HANDPICKED FLOWERS, HOMEMADE CROWNS & A PICNIC STYLE WHIMSICAL WEDDING
THIS MEXICAN THEMED WEDDING IN A BREWERY IS A GENIUS IDEA!
Julia and Jared had always known that they wanted to have a clambake, if like me you have know idea what that is, it’s a traditional method of cooking clams and other seafood, it’s fun to share with friends and is an event that shouldn’t be missed.
OK so now we have that cleared up, back to the wedding…
“Ideally we wanted a ‘backyard wedding’ (though no one was offering up their backyard).We actually discovered the brewery from our caterer in talking through our vision. The waterfront setting and ‘aggressively laid back’ mantra of the brewery set the tone for the day.” Julia told us.
“We love entertaining and bringing people together. Our wedding would be a reunion of the wonderfully weird cast of characters we’ve gathered throughout life and our 11+ years together as a couple. It felt like we kicked off the summer!”
“It was essential that we incorporate our fur baby, Omar. He was present for family photos and the ceremony. We also used an iconic ‘logo’ that Julia designed using his face on invitations and party favors.”
“We asked Jay, Julia’s oldest friend and Jared’s former band mate, to perform our ceremony. He is responsible for introducing us and there was no one better to make it official. We chose to unite with beer instead of more traditional sand or candles.”
“The color inspiration really came from the bright colors of the food. We knew the tables would be filled with bright red (lobster) and yellow (corn on the cob) so we played off that, leaving white tablecloths as the blank canvas. The papel picado idea came from a favorite Mexican restaurant we used to frequent near Jared’s college campus. We BOTH love hot pink, and found ways to sprinkle it in without feeling overwhelming. My sister handmade the ‘J&J’ pinatas for us and some of my extremely talented friends from design school flawlessly executed the day-of decor.” Julia Explained.
“I have always chased after bright and bold color and pattern. I went through tons of ideas for the babes maids, and was so thrilled we landed on these gorgeous floral ball skirts. I knew the skirt would be universally flattering and wanted them to each select their own black top so there was still room for self expression. They looked INCREDIBLE and the solid pops with the bouquets, ribbons and earrings were exquisite.”
“Our florist works with local partners, which was important to me. My vision was for the flowers to look like they were plucked straight from a garden. My bouquet was exactly what I envisioned, bright warm colors and a bit unruly. Snapdragons are my favorite summer flower and we loved their idea for hops in the guys boutonnières.”
And we couldn’t leave without asking Jared about their first look… Those images honestly brought tears to our eyes!
“I am not good at surprises. For once, though, I decided that I had to pull one off — for her. I knew that I wanted to play her a song, and “Everlong”; by the Foo Fighters was chosen based on our mutual appreciation for it and the way the lyrics in the chorus relate to our relationship.”
“But how could I pull It off?”
“She works from home. Sneaking an acoustic guitar out of the house and getting it to Connecticut would prove challenging. I enlisted one of my groomsmen for the mission. When Julia was occupied, I snuck the guitar into the trunk of my car. When my friend came over, I passed him the keys and had him transfer it to his car. With him and everyone else involved, I only told them in person, not leaving a paper trail of text or email. I told my groomsmen and her father the day of the wedding.”
“When we got to the location for the first look, a marina across from our venue, machinery disguised the sound of my strumming until she was close. Her bridesmaids made her close her eyes and walked her over to me. She was certain she was being kidnapped. When she opened her eyes, she saw me, her soon-to- be husband, serenading her and giving her a legitimate surprise.”
Super Suppliers – Photographer: Alisha Siegel | Ceremony/Reception: Stony Creek Brewery | Officiant:: Jason Kinnard | Hair Stylist & Make up: JoBella Salon |Drinks: Stony Creek Brewery | Food: Clambakes of CT | Cake & cupcakes: J cakes | Florist: Maple & Mum Floral Designs | Stationery: Designed by the bride, Julia Mennone| Brides Outfit: BHLDN | Brides Shoes: BRYR | Engagement Ring &Wedding Band: Megan Thorne | Grooms Suit: Jack Threads | Bow tie: The Tie Bar | Bridesmaids Skirts: Eliza J | Groomsmen: Vera Wang Suits via Men’s Warehouse | Table Numbers: Lula Flora |
