Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
High school sweethearts Nicole and Brian stuck it out "through college, study abroad and jobs in different cities" for nearly thirteen years until "we happily made it to the altar," the bride explains. Their altar-bound trek started on a chilly October afternoon as they picked apples from an orchard. "Brian surprised me when, instead of pulling an apple from a tree, he held out a diamond ring and got down on bended knee," Nicole says.
Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
For their November nuptials, Nicole and Brian envisioned a monochromatic color palette of white, gray and black. "We wanted the overall feel to be elegant, clean and sophisticated," the bride explains.
The bride's Lazaro gown featured a beaded bodice that hinted at the couple's cool color palette.
Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
She accessorized not with the latest fashions, but with heirloom pieces that held unmatched sentimental value. Her paternal grandmother's beaded clutch and her mother's wedding-day handkerchief were among the items she carried.
Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
Nicole chose glittering Kate Spade heels. "They were gold!" she exclaims.
Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
The bride purchased her cathedral length veil at the infamous Kleinfeld Bridal, and it glittered with crystals.
Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
Six bridesmaids wore mismatched silk chiffon J. Crew dresses in the same shade of silvery gray. They chose their own nude colored heels.
Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
They carried full bouquets of white hydrangea.
Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
Nicole's bouquet also contained hydrangea—and a dash of white ranunculus, lisianthus and dahlias.
Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
Brian wore a Joseph Abboud tuxedo and gray vest and tie that complemented the couple's color palette.
Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
White ranunculus and green hypericum berry boutonnieres graced the lapels of six groomsmen, who also donned Joseph Abboud tuxedos.
Photos: Laura Leigh Photo
Co-workers of the bride, who is the Associate Manager of Events & Promotions at Brides, had a mock cover made up for the occasion. Invitations from William Arthur featured scrolling graphics and script in classic black and white.
Photos: Laura Leigh Photo
Framed photos of the couples' family paired with an oversized sailboat carried through on the couple's nautical and heirloom theme.
Nicole and Brian served two signature cocktails: A Frenchtini, made of Vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice, for her, and a Dirty Hare, made of vodka, olive juice and tabasco, for him.
Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
For hors d'oeuvres, the couple passed more than 20 kinds of bite-sized treats and "had twelve attended chef's stations," including risotto and slider stations, the bride says.
Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
"Food was a big focus for our wedding," the bride says. She recalls that the "roasted pear and Stilton cheese salad was a crowd-pleaser, and everyone especially loved the sauteed shrimp, seared bay scallops and crab-stuffed flounder."
Favors by Sweet Petula were "small batch, custom soaps in sea salt and lavender," the bride says.
Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
Tall white centerpieces were surrounded by crystal candle holders and placed atop luxurious white linens.
The bride and groom danced to I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz.
Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
A square white, red velvet wedding cake was served alongside fruit galette, molten chocolate cake and creme brulee.
Photo: Laura Leigh Photo
The couple headed to the Riviera Maya, Mexico, for their honeymoon.
—Jillian Kramer
Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph of Millstone || Reception Venue: Clarks Landing Yacht Club || Bride's Wedding Dress: Lazaro || Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade || Bride's Wedding Ring: Diamond Castle || Groom's Tux: Joseph Abboud || Groom's Wedding Ring: Diamond Castle || Bridesmaids' Dresses: J. Crew || Groomsmen Attire: Joseph Abboud || Hair: La Sorella || Makeup: Jeanine Mangan || Florist: Monday Morning Flowers || Caterer: Clarks Landing Yacht Club || Stationery: Vera Wang Collection byWilliam Arthur || Cake Baker: Bovella's Pastry Shoppe || Favors: Sweet Petula || Entertainment: Imagine Entertainment || Photography: Laura Leigh Photo