Tatiana and Doug both have children from previous relationships. So when they finally decided to tie the knot, the wedding needed to reflect their families new life together.  Below, examples of how their children were integrated, involved and invested.  Special thanks to 4 Eyes Photography for capturing the day.

Dragonflies have always been a personal totem for Tati.  In almost every part of the world, Dragonflies symbolizes change or more specifically, change in the perspective of self-realization and understanding the deeper meaning of life.  Working with the talented team at Ceci New York,  a family monogram was created (below) using five dragonflies united in a circle symbolizing their new family unit, with T&D joined in the center.

The invitation wording (below) helped to establish the importance of the boys role in their parent’s wedding plans.

Jordan, Jonah and Julien
invite you to join in
celebrating the marriage of
Tatiana and Doug
as they unite
five hearts and lives as one

For their “first look” (when Doug saw Tati for the first time, before family photos), the boys waited patiently with Doug for their first glimpse too.  She was definitely worth the wait.

   

Doug envisioned the ceremony at sunset which, in mid June, meant an 8 pm ceremony. In order to accommodate that request, guests were invited to arrive at 7 and were greeted with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres before the ceremony.  The great lawn was set with badminton, kites, pinwheels, a teepee and babysitters which allowed adult guests to relax while watching their kids play, and gave the kids a stretch of the legs before having to sit still through the ceremony.

The ceremony itself was held on a specially built platform from the highest point in Bridgehampton at The Bridge (sorry, members only).  Three bean bags were placed on the stage for the boys to sit on, and each boy was invited to write and read  his own “vows”. The family also used unity sand during the ceremony as a symbol of togetherness, and included the mothers of the bride and groom in the process.  Decor was intentionally absent to keep the focus on family and content.

After ceremony, guests were invited inside for the seated, family style surf and turf dinner.  Kids had their own buffet which included crowd pleasing favorites like Caesar Salad, Sliced Beef Tenderloin, Crispy Chicken Fingers, Mac and Cheese, French Fries and Veggies with Dip.  A trio of Spanish guitar players, (thank you, Star Talent) provided background music between speeches.  Both kids and adults had personalized place cards and organic details graced each place setting.  Elegant decor provided by the talented Lewis Miller of LMD Floral.

To keep the kids entertained while the adults finished dinner, night-time mini-golf was set up on the putting green. Once the cake by Butterfly Bakeshop was cut (with some spontaneous help from Jonah), guests were invited back outside onto the terrace which had been transformed into a lounge for dessert including fire pits with s’mores and sparklers. Pashminas and flip-flops provided extra warmth and comfort.  A reggae band (also provided by Star Talent) set the tone.  Lighting by Luminous Designs.

The celebration concluded on a high note, with a Wish Lantern for Tatiana and Doug. Warning to anyone considering this for their wedding.  One is lovely.  More than one is a fire hazard.  Nuf said.

Congratulations Tatiana and Doug.  Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your very special day.  It was a pleasure and a privilege planning your wedding.