Vita + Mat
I hate to sound like a broken record but it is most likely that most of my posts in 2020 will sound very similar. This was NOT the wedding they planned for but boy oh boy what an amazing wedding it turned out to be! Sometimes the best laid plans are to scratch the original plans because a pandemic hit the world and now your months and months of planning every detail for the biggest day of your life is pretty much null and void!
Before I go on the lesson to learn through all of this is ATTITUDE!
For most couples the change in plans can be devastating (and rightfully so) but keeping a positive attitude is the best way to deal with these unforeseen change in plans.
For Vita + Mat their original plan to get married at the beautiful Gallaher Mansion had to come to a halt and within a matter of a few weeks (maybe a month or two) before their July 11th wedding the changed everything.
They quickly opted for an outdoor ceremony in order to follow CDC and state guidelines at the absolutely BEAUTIFUL gardens of Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford, CT. This place is a dream. The crazy thing is that as a CT native I've driven right by the highway sign forever and never even knew it existed. It's stunning. A true oasis. And it makes you feel like you are no longer in CT.
Vita and Mat's ceremony was officiated by the grooms great friend and their immediate friends and family joined in witnessing their union. The day was hot but perfect! And after the short ceremony we enjoyed a fun photo session with the bridal party and family. And we couldn't help memorialize the wedding by the now (somewhat) normal face masks. This is definitely going to mark the occasion and show that despite what is going around LOVE will ALWAYS WIN! Thats the great thing about these micro-weddings there's time to really create some amazing memories and capture them for years to come.
I fully took advantage of the beautiful grounds the gardens had to offer and made sure I got the bridal portraits I know Vita and Mat will want to hang in their home.
Due to the restrictions for indoor receptions Vita and Mat were able to secure a reception at a local hotel lobby area (I told you it's all about positive attitude and an intense desire to marry your best friend). I have to say that the Courtyard by Marriott in Norwalk, CT was so accommodating and helpful!
I have to say that one thing I was looking forward to in this wedding was witnessing and documenting the Eastern European tradition Vita was going to incorporate during their reception. The first one consisted of the mother of the bride (Vita's mom was the sweetest!) giving the bride and groom shot glasses with vodka as well as bread and salt upon their arrival at the hotel. Once they took their Vodka shots both Mat and Vita would then break the shot glasses for good fortune. Another very cool Eastern European tradition was when guests shout out "gorko" which means "bitter." When the married couple hears their guests shouting out "gorko" they must kiss. This signifies love being able to withstand any bitterness or the harshness of reality!
Kissing away bitterness and the harshness of reality sounds like a great solution! So "GORKO!"
Vendors-
Dress: The Savvy Bride
Wedding Invitations: Zola
Flowers: Hansen Flower Shop, Fairfield, CT
Ceremony: Bartlett Arboretum
Reception: Courtyard by Marriott
DJ: Bill Richard
Jewelry: Becky's Boutique