When attendees made their way into an after-party area eager to enjoy a “sushi station,” they were surprised to find that the elaborate display was actually composed of miniature cakes and other sweets. “They were unique and delicious – no one had ever seen that before!” says the bride of her favorite catering aspect.

While everyone enjoyed the unbelievable fare, antique photo booth, and made-to-order cigar rolling, the couple agrees that having outstanding music is what made the reception most pleasurable for everyone. “The band was hot both musically and visually!” exclaims the couple. “People were out of their seats dancing all night!” Watching their loved ones have an amazing time is exactly what this well- prepared couple wanted most – and that was exactly what they achieved.