Samantha and Rob’s wedding at The Heritage Hotel in Southbury, CT was the essence of rustic chic last September. It’s definitely one we’re reminiscing on from 2019 as we gear up for the 2020 season!

Samantha and Rob chose our wedding management package, so we started working with them the month prior to their wedding date. The couple had already hired all of their vendors before booking the Nightingale team, so they were most interested in utilizing us to manage the details of their day – confirming specifics and timing with vendors, setting up day-of decor, keeping the day on schedule and most importantly, ensuring the couple and their family remained stress-free all evening!

I (Lauren) was the lead planner, and first met with Samantha and Rob at The Heritage Hotel to walk through the space and get an overall feel for the day they had envisioned. The couple chose this venue because they loved how everything from getting ready through the reception was in one place. They were also drawn to the rustic atmosphere of the reception space, garden and vineyard. I prefer to hold my first in-person meeting with the couple at their venue to fully understand the flow of the day and more easily address any immediate concerns. From there we worked via email and phone to firm up details and timelines, and I re-confirmed flow and timing with all of their incredible vendors – who were super responsive (which is oh so helpful).  Prior to the wedding day, I met with Samantha and Rob two more times – at the final venue meeting with The Heritage Hotel team, and at their ceremony rehearsal.

September 1, 2019 was the most picturesque late summer day. Samantha and her girls had hair and makeup completed on site at The Heritage Hotel while Rob and his groomsmen got ready just a few minutes away at the couple’s home (another perk!). While Elyse from our team was on site with Rob and the guys, and their pup Toby (who was also dressed for the occasion!), Kristen and I were at the venue prepping last-minute details and ensuring the ladies had everything they needed.

Prior to the ceremony, Samantha had a sweet first look moment with her father, John, while Elyse and I pinned boutonnieres and got the groomsmen in place. While it’s so common these days for couples to have a first look prior to their ceremony, Samantha and Rob saw each other for the first time as Samantha descended the staircase into the intimate stone garden. The love that emanated from Samantha and Rob was seen by all, and they had such sweet touches to their ceremony, like including a song performed by Great Uncle Neil on his guitar.

After being declared husband and wife, guests were directed to the outdoor terrace for cocktails while we whisked the couple away to the vineyard – the most perfect vignette for photos!

The reception was then held in Timbers, which boasts cathedral timber-framed ceilings, a large stone fireplace and grand windows overlooking the vineyard and grounds. The couple had their own personal touches as well, including a water ski as their guest book, an ode to Bantam Lake where they first met and became engaged. Post-dinner, the dessert table stole the show with cookies and cupcakes from one of our favorites, Taste By Spellbound, followed by lots and lots of dancing!

The energy in the room was so much more than most weddings I’ve witnessed (and let me tell you, as a planner we’ve been to quite a few!) This group knows how to party, including a conga line that surrounded the room.

At the end of the day, we had truly witnessed so much love by Samantha and Rob’s family and friends, who were some of the sweetest people we’ve met. We look forward to staying in touch and following their marriage journey and travels!

 

Venue | The Heritage Hotel

Photographer | Daphne and Dean Photography

Videographer | Jess Cremins 

Florist | Agnew Florist 

DJ | Kaos Productions 

Bakery | Taste By Spellbound

Hair + Makeup | Larissa Lake and Co 

String Lighting | Spin Doctor Entertainment

 

From Our Gracious Bride, Samantha:

“Hiring Nightingale was the best decision I made out of all of my wedding planning. We hired Nightingale as our Month of Coordinators and the team went above and beyond our expectations. I specifically worked with Lauren and she was extremely responsive, organized, personable, excited and so sweet. Leading up to the wedding Lauren took over and was in contact with all of my vendors, created a timeline and I didn’t have to worry about a thing. I felt so relaxed leading up to my wedding because I had such confidence in Lauren. Once the night was over I realized that I was able to enjoy every single second of my wedding and not once did I have to be responsible for cleaning up, moving the wedding decorations back to my room, or stay on top of any of the vendors. If something went wrong, I never knew about it. Every time I think of my wedding I think of Nightingale and how grateful I am for all of their work. They truly are the best and you are lucky if you get to work with them!”