wedding week: oh the fashionable

For a few months after college, Eric lived in Rockport, Massachusetts—the cutest, quaintest ocean town you’ll ever see. One night, on a walk around Main Street, we peeked through the windows of the Shalin Liu Performance Center (fun fact, the exterior of this building was the general store in the movie The Proposal). Without stepping one foot inside (and admittedly, without a ring on my finger), I told Eric I’d like to marry him there. The building is perched atop a grassy knoll overlooking the ocean. The entire back wall is floor-to-ceiling windows that let in perfect sunlight no matter the time of day. Eric hates to be hot, so this was our indoor-outdoor compromise: the beauty of the outdoors with full-blast air conditioning and no worry of bad weather.

Our wedding look was in perfect keeping with the venue and inspiration. We went for classic elegance with modern touches. I am so fortunate to say that wedding dress shopping was a breeze. Thanks to Pinterest Nation, by the time I went to look for the gown I had two very clear options in mind: one design from Monique Lhuillier and another from Jenny Packham. Taking my mom and sister with me to Allegria Bridal, they forced an open mind and had me slip into various styles and materials. But once Jenny Packham’s Foxglove slipped over my head there was no swaying me. Cliché as it may sound, I had that bridal moment of perfect contentment and extreme bliss. It was traditional with flutter sleeves and intricate beading, yet modern in its sleek silhouette. And boy, once the chapel veil slid into place, I was a mess of sobs and laughter. I chose chandelier earrings from LuxeDeluxe on Etsy, a glitzy crystal bracelet by Nadri for Nordstrom, and gold dusted shoes from Steve Madden. My hair and makeup was done, on-site, by I Do Wedding Hair New England. The pre-wedding trial completely put me at ease regarding their abilities. I ventured for an Old Hollywood up do with a modern, slight pouf. The makeup was natural but had enough depth to make the nighttime transition.

I may be biased, but I think Eric looked like James Bond. He and all the groomsmen wore Vera Wang for Men’s Warehouse. The tuxedos were dynamite. They had clean lines, crisp whites, and a slim cut. Eric got a special “upgrade” to his attire when he opened my gift to him that morning: monogrammed Tiffany cuff links. Oh, and the MORNING OF the wedding, they decided to book it to the nearest TJ Maxx and all purchase purple socks (just for kicks and giggles).