Bridal Styles

Summer’s end brought an unexpected new beginning for Bridal Styles bride Elizabeth:

“Billy and I met at the Boardy Barn, a bar in Hampton Bays, at the end of the summer in 2010. I was there celebrating a friend’s birthday and he was working as a bouncer. The first thing I noticed about him was the tattoo on his forearm. I initiated conversation with him about it and we talked for a while (even though he wasn’t supposed to). I gave him my number and we talked for a few weeks on the phone. About a month after we met, I went on a job interview in the city and they hired me on the spot. I was so happy and excited, and for some reason the first person I wanted to tell was him. We made plans to hang out and have been together ever since.”

Elizabeth and Billy, flexible Swarovski hair vine, fingertip veil and jewelry – Bridal Styles, photos – Janelle Brooke Photography

Thanks in part to her German Shepherd, Elizabeth began to realize she’d found The One. From Elizabeth:

“There wasn’t one specific time, but rather a few situations that made me realize Billy was someone I could spend the rest of my life with. One of them was on one of our first dates. I have a German Shepherd named Luca who has been my pride and joy since the day I got her almost 8 years ago. I took her to Billy’s house to introduce them, and then he took me to a restaurant for dinner. When we came back, she had destroyed his kitchen…ripped down the blinds off his window and tore them up all over the room. I was angry and mortified, but he just laughed and said it was no big deal. He fell in love with her despite her destructive tendencies and now they’re like two peas in a pod. She absolutely ADORES him. “

Elizabeth, flexible crystal headpiece, classic bridal bracelet – Bridal Styles, photos – Janelle Brooke Photography

In addition to capturing Elizabeth’s heart, Billy’s sense of fun played a part in taking the leap and asking our beautiful bride for her hand:

“In May 2012, we made plans to go skydiving. It was my second time, but his first, and he was more nervous than I expected. He jumped first, then I did, and as we parachuted down and landed on the ground he was on one knee and proposed. We then went to Atlantic City and spent the weekend celebrating.”

Elizabeth and Billy, statment headpeice, veil and jewelry – Bridal Styles, photos – Janelle Brooke Photography

After choosing September 14, 2013 as their date, with the help of her mom, four sisters, and best friend, Sam, Elizabeth and Billy spent the next year and a half planning their 1920s Art Deco-inspired celebration.

From Elizabeth:

“Right away I delved into planning, spending lot of time on wedding websites that offered reviews from real brides. The suggestions and personal experiences of other brides like me greatly helped me choose my vendors.

We decided the ceremony would be at Old First Presbyterian Church in Huntington, NY, where I attended Sunday school and was confirmed. Two of my sisters were married there as well. It was important to us that we see each other for the first time at the ceremony. Though originally we did not intend to get married in a church, it ended up being a very special and personal moment for us and my family.

The reception was at The Woodlands in Woodbury, NY. The mansion was built in the 1920s and the ground eventually became a golf course. The mansion itself is very well maintained and still holds a prohibition-era charm, including the many interior elements that were imported from all over the world. It fit perfectly into our vision and 1920s theme.

Billy and I made the menus, table cards and signs by ourselves, and we really put a lot of work into them. We created them to fit in with our 1920s theme, using Art Deco fonts, fan accents and ostrich feathers. Also, Billy is Irish and loves his heritage, so, as guests arrived at our reception, we had a bagpiper play at the entrance. The bagpiper was special and a lot of people had never seen one at a wedding before. He also played the entrance song when we came into the reception and were introduced as husband and wife.”

Elizabeth and Billy, Swarovski headpiece, cut edge cathedal veil and jewelry – Bridal Styles, photos – Janelle Brooke Photography

While searching for her dress, after saying ‘yes’ Elizabeth followed her heart and made a switch:

“I had originally wanted a Pnina Tornai, but also had my eye on an Amalia Carrara by Eve of Milady dress I had seen at another store. Kleinfeld didn’t have the Amalia Carrara style, but I ended up choosing a mermaid-style Pnina Tornai. That night, I had qualms about my choice and kept thinking about the other dress. I was watching TV and ended up actually seeing THE DRESS on Say Yes to the Dress, and knew I had to have it. I called Kleinfeld the next day to change the order. When I tried it on again, it was like a dream…it just felt right. It was everything I wanted…fitted in the top and flared at the bottom in a mermaid style, a strapless sweetheart neckline, a fun, glamorous bottom with a nice train, and a little bit of bling on the neckline and down the back of the zipper.”

Elizabeth and Billy, flexible crystal headband, cathedral veil and jewelry – Bridal Styles, photos – Janelle Brooke Photography

Next, armed with a photo of her gown, Elizabeth came to visit us at Bridal Styles Boutique!

“When I arrived at Bridal Styles, I showed a picture to the staff members so they could help me figure out what would perfectly accent the dress. We decided on a raw-edged cathedral veil for the ceremony, and a two-tiered raw-edged fingertip length veil for the reception. I chose a stunning Swarovski crystal spray headpiece to add some glamour to the look. I wanted the headpiece to be the focus, so a simple Swarovski crystal bracelet and earrings finished off the look. It was a fantastic experience and I’m glad I drove the hour and a half to Brooklyn!”

Elizabeth and Billy, crystal flower hair vine, veil and CZ jewelry – Bridal Styles, photos – Janelle Brooke Photography

When the day arrived, it went by in an amazing, unforgettable blur. From Elizabeth:

“The day was nonstop from 6:45am. Hair and makeup took a long time for the 6 people we had, and before we knew it we were rushing to get dressed, take quick pictures and load into the limos to head to the church. It was a little overwhelming at first…I was nervous, happy, excited, scared all at the same time. There were so many emotions that I couldn’t cry, even though I felt like it. Standing before the closed doorway of the church with my dad, all I could think was “this is really happening…right now…after so long of waiting and preparing, the moment is here.”

I walked down the aisle to a song we listened to together often, and, seeing Billy’s face as I approached the altar was priceless. It was difficult to take it all in but I know we both tried. The ceremony was simple and beautiful. We wrote our own vows, and it was touching to hear what we had to say to each other knowing that, from that moment on, we would officially be spending the rest of our lives together. It felt so nice to have our closest friends and family present for our special day, and seeing them there, emotional and offering us congratulations and best wishes was one of the most meaningful aspects.

Right before the reception, we had a family friend bring our two dogs to the venue so we could take pictures with them. I ordered special collars for them, and the girl wore a flower collar and the boy wore a bow tie collar. They looked so adorable and were so happy to see us. It was important for us to include them in our special day since they are such a big part of our lives.”

 

Elizabeth and Billy, statment headpiece, cut edge veil and CZ jewelry – Bridal Styles, photos – Janelle Brooke Photography

From among a thousand wonderful wedding day moments, for Elizabeth and Billy both, one in particular stands out:

“The moment I walked down the aisle to him is one that we’ll never forget. A year and a half is a long time to plan one day, and even though it came quickly, it did feel like we had been waiting for that moment forever. It felt like we were seeing each other for the first time again.“

 photos – Janelle Brooke Photography

Now blissful newlyweds, Elizabeth and Billy have this advice for other planning couples:

“Take your time in choosing every aspect. Don’t let other people talk you into making decisions you don’t feel right about. Don’t put yourself in debt for your wedding…either take the time to save the money you need or downsize on certain aspects that aren’t as important to you. Most of all, make sure you take a step back and try to take it all in because it’s over in a flash.”

Elizabeth and Billy,  Swarovski hair vine, modern cathedral veil and jewelry – Bridal Styles, photos – Janelle Brooke Photography

 

Elizabeth and Billy, flexible hair vine, fingertip veil and CZ jewelry – Bridal Styles, photos – Janelle Brooke Photography

Elizabeth and Billy, stunning crystal headpiece, fingertip veil and jewelry – Bridal Styles, photos – Janelle Brooke Photography

Elizabeth and Billy, flexible Swarovski hair vine, fingertip veil and jewelry – Bridal Styles, photos – Janelle Brooke Photography

Thank you so much for sharing your day with us, and best wishes to you both!

Elizabeth and Billy’s wedding vendors:

Accessories – Bridal Styles Boutique

Dress – Kleinfeld – Amalia Carrara

Ceremony Venue – Old First Presbyterian Church

Photo Venue – Planting Fields Arboretum

Reception Venue – The Woodlands

Photographer – Janelle Brooke Photography
Videographer – Chris Lobello Productions
String Trio – M.A.S. Music
Band – Hank Lane – L’evation
Flowers – Pedestals Floral Decorators
Invitations – Lion in the Sun – William Arthur
Favors – Afresh Approach – Truffles
Hotel – Hilton Garden Inn Plainview
Transportation – Lancelot Limo
Photobooth – NY Digital Memories
DOC – A Modern Day Affair