Historic 1930's Wedding in New Cannan, CT
Melissa extended her color palate in her bouquet to include pink Gerber Daises and pale blue Hydrangea flowers, two of her favorites!
Real CT Wedding Profile:
- Couple: Melissa & Christopher Bitzer
- Ceremony Location: St. Lawrence Church - Shelton, CT
- Reception Venue: The Waveny House - New Cannan, CT
- Color Palate: Sage, Gold & Ivory
- # Guests: apx. 100
- Budget Range: $17,500 - $20,000
- DIY Projects: Centerpieces, Name Cards, Candy Buffet candy favors
Melissa and Chris met as freshmen at the University of Mary Washington where they lived in the same dormitory and shared an American History class. A year after graduating college Chris popped the question while visiting Melissa in Boston and in August they tied the knot in Melissa's home town of Shelton, CT.
Inspired by their mutual love of the 1930's they decided to celebrate at a historic mansion in New Cannan with lots of personal touches and a 10-piece swing band to keep the party going.
Melissa and Chris tore up the dance floor, swinging to the music by Big Band Swing Machine
Melissa and Chris knew that they wanted to get married at Melissa's parents' church and have their reception at a historic home that would be elegant and memorable.
"We ended up choosing The Waveny House because we were able to use the interior of the house as well as the veranda and we could customize what hours we wanted to use it. Since the house is located in a park it has beautiful views as well."
The grounds of The Waveny House made for the perfect backdrop for wedding photos, while guests grabbed a signature cocktail and soaked in the views.
Their must haves were a great venue for the reception that had a lot of character and didn't need much dressing up, a big swing band and an open bar! To make room in their budget they decided to forego floral centerpieces, hand made invitations and a sit down dinner.
Instead they made their own centerpieces by using decorative ivory cake plates with a vintage feel and topped them with favor boxes.
DIY Centerpieces as well as a few other projects gave Melissa and Chris the budget allowance to hire the swing band they really wanted for their reception.
Melissa, being a Historic Preservation major, loved researching candies from the 1930's that are still available today - and created the display with vintage candy ads for that finishing touch.
Melissa and her team of bridesmaids added a couple additional DIY projects to add personal touches to her day. She included a Candy Buffet for guests to take home as favors, and in keeping true to her 1930's theme, they only showcased old fashioned candy purchased. They found fun vintage adds online and printed on card stock.
"My favorite DIY project was probably our his and hers escort cards. We placed old fashioned dance cards and paper olives in martini glasses and guests were then encouraged to take their glass to the bar where we had classic signature cocktails" says Melissa.
As a throw back to the 1930's these martini glasses held handmade dance cards and paper olives letting guests know where they were sitting... and were encouraged to bring their glass to be filled at the open bar!
We love knowing what makes our couple's wedding stand out from the rest - and for Melissa and Chris, it was certainly their choice in their wedding band.
"It really set the tone for the day and it's not very often that you can dance to live swing music."
Big Band Swing Machine, a 10-piece swing band, provided the tunes that let Melissa and Chris's wedding really stand out from the rest.
This Father Daughter dance really had the crowd on their feet as Melissa and father Steve Leggett showed off the dance moves they've been working on since Melissa was a little girl.
Melissa's tip for couples planning their wedding:
"Before you do any serious planning sit down and have a conversation with your fiance and parents and determine how the wedding is going to be paid for. If your parents are footing the bill find out what their budget is that way you plan accordingly, focusing on the elements that are most important to you and compromising elsewhere if necessary."
You never know what is going to be the moment that stands out when the day is done. We asked Melissa and Chris what was one thing that they will remember forever.
Melissa: "Pulling up in front of the Waveny as husband and wife and getting to tour the house and gardens together. It was really beautiful and romantic!"
Chris: "Waiting at the alter and seeing Melissa arrive in her dress. It was definitely a wow moment and I couldn't wait to get married!"
Contributing Vendors:
- Ceremony: St. Lawrence Catholic Church
- Ceremony Music: Gary Harger
- Reception: The Waveny House
- Caterer: Al Zamary Catering
- Liquor: Wines Unlimited
- Band: Big Band Swing Machine
- Photographer: Dey Photography
- Cake: Luigi's Italian Pastry
- Limo/Shuttle to ceremony & reception: AA Charter Services
- Hotel/Shuttle to hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Norwalk
- Linens/Glassware: Abbey Tent & Party Rentals
- Candy Bar: Candy Warehouse
- Wedding Gown: David's Bridal
- Bridesmaids: Alfred Angelo
- Groom(smen): Men's Wearhouse
- MoB Dress: Julie Allen Bridals
- Bridal Shower: Cobb's Mill Inn
- Rehearsal Dinner: Red Barn Inn
- Additional Catering: David & Grant Caterers