Real Weddings
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Amanda and Elias at The Mansion at Natirar

Posted on March 06, 2019 by Allison Dupree

Their story

Amanda King and Elias Quijano believe they had the fortunate chance of meeting not once—but twice. While Amanda, of Short Hills, was interviewing for Yale’s MD/PhD program, she was shown a lab where Elias, of Hialeah, Florida, was working as an undergrad. The two then met again a year and a half later, in that same lab, where she was starting her work for her graduate program while he was lab manager.

 

Will you marry me?

After being close friends for more than six years, the pivotal moment of their relationship—their first kiss in 2017—changed everything. “We contemplated just going to the courthouse to make it official, but realized we wanted our friends and family present to witness such an important moment in our lives,” says Amanda. So after much searching for the perfect ring, Elias proposed on September 21, 2017, the night before he had planned to ask her in front of some of their closest friends.

Why Natirar?

While searching for the perfect venue, the couple narrowed down what was important to them—the ability to host the ceremony and reception in one location, fantastic food and a comfortable, rustic-chic feel. After falling in love with everything about the Mansion at Natirar, the history of the mansion “sealed the deal.” Since it used to be a convalescent hospital, and both Amanda and Elias are in the field of medicine, it was the perfect venue.

The look of the day!

Amanda wore an ivory mermaid gown with a beaded organza and tulle overlay, which created a flowy silhouette. Since it was a December wedding, she had a navy velvet cape with black silk lining—to match the colors of Elias’s tux and her sapphire ring—that she wore for the outdoor photos. Since their December 23, 2017, wedding was so close to Christmas, Amanda wanted her florals to have “some holiday accents without screaming Christmas,” so a mixed bouquet of pine, thistle, a few feathers, some berries, and white peonies (her mother’s favorite flower) was the perfect assortment. 

The details!

Involving family and loved ones was extremely important, from the bride’s sister and groom’s step-father doing readings, to making sure Latin music was incorporated into the reception and decorating the tables with small Christmas village houses that had belonged to the bride’s grandmother, who unfortunately passed before the big day. The couple loved writing their own vows because they could share what marriage meant to them, and they opted out of assigned seating, because they wanted everyone from different aspects of their lives to mix and mingle. Amanda and Elias also opted out of a gift registry, instead asking for donations to a few of their favorite charities. 

Where did they honeymoon?

After honeymooning at Half-Moon Bay Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the newlyweds are at home in Durham, Connecticut, with their three dogs.

the details

Ceremony Location

The Mansion at Natirar

Reception Location

The Mansion at Natirar

Photographer

Images by Berit

Bride’s Gown

Amsale

Bride’s Shoes

Jimmy Choo

+ more