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Jessica and Brian at The Bernards Inn

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Jessica and Brian at The Bernards Inn

How did you meet?
I had recently made the leap across the pond to Boston with my company, and Brian joined just two weeks later. He was incredibly late on his first day, and me being Head of Recruitment wasn’t exactly impressed! But as soon as I saw him, I thought yes—he’s the one.

How did you get engaged?
We were meeting friends for lunch in New Hope and as we walked back across the bridge, Brian stopped me to take a picture right on line between NJ and PA. I turned around to look at the view of the Delaware, as I turned back to face him there he was on one knee! I immediately said yes! What I didn’t know is that he had also planned for a photographer to be there to capture the moment, who subsequently became our wedding photographer! She had blocked the bridge on the both sides to make sure she could photograph us! It also happened to be gay pride on that particular day – everyone was cheering and honking their horns. It was awesome.

Details of the day:
The theme for the big day was books. We are both English majors and reading is something we genuinely enjoy. So I made sure that the theme carried through, from the ceremony having the aisles lined with stacked vintage hardbacks and candles to the 15-foot scroll hung from the ceiling reading “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.'”

The lobby of the Bernards Inn had library cards with written literary quotes on them, the favors were wrapped hardback books with a short description of what the person was in for if they chose the book.

The tables were named after fictional locations in some of our favorite novels ‘221B Baker Street’ for example, with a gold animal holder holding the table name that was key to the story, for example a wolf for the 221B Baker Street.

The name cards were also animals from the book, each set different for every table.

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The cake topper was in reference to Harry Potter – another favorite of ours. The words ‘Always’ with a doe and stag standing together.

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The colors were pastels (blush, grey, french blue), gold and a rich navy for contrast. The table runners were a dusty rose, with the silverware and chargers being gold and the napkins navy.

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The flowers were wild. Majestic rose, eucalyptus, white delphinium and pink scabiosa. The bridesmaids bouquets were simple: baby’s breath. The ribbons all had different quotes—a surprise for the bridesmaids. I asked them what their favorite quotes were beforehand, and mine had one of mine on!

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The table flowers also had that wild aspect to them, and were held in vintage tins that I’d found in various places—Vermont antique stores to garage sales.

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For a bit of fun, the groomsmen all wore Star Wars socks of different characters, with Brian wearing Star Wars cufflinks!

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We also had to have a little fun with our guests—an American vs. Brits quiz!

Why did you choose your venue?
The Bernards Inn was classically stunning. Intimate but with the ability to really put a show on. Andrea Testa, the event manager was fantastic. Incredibly flexible and would do anything to make your day special.

What was on your menu:
Our wedding menu was a butternut squash soup to start, a stuffed chicken or fillet mignon for an entree and then a selection of deserts brought out on cake tiers. The cake was a traditional English Victoria Sponge Cake—delicious!

All about your gown:
The gown was ivory, with a plunging lace illusion neckline and backless. I think I knew it was the one because I felt so beautiful in it. It was comfortable but a little edgy, and still had the classic “bridal” feel to it. Liancarlo really makes wonderful dresses.

What was your favorite moment?
Seeing Brian when I walked down the aisle. He was smiling ear to ear! I also loved having a first look with my Dad. Last year he was diagnosed with MS, and I wasn’t sure whether he would be able to walk me down the aisle. He did, and he and I were very emotional. He is such a great man.

One detail you couldn’t live without?
Although so small, it was important to me. The symbol of Manchester is a bee, so I bought the groom/groomsmens all bee pins to wear with their suits. Having to relocate, it can feel a little lonely at times not having your family and friends beside you, but seeing all the men wear them, it meant a lot.

Did anything go wrong?
Not really! My husband was very hungover the next day—made the “fathers day lunch” much more interesting! Hahahaha.

First dance song?
REM’s “Nightswimming”

Any advice for future brides?
Enjoy, have a great time! If you’re marrying the right one, who cares if you mum is driving you up the wall or a groomsmen doesn’t have the right tie? You’re in love, that’s all that matters.