She: 
27, from East Lyme, CT
He: 
29, from East Hartford, CT
Now reside in: 
East Lyme, CT
 
The Details

Ceremony: St. Andrew Church

Reception: 
In the yard of Emily’s parents home.

Catering: 
Cindy Filacchione, Chester, CT

Photographer: 
Rose Schaller Photo

Music: 
Jayme Hennessy

Flowers: 
Succotash Farm

Cake: 
Made by Emily’s mother, and Tom’s Aunt

Hair: Mark’s Beachcomber, Koru Eco Spa

Before the Ring and Proposal
Emily and Tom met at Trinity College where Tom was the mentor for Emily’s incoming class. After the last day of the fall semester, Tom had Emily pack a bag, bring her passport, and get in the car. Seven or so hours later they arrived on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Tom popped the question almost immediately after they arrived.

Block Island Because……
Emily has spent almost every summer on the island and her parents live here full time now. After they started dating, Tom visited the island with Emily and knew how special it was to her family.

The Day and Design
With only family and close friends, Emily and Tom were married at St. Andrew Church. Emily’s dad borrowed Mark Emmanuel’s Jetstar for a surprise father and daughter ride to the church. Emily’s aunt and grandmother gave the readings and Jayme Hennessy arranged some special music including a “mash-up” of “Ode to Joy” and “Come to Me” by the Goo Goo Dolls for the recessional. The wedding bands were made out of oak in the bentwood style, hand-made by Emily and Tom. The reception was in Emily’s parents’ front yard near Rodman’s Hollow and the couple was able to spend time with all of the guests because they kept it small—18 people. A big highlight was getting “flocked” by pink flamingos in wedding outfits that Emily’s grandmother hand-sewed.

The Wedding Weekend
Emily’s parents live on Block Island and the pair decided to hijack an already planned family vacation for their wedding date. With a variety of dietary restrictions throughout the guestlist: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and a dairy allergy, the caterer managed to put together a menu so everyone got to have a delicious meal, no matter what their restrictions were. Emily’s mom and Tom’s aunt both made cakes so that everyone could have a piece of at least one of them. Emily and Tom’s favorite wedding photos were the candid shots — on the picnic table with their dog Shepherd at the reception, and a

Top 3 pieces of advice:
1.     Do as much as you can yourself.


2.     
Find the place to take your pictures yourself because the island has so many options.

3.     
The weather is not your friend—have contingencies!