Sunflower themed wedding + Gypsophila flower row beside the aisle and navy blue bridesmaids! And that’s precisely why, when we see a themed wedding done totally right, we get pretty excited about it! We love the story of this next couple! Michael and Sarah share a great sense of humour, and their tale of first falling in love proves it. They say, “Sarah called Mike over one November evening to help trap a rogue mouse in her apartment – and that is when their true romance bloomed. They began dating shortly thereafter, Sarah being clearly impressed by Mike’s mousing skills.” So after an adventurous courtship travelling around the US and Puerto Rico, and a romantic proposal in Rittenhouse Square Park in Philadelphia, they were ready to plan their wedding day.
It was important to Mike and Sarah to keep family traditions and sentiment in their wedding, so along with a family heirloom engagement ring, they chose to celebrate their nuptials at Sarah’s family home in Shinnecock Bay, Long Island. It served as a gorgeous backdrop, as you can see from the photos by Sergey Lapkovsky that their wedding ceremony overlooked the water, cocktail hour was served at sunset, and the reception was altogether magical by the pool, so if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or intimate family affair, be sure to check out Mike and Sarah’s wedding photos from Sergey Lapkovsky for some amazing ideas.
Not so magical was the moment the groom’s pants split right before group photos! But if there’s one thing this couple is already great at, it’s taking life with a sense of humor. In fact, Sarah’s advice to future brides is to “take everything in stride. Enjoy the process and have fun with your fiance!”
We are absolutely blown away by the personal touches and DIY décor included in this wedding. Note the DIY leather keychains that served double duty as placecard holder and take-home favor, as well as the custom-designed, sunflower-themed invitation suite. And what a brilliant use of the doors and upcycled church windows to create an entrance and aisle for the bride in such a large outdoor space! This is one backyard wedding that definitely tops the charts!
DIY projects: Invitation design and printing, personalized leather key chain favors and place settings, hanging photo booth, lighting and decorations.
Personal story about us: Michael and Sarah first laid eyes on each other during the summer of 2013 when they were working together at the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and became fast friends – bonding over Michael’s witty sense of humor and Sarah’s supreme ability to keep his library fully stocked with all of his necessary supplies.
Living a mere 1 block away from each other in Washington Heights, Manhattan – Sarah called Mike over one November evening to help trap a rogue mouse in her apartment – and that is when their true romance bloomed. They began dating shortly thereafter, Sarah being clearly impressed by Mike’s mousing skills.
Together they have gone on adventures to Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, all along the West Coast, and more. On November 5, 2015, their two-year anniversary, Mike offered to take Sarah to a delicious French restaurant in Philadelphia. After their meal, they took a walk in Rittenhouse Square Park, where Mike surprised Sarah by getting down on one knee and proposing with the most beautiful engagement ring – a family heirloom – along with a saddle!
Location details: Sarah’s parents house and her childhood home on Shinnecock Bay. Ceremony took place on the back lawn near the water, then cocktails overlooking the sunset and dinner and dancing near the pool.
Favorite memories of the day: When Mike split his pants right before family pictures! Also enjoying our first dance – spending a few moments just the two of us surrounded by the love of our friends and family.
Music choices: Processional – Nick Drake, Northern Sky. Recessional: Buddy Holly, Everyday. First dance: Ella Fitzgerald/Louie Armstrong, The Nearness of You
Advice for brides planning now: take everything in stride. Enjoy the process and have fun with your fiancée!
Photography : Sergey Lapkovsky | Catering: Farm to Table : Filomena | Cake and cupcakes: Sugar Lane Cake Shop, Ashley Rowland | Tent and other rentals: TGIF | Hair and makeup: Rachel Seedorf | Flowers: Hilary Fuchs | Bluegrass trio musicians: Abby Hollander Band | Swing band musicians: Professor Cunningham and his Old School
Stunning photography ,both are looking nice, thank you for sharing the pictures.