Where are you both from and how did you meet?
Nathalie is from Guayaquil, Ecuador and Stephen is from Cork, Ireland.
We met while I (Nathalie) was visiting my sister in Boston, on July 3, 2014. Stephen was already living in Boston. We met at Tia’s, a waterfront bar in Boston, MA.
How did you get engaged?
We were together for three years before we got engaged. We got engaged in Brant Point, Nantucket on June 15, 2017. Stephen planned this while both his family and mine were in town, and we had a weekend in Cape Cod to celebrate afterwards.
What were you favorite and least favorite parts of planning?
My favorite part of planning was seeing it all come together, and of course tasting our menu and cake!
My least favorite part was the small details I did not take into account from the beginning.
What drew you to Rosecliff?
Stephen actually had it in mind before we got engaged. When we went to visit, it was so beautiful we couldn’t resist. I think what drew us in the most was the elegance it has to offer!
How did you come across Move Mountains for your photographers?
After many hours of research, we saw Move Mountains for its great reviews and stunning images, and decided to book them right away. And we are so happy we did!
Stephen, what was going through your mind when Nathalie was walking down the aisle? Nathalie, what was going through yours?
For Stephen, it was an unforgettable moment, time stood still.
For me, it was “don’t trip, don’t trip.” Haha! But really, it was about taking it all in and thinking how lucky I was to marry this man.
We loved the empanada appetizers with the Ecuadorian flag! Were there any other ways that you incorporated your heritages into the wedding?
We were thinking on many ideas from Irish step dancers to mariachis, but decided to go with a subtle touch in the appetizers, with Ecuadorian flags on the empanadas and Irish flags on the truffled potatoes.
What was your first dance song?
“One and Only” by Adele was our first dance song. We were looking for a timeless song that meant something to both of us, and this song was the one.
Was there a vendor that you were particularly impressed with that day?
We were truly impressed by all our vendors and still raving about them. Rosecliff is a historic mansion, and our vendors had a very tight turnaround time to convert it into the wedding venue of our dreams.
Did you run into any issues while planning or on the day of the wedding?
Thankfully, we had no issues on the day! Planning was a bit tough as most of our guests were coming from abroad. We had to make sure to give enough recommendations on hotels, restaurants, activities and travel logistics.
If you had to narrow it down, what would you say were each of your favorite moments from that day?
Our top moments from that day were:
- The ceremony: It was such a beautiful and personal ceremony that truly reflected our relationship and faith.
- The cocktail hour: It was so fun to mingle with our guest over a stunning view
- The speeches: We loved hearing the speeches from the best man, maid of honor and uncles — they were funny, emotional and from their hearts.
Do you have a piece of advice for recently engaged couples?
Sure, I have a couple:
- Don’t stress, it will all come together at the end.
- Talk about your priorities with your fiancé(e), be on the same page on where you want to splurge vs. save (i.e. photos, favors, décor, band, etc).
- Make it your own; be sure to add a special touch, as it is your day after all!
The Details
Photographer: Move Mountains Co. // Videographer: ByDesign Films // Ceremony: St. Mary’s Church // Reception: Rosecliff Mansion // Additional Photos: Cliffwalk // Officiant: Father Joe White // Wedding Planner: Infinite Events // Hair & Makeup: Jessica D’Amore Makeup // Bride’s Dress: Madison James, Tulle Bridal // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Vera Wang // Groom’s Suit: Switzerland, Tom Ford // Groomsmen’s Formalwear: Vera Wang // Catering: Russell Morin Catering & Events // Flowers: Flowers by Steve // Reception Music: Wilson Steven’s — Splash.