“We wanted a wedding venue with a luxurious, black-tie allure where each person resonated with us effortlessly. When we walked into Bourne Mansion for the first time, we knew it was where we would get married. The estate is elegant and pristinely restored to its original glory, and we could have a Gatsby-type party there.
“We met Miriam Aronson, the director of sales, and instantly forged a special relationship with her. I honestly believe our wedding was so incredible mostly because of her.”
Their Vendors
Ceremony & Reception: Bourne Mansion, 631.277.7800,
www.lessingsweddings.com
Gown: Matthew Christopher, at The Wedding Salon of Manhasset
Bridesmaids: Amsale
Photographer: Aneé Atelier, Gina Esposito and Sheena Meekins
Makeup: Adelyn’s Canvas, Louisa Lovaglio
Hair: Ahearn Beauty, Danielle Nelson
Florist: Something Blue Floral Events
Cake: Campbell’s Bakery
Band: Hank Lane, Liberty
Steve and I met at the gym shortly after I graduated from vet school. Our meeting was organic, following two months of staring and smiling, and the occasional snapshot of Steve working out to send to my girlfriends. While gathering the courage to talk to him, Steve seemingly vanished for a week for a golf trip. He was also thinking about me while he was away. The day he returned we finally spoke, and it was clear that our connection was genuine from early on. Steve became a pillar of support during the grueling start to my career as a veterinarian, and I supported him through a second college degree and a major supervisory promotion in his career.
For our two year anniversary, we had reservations at one of our favorite restaurants. We left home and first went to Sea Cliff beach, where we had our first date. It was a beautiful sunset. I commented on a photographer taking what were sure to be fantastic sunset photos while walking up to the boardwalk, the same photographer Steve had secretly hired to photograph our proposal. Steve asked me to marry him on that beautiful evening in May.
We wanted a wedding venue with a luxurious, black-tie allure where each person resonated with us effortlessly. When we walked into Bourne Mansion for the first time, we knew it was where we would get married. The estate is elegant and pristinely restored to its original glory, and we could have a Gatsby-type party there.
We met Miriam Aronson, the director of sales, and instantly forged a special relationship with her. I honestly believe our wedding was so incredible mostly because of her. She was the wedding planner I didn’t know I needed and her attention to detail brought our event to a world class level. She became a personal friend to us and our families throughout the process. She has a refined touch, deeply caring about the couples she works with. From all of Miriam’s expert preparations, to the pristine coordination of Steve Melita, our maître d’, and Nicolette, my bridal assistant, every minute of our day was perfect. The entire staff went above and beyond to cater to us and our guests.
Our ceremony was outside on the patio overlooking the fantastic Bourne Mansion property and the Great South Bay. The back lawn was flooded with sunlight, a break from the five-day rainstorm we’d been having, and the weather was perfect. During our ceremony, wild deer, geese, and two foxes ran around the field. It was surreal. We asked my younger brother to officiate our wedding and he became a licensed officiant for us. We gave him complete creative license and his speech was a meaningful part of our wedding.
Our cocktail hour was beyond regal; guests flowed through a grand piano music parlor, a large library, and a gorgeous sunroom. We had three open bars, white-gloved butlered hors d’oeuvres, and countless food stations. My husband’s must-have station was a three-foot self-serve paella pan stocked with fresh seafood. We also had a sushi bar with sushi chefs rolling to order. The cocktail hour set the swanky tone and revealed the gourmet cuisine to be served throughout the night.
Nothing can prepare you for the grandeur of experiencing the Bourne ballroom in person. Its lofty ceiling with hand-carved original period moldings, giant decorative skylight, and a second story mezzanine balcony take your breath away. Our tables, clad with white sequin tablecloths, had an amazing sparkle with tabletop votives.
The all-gold décor included simple four poster illusion floral stands topped with whimsical, draping greenery and white florals as our centerpieces. The focal point was the 25-foot grand table that seated the entire bridal party, topped with a seamless floral bridge centerpiece dripping with crystal tealight candle globes. We felt like celebrities entering the room and also during our first dance to “Someone to Stay” by Vancouver Sleep Clinic.
We chose three delicious dinner options: short rib with garlic mashed potato, crabmeat crusted flounder with tomato coulis, and French cut chicken with truffle marinade, each garnished with potatoes and baby vegetables. Full meals and samples of the cocktail food were packed for us to take back to the hotel after the wedding. After dinner, the bridal party did a photo shoot on the back patio with sparklers and cigars. Late night, butlers served Asiago grilled cheeses on the dance floor. We also had a bacon, egg, and cheese and orange juice station in the driveway for guests to grab on their way out.
Words cannot express our gratitude to the professionals involved in our wedding. Miriam, Steve, and Nicolette were the best team we could have had. They created the most perfect evening. A huge thank you to our magician photographers. Our florist is truly an artist. Thank you to our band for making our wedding feel like a concert. Most importantly, a special thanks to our parents. They provided us with support during the entire process and welcomed the joining of our families; without them, we would never have had such a magical day.
Bourne Mansion, Oakdale, NY 11769, 631.277.7800, www.lessings.com
