Michelle & Nick’s Lace Factory Wedding took place on warm and sunny summer day at the end of July. These two are both active service in the Coast Guard and they met and became best friends during Flight School. They were then stationed at two different aviation units with Nick in Detroit and Michelle on Cape Cod. It was their time apart that solidified how much they really cared for each other and they started dating, even though they knew they’d spend their first four years apart at separate assignments. They have one year left to go before reassignment, and now they’ll apply as a married couple for an assignment on the same base!

They often try to surprise each other and make their time together special because they spend so much of it apart these days. So Michelle completely believed Nick when he said they were getting up early to go apple picking. Instead, Nick surprised her by proposing on a sunrise hot air balloon ride when he was out to visit her one weekend!

They loved the laid back elegance of the Lace Factory and wanted to make sure their loved ones had the best possible time. So they made a point of including corn hole for their guests to enjoy and surprised their guests with transportation to the reception via the Essex Steam Train.

Getting Ready Moments and Mementos

Nick and the groomsmen got ready at the Griswold Inn in Essex while Michelle and the ladies went to Essence in the morning to get their hair and makeup done before Michelle got into her Modern Trousseau dress and doing finishing touches at Nick’s parents’ home. Michelle had her gorgeous florals from Ashleigh’s Garden delivered to the house and that meant a chance to o some bridal portraits and bridal details that incorporated the flowers. Michelle’s beaded purse was handmade for her and she wore her great grandmother’s necklace for the day. These two truly special heirloom pieces made the day even more special. She also opened a thoughtful note and gift from Nick before we headed to the church!

St. John’s Catholic Church Ceremony – Old Saybrook, CT

Michelle and Nick had a lovely church ceremony in Old Saybrook. They were constantly smiling and seeking each other’s eyes. The ceremony was beautiful and touching and full of smiles. On the way out of the church their friends in the Coast Guard, all wearing their dress whites like Nick, gave them a proper exit with a sword arch! They are some of my favorite recessional photos of all time!

Formal Wedding Portraits At  Essex Steam Train & The Lace Factory

After the ceremony bride and groom and guests headed to the Essex Steam Train to catch a ride to the reception. Before boarding we found some shade in the train yard and took their family portraits. After arriving at The Lace Factory, the bridal party joined the bride and groom for formal portraits before they skipped off to cocktail hour. Then Michelle & Nick snuggled up for couple’s portraits together on and around the tracks and grounds of the Lace Factory. The grounds are beautiful and you don’t have to go far to find a plethora of different gorgeous spots to take portraits in. These two were so genuinely overjoyed to be together and getting married that the smiles were seriously plastered to their faces all day long. So needless to say, portraits were a ton of fun and super adorable!

Lace Factory Reception

The Lace Factory is such a stunning venue with windows that pour light. And Michelle and Nick went with a simply elegant theme for their decor with bud vases full of bright blooms, matching the bouquets. They had an amazing party for the evening with live tunes from the talented Lisa Love Band! Guests danced the night away and filled up on delicious food from Cloud 9 Catering! Congratulations you two! XOXO