Just two days before Christmas and three days after Julia’s birthday, Patrick decided to surprise his beloved with a proposal at the same quaint oyster bar where they had their first date exactly five years prior. “I was so surprised!” she shares of the sweet moment caught on video by their server. “We went to the back… and there was a table set up for both of our families [who] showed up within 10 minutes!” 

Though they reside in Connecticut, the pair decided to have an intimate destination wedding at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. Despite planning from afar, the pair placed their trust in their team of wedding professionals, as well as their venue. “The reputation of The Breakers spoke for itself,” shares Julia of their choice. “I know how many beautiful events they throw there, so I was not worried.” 

On the day of the summer ceremony, 50 friends and family members gathered at a traditional house of worship for mass, as it is a family tradition to be married in a Roman Catholic church. The bride was stunning in a form-fitting gown with an illusion neckline and back adorned with floral appliqués; she carried a rounded bouquet of white peonies, Tibet roses, and Italian ranunculus, while bridesmaids carried similar nosegays with the addition of greenery. 

Guests then convened at the luxurious hotel for the reception, which included a sit-down dinner service. “The room we chose for our reception was called the ‘Gold Room’ and it had a beautiful gold ceiling, so I knew I would love the white and greenery with that gold accent,” smiles the bride. Tall fluted gilt vases held loose, organic arrangements of ivory hydrangeas, Queen Anne’s lace, Tibet roses, spray roses, and dendrobium orchids accented with ruscus and salal greenery. The couple sat at a sweetheart table decorated with cascading orchids, which complemented those displayed on the wedding cake. “The Breakers is so timeless, and I knew that anything they put together would be perfect,” shares the bride. “And it was.” 

From their rehearsal dinner, traditional mass and elegant reception, and a beachside brunch the following day, the pair was overjoyed with their wedding weekend. “It felt like a weekend getaway not only for me and Patrick, but everyone kept saying they loved being on vacation,” smiles Julia. The pair also affirms having a small guest list allowed them to spend quality time with every attendee. “I absolutely loved dancing with everyone all night. Since it was only 50 people, Patrick and I were able to dance together and also with literally every single person there – it was awesome!”