Kathryn + Robby had an absolutely gorgeous wedding at Saltwater Farm Vineyard last August and Uplift Photography was there to capture every incredible moment. We are so thrilled that Kathryn was kind enough to not only share some of the details of their day with us, but also glowing reviews about a few of our favorite MMW Preferred Vendors. From the bride…

“Our wedding weekend festivities kicked off with an amazing rehearsal dinner hosted by my (then!) future in-laws at Latitude 41 in Mystic. The event space was perfect, a beautifully tented private area right on the water. After a delicious buffet style dinner, we then shared very special moments with giving gifts to our parents and wedding party to thank them for all their love and support not just during this wedding process, but since day one! Ending the dinner was my father-in-law's toast to our future, there was not a dry eye in the house to say the least!

It was then off to the Mystic Marriott for a welcome reception! This cocktail party held on their outdoor patio space was a perfect chance for us to mingle with all our family and friends who came to celebrate our big day with us. We would highly recommend having one for any of you who have guests traveling! We will forever be grateful for the intimate moments of our rehearsal dinner to getting the party started at the welcome reception!”

“Robby stayed at the Mystic Marriott to get ready with his groomsmen while my maids and I were getting ready at our home in Westerly, Rhode Island. We had a delicious brunch brought in by Indulge, a local coffee and sandwich shop in Stonington, Connecticut. After a few bites of a pastry and mimosa in hand, it was time to let the games begin!”

“While the make-up and hair teams were putting on their finishing touches, it was then time to get dressed. Just before getting ready, Robby had sent me the most heartfelt gift. He had gotten our very first photo together etched on a champagne bottle, with our wedding date and first dance song engraved. Just when I thought I could not love him any more than I already did! (I had sent Robby a gift as well to open on the day, a Fossil watch to add the finishing touch to his ensemble.)”

“I had been feeling all of those excited and anxious butterflies that you hear about up until the moment I put on my dress. Something about your wedding dress, it all clicks into place. It's true what they say, when you put on THE dress, you just know. And, I am a bit biased here, but my veil ROCKED! I opted for a cathedral length veil that had the most beautifully jeweled design along the edges and bottom. If I could wear my dress and veil every day, I would! I have never felt more beautiful or confident. I was ready to get married!”

“Robby and I were both raised in the Catholic faith and it was important for us to be married at our church, St. Pius X in Westerly, Rhode Island. We had both very early on in our planning agreed that our first look would be when I walked down the aisle. That moment is even more surreal in person. Once those doors opened and I heard “Canon in D” time seemed to stop. How lucky was I! I was just feeling so overwhelmed with happiness in that moment and looked down at my groom smiling back at me. Our ceremony was a traditional Mass made all the more special by having the music performed by a family friend, Joann Lurgio, as well as having our family members participate in the readings and offerings.”

“The wedding party then traveled in style in a trolley provided by Viking Tours, Newport, Rhode Island. This was just such a fun alternative to a limo! The trolley was even complete with a JUST MARRIED sign made by my mother-in-law! This sweet sign reminded me not only did I marry an amazing man but into an amazing new family! Champagne was flowing and the celebrations beginning, it was a scenic drive along the coastline to our reception venue, Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington, Connecticut.”

“Saltwater Farm Vineyard is just breathtaking. When we were engaged and choosing our venue, we first visited Saltwater Farm Vineyard in the colder winter month of March. Even then we knew this is where we would be getting married. This restored airport hangar is stunning with its deep rustic wood features, stone fireplace and yet has modern touches throughout. We also loved how it truly could be molded into our vision by adding light fixtures and other decor. And the backdrop speaks for itself being tucked away on the coastline, the vineyard in full bloom. But what truly makes Saltwater Farm Vineyard is its owners and staff. Michael, Merrily and the whole SFV team were so warm and welcoming, and very attentive to any questions or concerns we had during the planning process. They truly have something special at Saltwater Farm Vineyard and we were so excited to be a part of it!”

“Upon our arrival, it was time for photos! Enter Jade, of Uplift Photography. You guys, Jade is just simply the best. I cannot even begin to describe how having her photograph our big day was one of the best decisions that we had made! Her style is to keep everything so organic and to find the beauty in the details. Never once did we feel pressure to turn your head this way, pose that way. And for two people who typically don't like getting our pictures taken, we were loving the camera by the end of the night! During our engagement shoot, she got us so comfortable and relaxed that we even got a picture kissing under the iconic Mystic drawbridge in the middle of a busy summer night! Her knowledge of our venue cannot be stressed enough. She knew exactly the best lighting, the best spots and the best timing to ensure that we had so much variety in our photos. We also opted to have a second photographer and were so thrilled it was Jade's husband, Tim! This is something else we would recommend so that every moment of your day can be captured. There is a lot of planning and detail that goes into the day so you don't want to miss any of it! The two of them are a perfect team and I cannot thank them enough for these pictures we will cherish for a lifetime. Also, they are just the coolest people, like the coolest.”

“After photos with our families and wedding party, as guests started to arrive, Robby and I snuck up to the bridal suite where Michael of Coastal Gourmet and our bridal attendant greeted us. They had done a private cocktail hour for us to just let it sink in that WE JUST GOT MARRIED! We were so appreciative to have the opportunity to take time to be truly present in this moment. The bridal suite overlooks the vineyard and was so fun for us to peek out at all of our guests enjoying the cocktail hour (which included a wine tasting!) and taking in the views that Saltwater Farm Vineyard had to offer on that beautiful summer day.”

“Michael and the Coastal Gourmet team far exceeded all of our expectations. From the start of our planning process, Michael was so invested in the success of our day. No detail was left unturned from designing the menu to picking silverware to the timeline of the day. There were so many things he opened our eyes to as well that we didn't even think about! There was something so comforting to know that you had someone in your corner, who would take your ideas and concepts, spiff them up with their expertise and most importantly make those dreams come to life! Our guests to this day still talk about how delicious the food was at our wedding (and we agree!). We were so glad to be able to offer a variety of food and beverage options so no one had to settle for your typical wedding food!”

“The best advice that we can give any couple going through this planning process would be to remember why you are getting married. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the planning process and over-analyze every decision that you make. But when it all is said and done, some of our favorite moments of the day were just the times where we could soak in the feeling of being married. Our I Do's, our first dance, couple photos. These simple moments where the world seemed to melt away is what made our wedding day the best day of our lives!”

Thank you so much, Kathryn + Robby, for sharing your incredible wedding day with us!

V E N D O R S
MMW Caterer: Coastal Gourmet Catering
MMW Hotel: Mystic Marriott
MMW Lighting: Dawson Entertainment
MMW Photographer: Uplift Photography
MMW Venue: Saltwater Farm Vineyard
Florist: Le's Isle Rose
Hair + Makeup Artist: B Lovely Beauty