A Fall Wedding on the Water

Last weekend I was in Greenwich for a wedding between my good friends Kristina McKittrick and Brian Walsh. Can you believe I've known the two of them since we were 14 years old back in Greenwich High? I was so honored to be in the wedding party, so after rehearsal on Friday afternoon, we all headed to dinner at Coveleigh Beach Club in Rye, where her grandfather had been president from 1972 to 1974. Her dress was so exquisite, it could have easily been a wedding gown all its own! 

From the look of the invitation, I knew this wedding was going to be absolutely beautiful! I love the classic calligraphy, together with the ivory satin bow. Simple and elegant.   

As a groomsmen, I wore a gray suit with a white open-collared shirt. Casual but still very smart. On the day of the ceremony, I arrived a little early to the church, just to have a look around. Check out this gorgeous carnation wreath my friend Ronny Carroll did, along with all the flowers! It was part of a pair on the church doors greeting every guest as they took their seats.   

Here's my boutonniere, a beautiful white rose together with silvery-gray dusty miller.

On every pew down the aisle, there was an elegant arrangement of miniature variegated ficus, hypericum berries and beautiful cream-colored roses, tied with the perfect satin bow. 

Then, on either side of the alter, there were two pedestal urns filled with white hydrangeas, casablanca lilies, white stock and curly willow. Beautiful, dramatic and very appropriate.

Here's Brian's boutonniere, a simple white gardenia to match Kristina's bouquet. 

Speaking of, how beautiful is the bride? Here they are just after they were married! Such a gorgeous couple, don't you think?

Afterward, Kristina and Brian were swept away in a vintage Roles Royce for pictures. 

How beautiful a backdrop is this? It's Roger Sherman Park right on the water in Greenwich.

And how pretty are the bridesmaid dresses? Love the color combination—fuchsia with a tangerine sash. From left to right, there's Kristina's cousin Natalie, her sister and maid-of-honor Karen, and her sister-in-law Jenny.

Here's a close-up of the bridesmaid's bouquet. I love how the white pops against the vivid fuchsia of the dress. 

Here's Emily and Melissa, Kristina's twin cousins and junior bridesmaids. So beautiful.

And here they are! While the wedding photographer did his thing, I snapped a few myself. The weather, the location, Kristina in that gorgeous dress—everything really was perfect!

Here's a close-up of her bouquet filled with white and cream-colored roses, hydrangeas and gardenias.

And how beautiful are her earrings? They're 1940s starburst diamonds that add just the right amount of sparkle.   

And for a little surprise, check out her shoes! This is what inspired the colors in the wedding party. What a fun splash of color! 

After the pictures, we all headed across the way to the beautiful Hotel Delamar, where champagne was being poured...

...and the liquor flowed freely!

For cocktail hour, beautiful hors d'oeuvres were passed, like prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with hollandaise sauce in individual jars... 

...delicious beef wantons that were so crispy and good... 

...and individual lobster bisques in white Chinese porcelain spoons. How chic is that?

Meanwhile, on the seafood table, there were colossal shrimp aplenty... 

...and perfectly shucked oysters for days. So great for a wedding on the water, don't you think?

And to top them all off, check out the trio of sauces—spicy cocktail, herbed vinegar and (my favorite for oysters!) a delicious minuet. 

Here I am, blogging away, with Jaithan!

This was Jaithan's plate—blue cheese and a French baguette together with a single strawberry. I thought it was so pretty, I just had to get a picture!

Here's Kristina with her beautiful mother Nancy. Growing up, I used to go to her house all the time for Christmas Eve and still do even now!   

While it was still light out, I snuck into the dining room to have a look around. How pretty are these place cards all lined up on the table? I see ours...

Table 12 it was!

Loved the table settings—all white linens, matching bamboo ballroom chairs and simple glass stemware. I especially like how the votives and vases were both made of mercury glass. It's simple and beautiful, don't you think?

And now for the cake! Loved how the flowers matched Kristina's bouquet, though these are all made of sugar. The simple beaded edge is such a great detail and you know me...I love a monogram!

The cake server too I thought was pretty. I love the simple sterling silver handle just waiting for the bride and groom to make the first cut.   

As the evening wore on, the lanterns were lit and the moon shone bright over Long Island Sound.

Still, the guests gathered outside laughing, talking, eating and drinking before taking their seats for dinner.

Here's Kristina in the middle of it all, celebrating with friends and family. 

And how's this for inpiration? Here are Kristina's maternal grandparents Audie and Pop Pop Ben. They've been married for 60 years, and she still calls him her boyfriend!

Before the other guests arrived, I went in to capture a few pictures of the candlelit dining room. Here's Kristina's bouquet at a setting marked with their place card—Mr and Mrs. Brian Walsh.

The bridal table I thought was gorgeous! Love the hedge of flowers going down the center. Again, simple and beautiful.

With such a large table, it's important that everything is placed perfectly, so it all looks pulled together. And it does!

And how magical is the monogrammed "W" sparkling in the candlelight?

By time dinner was served, I was so hungry I forgot to take pictures! The food, though, was incredible. It was a buffet of fillet and seafood, together with delicious sides and vegetables. Afterward, Kristina and Brian took center stage to cut the cake...

...followed by an embrace that had guests in tears, toasting to the bride and groom!

Soon, the cake was cut for guests to help themselves—chocolate with a buttercream filling I loved!

And as you can see, Mr and Mrs. Walsh enjoyed theirs just as much!

With the food all done, everyone danced and partied for hours. And when it finally ended, Kristina kicked of her shoes, took Brian by the arm and bid us all good night! 

Comments

[Tamara]

What an beautiful wedding! Tons of fun, I imagine m:)

[Carol]

How amazing! I read this and was transported. Your photos are beautiful and it is quite evident you are such a loving friend. Thank you for sharing this glimpse of a truly memorable evening.

Carol

[Pattie Zeman-Coviello]

Eddie: What a beautiful tribute to our cousins, Brian and Tina! They are two of the most wondeful members of our Walsh family, and we were so thrilled to have been a part of that magical day! It was elegant but not "stuffy", the flowers were beyond gorgeous, the food and drink abundant, and we thank you for sharing this with everyone. Bravo for a wonderful job!
-Pattie and Jim

[danielle rose]

eddie, this wedding looks absolutely stunning! her bouquet is exactly what I want in my dream wedding, i love the mix of hydrangeas, roses and gardenias.. just lovely.

[Leslie]

Eddie,

Thanks for capturing everything about this day so beautifully. You did an amazing job preparing the flowers. Tina was so grateful! In addition to everything being picture perfect, Brian and Tina's vows were very special and personal. I lvoed meeting (and dancing) with you and Jaithan. Leslie (Tina's cousin).

[Jessica]

beautiful! who did those gorgeous invitations!? they are exactly what i have been searching for!

[Kimberly]

Everything looked so beautiful! That was so kind of you to honor your friends with this post. I wish them all the best!

[pve design]

I am wishing that you were at my wedding 21 years ago - I love the way that you photo-journalized this. You are so sweet, so appreciative of everything which makes you a special person.
Jaithan looks so kind too.
What a stunning bride and every detail was "just right."
PvE

[meanders]

Wow, what a lovely wedding, and I love the bride's earrings and shoes! The cake was lovely too, and since I married a Walsh (from Rye, no relation I think) I paid close attention to the monogram. ALL the flowers were great too. Beautiful fall weather makes for such a lovely event. Best wishes to the bride and groom.

(No ties for the groomsmen? Daring!)

[Ashley]

Hi Eddie - I met you at Tina and Brian's wedding last weekend with my boyfriend Zino and I just wanted to tell you how much I love your post of the wedding. T gave me your site to check out and she is one lucky girl to have had you document and comment on her, yes, fairytale wedding. What a beautiful day it was!

I also wanted to tell you how amazing your entire site is. I think I may spend the day reading and enjoying all of your designs and tips. You really are an incredible talent.

One last thing, I caught the episode last night of the "green" office make-over and I was so impressed. Obviously yours was the best, but I wanted to tell you personally! Someday when I have the house or the money, depending on which comes first, you are going to be my man!

Good luck with everything and maybe I will see you another time in Greenwich!

[Paloma of La Dolce Vita]

Gorgeous...right down to the tiniest detail.

[Mrs. Blandings]

What fun - I love a good wedding. Your friends will be so happy to have your candid shots along with the more formal photography. Beautiful!

[marnie heck]

Eddie- Fabulous pictures! So glad I met you there. You captured the beauty and fun of a special night for Tina, Brian, and all of us that attended. Thanks for putting this together for all to see. marnie

[tara]

It's not often that wedding photos and styling make my heart flutter. Gorg!!!

[Tina and Brian Walsh]

Eddie and Jaithan....THANK YOU! This is so amazing to look through and read all of these wonderful comments from all of your fans! That was such a special day especially having you there to celebrate with us! Thank you for your thoughtfulness and especially your friendship. We love you very much. xoxo

[jess]

simple, elegant, & beautiful. all the right touches.

[Garrison]

Simply gorgeous...great taste...and the only way one should ever use carnations...a single saturation...your friend did a great job!

[London Calling]

Such a warmly elegant event you captured it so well. Thank your friends for allowing you to share it with us. Wishing them all the best! Especially enjoyed this post as I am planning a wedding of my own for the Spring.

[Lauren]

Wow. The flowers (especially on the tables) are amazing.

[Jenny Walsh]

Eddie...love how you captured all the beauty of the day, you are so talented! It was a magical day that I will never forget and so honored to have been a part of it!! XOX, J

[Jennifer]

Okay, what an amazingly gorgeous wedding!

And you and Jaithan? Adorbs!

[Ivy Lane]

Beautiful post! I especially love Tina's dress in the first picture. They make a very lovely couple and the wedding must have been to die for!! The picture of you and Jaithan is so great! I just found your blog a few weeks ago and often wondered what he looked like! WOW!! certainly a cutie!! I think Jan at Rosemary Cottage is right on.. with the idea of black and white and frame..etc.. Cheers!!

[pigtown*design]

Wonderful! It really shines through how fond of them you are. Thanks to them for sharing their special day and to you for taking such great pictures.

[Suzanne]

Eddie
are you sure you were a guest and not the incredible event co-ordinator? Looks like you styled every inch of the wedding- Really, really beautiful- can't wait to watch tonight- suzanne

[barbara heady]

Poor you,having to grow up in such a beautiful place.I really felt like I was at the wedding,those pictures look to be the work of a working photographer.Lovely event!Perfection.

[Roxy @ There's No Place Like Home]

Oh What a lovely wedding!! Love the lobster bisque served in those spoons. What a nice touch! So glad you had nice weather!!

[hanako66]

what an absolutely beautiful wedding!! I am helping a friend plan a wedding now and will show her these photos for inspiration!

[Seleta]

Their wedding expressed graceful elegance from start to finish. Her creamy bouquet, classic 1940's earrings, feminine dress and shoes, wow! C’est très chic! This girl has wonderful taste.

It's amazing that the colors in her shoes echoed the same colors found in a blazing beach sunset. So perfectly planned.

Wishing happiness and lifelong love to the new Mr. and Mrs. Walsh!

[DecorPad]

Adorable! And the wedding was magnificent!

[katiedid]

Simple. Lovely. Simply Lovely!!!

[Katie Tharakan]

This is wonderful. Tina is so lucky to have such a great friend. It was a fabulous event. I loved catching up with you.

[Gina]

Eddie, you truly captured Tina & Brian's day so well. It was magical, elegant, emotional...the photographs and the captions tell the story of the night perfectly. I feel honored to have been a guest!

[Judyj]

Wow is all I can say. The wedding was fabulous. Thank you for sharing. The brides dress was stunning as were the bridesmaids. I could go on and on everything was perfect the last detail, the flowers, tablesetting...ok enough...like I said everything was stunning.

[Renovation Therapy]

Well done!!

[Tamara]

Oh, that is just FABULOUS! Everything is just pulled together so elegantly. Congrats to the couple :)

[Allison]

Wow -- I wish you were at my wedding to capture it all like this! She will be forever grateful I imagine. Her bridesmaid dresses and shoes were amazing. I've been lusting over fuchsia and orange for two years now. I always fear the combo was a little obnoxious, but if someone as beautiful as her, with friends as stylish as you is using it, I will rock my fuchsia and orange proudly! And with white, brilliant!

[Jan]

What a WONDERFUL posting -- thank you so very much for truly sharing each and every special moment with us here at our homes! Gorgeous wedding with the perfect couple -- and every detail was selected with such love and caring for their Day! A blessing for them, their dear families and cherished friends! BTW -- truly marvellous portrait of you and Jaithan -- that would be perfect to switch to black-and-white and frame for your home!

Thanks again! Jan at Rosemary Cottage

[Andi]

That wedding was so pretty! It has a lot of elements that I am having at my wedding in exactly one month. That made me really excited for it. I bet you would plan a BEAUTIFUL wedding or commitment ceremony.