"Because Simon and I were living apart—he was in Paris and I was in New York—during our engagement, we did our planning long distance," says Kristie. "But through email and phone calls, we were still able to choose everything together."
Kristie wore a Melissa Sweet dress from Priscilla of Boston with a Malis-Henderson veil and Bridal by Butter pumps. Simon sported an Yves Saint Laurent suit.
The wedding was held at the Castle at Boston University, a historic space on campus. "At first we wanted to get married in Paris," says Kristie. "But the Castle offered some of the same charm and romance of Europe." The couple married on the landing of the grand staircase in a ceremony they'd written themselves; a justice of the peace read it aloud in both English and French.
Kristie and Simon also made the escort cards, tags that combined type and handwriting, and were each tied to a vintage skeleton key. At the reception, guests sat at round tables, which featured centerpieces of hydrangeas and roses in mercury glass bowls. All floral design was by Sayles Livingston Flowers.
At each place setting was a set of flashcards designed by the couple, which served as a favor. The cards featured traditional and humorous phrases in both English and French (e.g., "I raise my glass to the newlyweds" and "I heard that Chuck Norris is supposed to come today"). "The idea was to spark conversation between our French and American guests," says Kristie. "We thought the flashcards were fun and personal, a reflection of our style—and they were something Simon and I could work on together."
Photos: Joyelle West Photography
Dinner, by Catering on the Charles, included tortellini and beef tenderloin. A traditional wedding cake and a croquembouche—the customary wedding confection in France—were served for dessert, along with a buffet of treats.
The couple performed their first dance to "Chained and Bound" by Otis Redding. A friend served as DJ, and the couple's 70 guests danced to punk, soul, and '70s Italian music.
Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet || Ceremony and Reception Site: Castle at Boston University || Stationery: Coeur Noir Specialty Printers || Flowers: Sayles Livingston Flowers || Catering: Catering on the Charles, 617-353-2957 || Photographer: Joyelle West Photography
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