Photo: Justin and Mary Marantz
Kristin and Chad met as undergraduates at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. "Chad is from Kentucky, and since the South knows hospitality better than anywhere, we wanted to infuse our love of that region into the wedding," says Kristin. She wore an Ines Di Santo gown, which she was initially hesitant to try on. "I thought it might be too excessive, because we wanted the wedding to have a more relaxed feel," she says. "But it was actually perfect." Chad wore a tux and an oversize bow tie by Turnbull & Asser.
The couple wed at the Stanwich Congregational Church in front of 188 guests. During the wedding, everyone sang hymns, which Chad, along with his friends and family, rehearsed pre-ceremony. The reception was held at a private club.
Sweet tea was on offer during cocktail hour, which took place on the clubhouse's patio. "The tea was made using Chad's mother's recipe," says the bride, who created the drink stirrers displayed near the beverage. "Her tea recipe is my favorite." Lush blooms and ripe peaches decorated the escort-card table, and flowers were displayed in a variety of vessels. "I was inspired by my floral designer's extensive collection of vases and urns," says Kristin.
At the reception, the centerpieces featured garden mint, dahlias, passion flower vine, viburnum berries, and peaches. "The arrangements were so luscious I could've stared at them for days!" she says. Floral arrangements were created by KD&J.
The three-course dinner included a White House Mess Salad of roasted red peppers, asparagus, and fresh mozzarella, which was a favorite of Kristin's when she worked at the White House as an assistant within the National Economic Council. The Cake Boutique in Wilton designed the vanilla buttercream-frosted confection. In addition to slices of cake, the couple served chocolate chip cookies from Levain Bakery in New York City, where they currently reside.
After Chad's brother and Kristin's sister offered congratulatory toasts, the couple performed their first dance to "Crazy" by Pat Green; music was provided by DJ Johnny Stuart. "One of my favorite memories is of everyone tearing it up on the dance floor," Kristin says. "I was impressed by their moves!"
Photos: Justin and Mary Marantz
Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo || Groom's Suit: Turnbull & Asser || Ceremony and Reception Site: Stanwich Congretional Church || Flowers: KD&J Botanica || Cake: The Cake Boutique, Levain Bakery || Photographer: Justin and Mary Marantz || Music: DJ Johnny Stuart
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