Photographed by Kristy Hoadley Photography, Nicholas and Brendan’s day on December 9, 2023, at Inn at Millrace Pond was black-tie, candlelit and draped in the kind of classic holiday elegance they described as a “Ralph Lauren Christmas”—green garlands in every nook, real candles glowing throughout, rich reds and blues, and a 65-degree December day that let guests spill outside during cocktail hour.
Their Story
Brendan and Nicholas met by pure accident—a geographic snafu, if you will. Nicholas was living in NYC and Brendan was in Easton, PA. It was a collection of sweet mistakes, a Hinge profile that just read “Downtown Historic District” and a search feature set to 60+ miles. Once they matched, however, it was quite certain that distance wouldn’t be a problem.
The Proposal
Brendan proposed to Nicholas on the banks of the Great South Bay in Great River, Long Island. He surprised Nicholas fresh off of a train home to his family’s house. They celebrated with family and friends in the beautiful backyard of Nicholas’s parent’s home in North Great River, New York, and set about planning for their big day.
Choosing the Venue
Brendan had previously attended a beautiful late-summer wedding of his Aunt Rachel and Uncle William Fitzpatrick at this Inn and fell in love with the property, particularly the gorgeous Farmhouse. The stunning renovations that Inn at Millrace Pond accomplished only further cemented it as the top contender.
Kristy Hoadley Photography
Details of the Day
They chose a black-tie classic holiday theme. Gorgeous greens and classic reds and blues to compliment the classic elegance of the Inn at Millrace Pond. Tables and all the nooks and crannies of the Inn were decked out with green garlands and the glow of real candles to add to the overall Ralph Lauren Christmas feel.
Favorite Moment
“Seeing the pieces come together the day of the wedding was magical. The staff at the Inn was so supportive and helpful, and made us feel as if the property belonged to us for the weekend.”
“Once the flowers were set, the candles were lit and we began to see out guests mingling outside (yes it was 65 degrees outside in December so we pulled it off!)”
Wedding Day Attire
The wedding was black-tie, the grooms both wore custom-fitted Calvin Klein Suits, while the wedding party wore black tuxedos and black floor-length gowns of their choosing to ensure elegance without too much conformity, and to give the wedding a more elevated vibe.
Advice For Other Couples
“Spend a night planning your music for the event, down to music played at the cocktail hour. It was such a blast building playlists and listening to how the songs worked with each other.”
“Also, make sure to stop once and a while and admire all the hard work put in by the staff, the wedding party and yourselves!”
Honeymoon
The newlyweds went to Newport, Rhode Island for five days. They spent time at the Francis Malbone House, wandered Bowen’s Wharf and Inns along the waterfront. And they went to the Cliff Walk and Castle Hill.
