Couples often like to boast that their love was “meant to be,” but the evidence can’t be denied in the case of Heather and Scott. Introduced at a Shabbat dinner hosted by a mutual friend, the two were astounded to learn on their very first date that their lives were intertwined – not only were their fathers classmates from grade school through high school, they also took their children to the same alumni softball games every year. “We may have met each other as kids,” Heather marvels.

When the fated couple became engaged, they agreed that a summer wedding with an outdoor ceremony was ideal. The natural beauty, close proximity to the ocean, and high level of privacy afforded by a famous country club appealed to the pair, and with the venue selected, the bride focused her efforts on designing a timelessly elegant event.

“My inspiration was loosely based on The Ritz London hotel, which is one of the most gorgeous venues I’ve ever been to,” Heather shares. “I immediately gravitated towards a color scheme of creams and golds with soft pink flowers and crystal accents.”  

On a manicured carpet of emerald lawn, airy clouds of hydrangea blossoms punctuated rows of pristine white seating. Gathered in ceramic planters as well as paired with roses and strung from pastoral shepherd’s hooks, the flowers in particular found favor with the bride. “The floral arrangements were incredible,” she asserts. “I have always loved pink and green antique hydrangeas and roses, and I wanted something elegant but natural looking, especially in my chuppah.” To that end, an immaculate aisle runner edged in petals led to a wrought-iron gazebo laced with ivy and decorated with blush flowers in varying shades of beautiful intensity.

The tasteful sophistication of the décor was also reflected in the ensembles donned by the wedding party. Sweeping ebony gowns were worn by the bridesmaids, while the male contingent was attired in smart black suits and ties. The bride channeled classic romance, pairing her strapless gown with an upswept coiffure that bared the graceful lines of her neck and shoulders to the golden light of the setting sun. Gathered panels of silk chiffon cascaded in layers from the dropped waist of her dress, and a delicate bouquet of creamy roses completed the ethereal vision.

“The wedding wasn’t real in my mind until the moment I saw Heather in her dress for the first time,” Scott confides.  “I’m not saying that I cried… I’m not saying that I didn’t,” he adds.

Following the Reform Jewish ceremony, the bride added a beaded crystal belt to her Vera Wang gown while guests found their assigned seating for the reception via table cards attached to splits of Champagne. Golden chairs encircled tables swathed in pearly pin-tucked linens set with crystal candelabra crowned with exquisite combinations of flowers. Alternating arrangements hugged tabletops adorned with gilded candleholders and gold-framed table numbers. “We did both high and low centerpieces to break up the room, and included single cream roses as napkin details,” Heather describes.

The wedding cake was presented following a multicourse dinner. Clutches of ruffled roses adorned stacked, Swiss-dotted tiers of white cake separated by sweet lemon raspberry filling and airy chocolate mousse, respectively. Hydrangea petals were scattered along the edge of each layer.

The reception was filled with music, dancing, and heartfelt speeches, including one given by the father of the bride, which included a wonderful element of surprise.

“He spoke of how proud he was when he saw me perform the lead role in my high school performance of The Music Man, and then he asked Scott and me to come up and share a dance,” Heather explains. “When the audio began to play, I was completely shocked and touched – my father had obtained a recording of me singing ‘Goodnight, My Someone’ from my former drama teacher and had it digitally re-mastered for the dance.”

The event was so well planned and received that there is nothing the charming couple remotely wishes they could change.

“What stands out most in my mind is the smile on Heather’s face during that long walk down the aisle,” says Scott. “I could hardly believe she was walking over to marry me.”