Meg & Tim | Newport 2007
Meg and Tim were married in one of my favorite places in the world, Newport RI, the summer before last. Meg’s dress was by Paloma Blanca while Tim and his groomsmen wore Joseph Abboud tuxes. Meg shares with Bridebella the fun, tradition and challenges that went into planning her wedding, as well as tips that may help you plan yours in the very first installment of La Dolce Vita!
1. What was your favorite part of planning your wedding?
I loved the excitement and anticipation in the months leading up to our wedding. I loved being constantly busy, and since I am a “planner” by nature, I loved creating little timelines and schedules for everything. Of course, anything food related was a plus – and I also loved creating our registries. The BEST part of planning, though, was seeing it all come together beautifully on our wedding day!
2. What was the biggest challenge in putting everything together?
Making decisions! I struggle with this every day. I am a perfectionist by nature, and for my wedding I wanted everything to be MORE than perfect. I nearly drove myself (and my husband, family, friends…) crazy with my exhaustive decision-making process (my hair was falling out, literally). I tasted so many cakes that I am surprised I fit into my gown, Zappo’s probably thinks I am clinically insane for the number of shoes I shipped and returned, I interviewed an excessive number of photographers, and every waking moment was devoted to the most minuscule details. My persistence and dedication did pay off – but in hindsight, the day would have been just as beautiful and perfect if I had taken a deep breath, stepped back, and trusted my gut.
3. Did you do something old.new.borrowed&blue?
Old – a pearl-beaded clutch that had belonged to my Nana, and tucked inside was an embroidered lace hankie that had belonged to my mother’s Nana (my great-grandmother).
New- my wedding dress, of course!
Borrowed – The earrings I wore were borrowed from my mom – simple pearl studs with a small diamond drop.
Blue -Keeping with tradition, I wore a garter (nobody saw it, and no, I didn’t toss it!). My mother painstakingly hand-made it for me out of beautiful ivory silk, and sewed tiny blue flowers on it.
4. Is there a moment from the day that is most vivid in your memory?
I loved my wedding day – I loved everything about it. I still glow when I think about it, and I know I always will! One special memory that I will always cherish was my father’s speech. He spoke about luck and hard work – and the difference between the two. He asked the guests who were married for 40 or more years to stand. Then, he asked those married 30 or more years to join them standing, then 25, 15, and 5 years. Almost half of the guests were standing, and he told us – “that’s not luck, that’s hard work”. He told us that those are the friends and those are the family who are the very fabric of our being – that because of who they are, they are a part of us. His speech moved us, and all of the guests too – it was unforgettable.
5. What is one piece of advice you’d give to a soon-to-be bride?
Listen to your heart – do what YOU want. Remember that some things will always be out of your control. Break in your wedding shoes – wear them with socks around the house for a few weeks, trust me. Delegate! Have a rain plan. Make sure you can walk sideways and backwards in your bustled gown. Attend your cocktail hour. Hire a videographer. Be sure to budget time and money for a professional photo album. Cliché, but – enjoy every minute! And always remember that the day is ultimately about you and your fiancé, and your love for one another.
