📸: Kelly Louise Photography // @kellylouisephoto
The Meet Cute
While Caitlin and Nick first locked eyes at a 2010 high school graduation party, they didn’t make things official until later that summer. “Fun fact, we got married on our nine-year anniversary – so our one-year wedding anniversary was also our ten-year anniversary together.” Caitlin adds. “We loved that we could keep that date since it’s so special to us.”
The Engagement
Proposers, take note: No one could ever say no to a puppy. “Surrounded by our closest family, he walked up to me holding this little golden retriever puppy,” says Caitlin. “After bawling my eyes out, he told me to look at her tag. It said, ‘Will you marry me?’ This was super special to me because I had a golden retriever growing up.”
The Venue
“We both have the same style when it comes to rustic, cozy, warm tones, so when we found the vineyard and walked into the Red Barrel Room, we knew it was perfect with its beautiful wood accents, farm tables, ceiling string lights, wall of wine and giant barrels,” says Caitlin. “Another main reason we looked at Chamard Vineyards was because it was dog friendly. Our golden, Waffle, was without doubt going to be a part of our day.”
The Details
Caitlin was in her prime when it came to working out the minutia of her big day. For instance: “I am a huge Disney fan and had a few Disney things incorporated into our decorations, including Carl and Ellie’s chairs from the movie ‘Up’ for our cake topper and hidden Mickey’s in each bridesmaid’s floral hoops.” The faux floral hoop design also doubled as home decor she and her bridesmaids could take home after the wedding. As for the favors, “I purchased little corked glass bottles from Michaels and a ton of seasonings from Ocean State Job Lot—my mom and I mixed a bunch together to create ‘Waffle Wedding Seasoning,’” she says. “I even put Waffle’s face wearing a chef’s hat on the labels.”
The Faux Look
After seeing funny first look photos from other weddings, Caitlin knew she had to pull one over on Nick, and that his brother would be the best man (literally) for the job. “I was completely caught off guard when I turned around and saw him standing in a dress reaching in for a kiss,” Nick says with a laugh. “I thought about hitting him but then realized how good he looked in a dress.”
The Hiccup
The couple were so excited to see their doughnut wall (which Caitlin made from a palette) in action. The only problem? The doughnut vendor never showed up. “We didn’t find out until we were ready to eat and one of my bridesmaids told me that the vineyard’s event coordinator, Amy, ran to Dunkin and purchased all of the doughnuts they had,” Caitlin says. “We were so appreciative of her quick thinking. I knew she was getting married soon and that she loved the wall, so I gave it to her as a thank you and she ended up using it at her own wedding!”
The Highlights
“Hands down the fact that it was such an intimate weekend with our closest family and friends, including Waffle!” Caitlin says. “Every second of that weekend was so special to us. We rented a big Airbnb that our family/some of the bridal party stayed in and we had pizzas around the fire the first night, with more fires and fun the night of the wedding.”
The Details
Ceremony, Reception and Catering: Chamard Vineyards in Clinton, CT | Officiant: Melissa (couple’s sister-in-law)| Hair: Cori Alexandra Hair and Makeup Artistry| Makeup: Melissa Barra Makeup | Bride’s Dress: Allure Bridals, Spark Bridal Outlet| Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Formalwear: Carl Anthony Tuxedo |Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alexandra’s Boutique |Cake and Desserts: Pranzi Catering and Events | Bridal Hoops and Boutonnieres: The While Bulb | Eucalyptus Garlands: Dirt Couture on Etsy| Stationery and Signage: Created by the bride | Cake Topper: Stone Rabbit Heirlooms on Etsy | Dog and Cat treat favors: Jack’s Snacks | Caricatures: Judy Tourangeau from JT Art & Design