A Sweet Secluded Wedding at Preston Ridge Vineyard

It’s nearing summer and we’re totally reminiscing over Lauren and Jesse’s pretty vineyard wedding at Preston Ridge Vineyard!

Walking in to an acoustic version of “XO” by Beyonce played by their band, Lauren and Jesse exchanged their vows in a gorgeous outdoor ceremony surrounded by sprawling vineyards and lush fields before leading the reception festivities under a great white tent, where they toasted and danced the night away under the starry sky of Preston, Connecticut.

Recently, we had the pleasure of getting some in-depth wedding insight from the bride, who had planned the entire wedding herself! Read on for everything from their sweet proposal story to how she knew her Monique Lhuillier dress was The One!

1. Tell us your proposal story!

We were in Nantucket with my (now in-laws) on vacation. On the morning of July 9th Jesse insisted that the two of us spend the day on the beach, even though it was a little chilly and overcast. We were just relaxing on Madaket beach and Jesse asked if I wanted to take a funny video. When I whipped out my phone and started documenting the day, Jesse grabbed something in his backpack which looked like a ring box. I kept the video rolling and he proposed! I was so caught off guard and excited. About an hour later we were heading back to the boat and Jesse said he wanted to stop for coffee. When we walked into the coffee shop and my whole family was there to surprise me. We celebrated the whole weekend together. It was one of the best times of my life!

2. What was inspiration behind your wedding design?

We were living in South Eastern Connecticut at the time and we were surrounded by quite a few vineyards. We wanted to be outdoors, using nature as our backdrop and a tented reception was how we both envisioned the night. I was far from the bride that dreamt of a ballroom/black-tie situation. (Not that there is anything wrong with that!)

We choose Preston Ridge Vineyard for its vast beauty, its secluded feel and the views overlooking the vines from the ceremony location. I wanted the wedding to inspire romance and feel whimsical. Most importantly, we wanted it to be fun and laid-back.

I wanted the florals to be a main focal point. I choose colors that would enhance the existing beauty of the vineyard. We incorporated lush eucalyptus and Blue Acacia, garden roses in shades of pinks and champagnes and dahlias in a deep plum to mimic the color of red wine. Our chuppah and arch way (that the bridal party walked through down the aisle) were both handmade by the groom’s father. They were both adorned with florals. The farm benches tied the scene together. Everything seemed to fit organically with the setting.

3. Tell us about your wedding dress! How was the search process for you, and how did you know this was the one?

I always admired Monique Ihuillier’s gowns. I knew in the back of my mind that I would most likely fall in love with one of her creations, but, before I limited myself to one designer I wanted to try a few others. I went to NYC with a small entourage; my mom, mother-in-law, aunt and my “Man of Honor” who happens to be a fashion designer and someone that I confide in with all of my fashion decisions. We tried Gabriella’s in SoHo first and then ventured uptown to Monique Ihuillier’s. “The dress” was the 6th one I tried on. The second we zipped it up, I knew it was perfect. It was sweet, delicate, sophisticated and whimsical. Once we added the cathedral veil with the same cascading floral applique I was sold. We cancelled the rest of our appointments for the day. To me, the gown accompanied the Vineyard setting and the vibe we wanted to achieve perfectly. I lost my father when I was younger and I wanted to incorporate him in some way. He used to wear these funky chambray button downs with embroidered cars on them. We sewed a pink corvette into the bottom/inside of my dress. It was so special for me to carry a piece of him with me on that day. He would have loved it.

4. What was the most memorable part of the big day?

I think walking down the aisle for most people is a moment that they will never forget. Our band played an acoustic version of XO by Beyoncé. Once I got up the chuppah I immediately felt at ease. Looking out to our closest friends and family coming together to celebrate us, was surreal. BUT, the most memorable part of our wedding day was being lifted on the chairs during the Horah. I will never forget the joy I felt. In those few minutes we were able to observe and take it all in. It was magic.

5. What advice would you give brides planning their own wedding?

You have to be patient. Even if you plan and book all of your vendors way in advance, nothing actually comes together until about 2-4 weeks before the wedding. BUT if you have all of your bridesmaid’s gifts packed and details done that you can control, it will be much easier to deal with all of the vendor details that must be worked out closer to the wedding.

Venue: Preston Ridge Vineyard / Photographer: Wasin Pummarin / Hair & Makeup: LLMUA / Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Suit: Custom made by Monsieur Brunold / Cake: Anna Parzych Cakes / Florist: Flowers by Justine / Stationery: Rifle Paper Co / Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / Caterer: Gourmet Galley Catering / Lighting/Draping: Ryan Designs / Band – Silver Arrow Band

Did you fall in love with these beautiful The Foundry wedding films as we did? Hope they gave you inspiration to plan your own industrial chic wedding! Our cinematographers and editors are experts on capturing the priceless moments from your big day and we are ready to give you that remarkable film that you will surely keep watching for years to come. Don’t wait around – click here to get started.