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A Stylish Vintage Wedding on Long Island’s North Fork

A Stylish Vintage Wedding on Long Island’s North Fork

Ivory-draped trees, moss-woven calla lilies, and antique heirlooms set the stage for a romantic celebration by the bay

Vanessa and Michael’s wedding was the kind of celebration that lingered like a dream – equal parts whimsical, ethereal, and timeless. On the North Fork of Long Island, overlooking the serene waters of Peconic Bay, the couple drew inspiration from their deep love for the water and a shared appreciation for vintage aesthetics. Their vision came to life in a way that felt both organic and elevated: vintage-inspired linens, floral-patterned stationery, antique platters, and mismatched silver layered into tablescapes that radiated charm. Suspended calla lilies woven with moss transformed the dance floor into something out of a fairytale, while the ceremony – set in a wooded grove by the water – was softened with ivory fabric draped gracefully through the trees.

Adding to the magic, several of our talented members played a role in bringing the day to life: Anastasia Photography captured it all with an editorial eye, Happily Ever Socials – the bride’s own content company – documented every fleeting moment in real time, and Papier June set the tone through timeless stationery and signage. And then there was Vanessa’s gown: a corseted lace bodice with handmade Indian appliqué paired with a dramatic silk taffeta skirt and daring high slit, perfectly embodying the couple’s balance of romance, vintage elegance, and a touch of edge.

A Stylish Vintage Wedding on Long Island’s North Fork

Our Love Story

^{The Day We Met}

We actually met on Tinder 10 years ago and had our first date at American Whiskey in NYC. At the time, Michael had just graduated from Penn State and moved to the city, while I was a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I always say that the moment I met him, I was immediately head over heels and knew he was going to be someone very special in my life.

That night, we shared a SoCo lime shot—and it’s been a staple in our relationship ever since. To this day, we try to celebrate our anniversary at American Whiskey and order a SoCo lime shot. For our first look on our wedding day, I surprised him with a custom illustration of the spot where we sat that first night, complete with two SoCo lime drinks.

A Stylish Vintage Wedding on Long Island’s North Fork

^{The Proposal}

For our 7th anniversary, we traveled to Greece, starting on the beautiful island of Paros. On our second day, we spent the morning on a boat tour, swimming with fish and cliff jumping. Later that evening, Michael proposed in the most private and romantic moment by the water. I had a feeling something was coming because I could sense his nerves all day. I remember having butterflies and dancing alone in the mirror while getting ready, filled with excitement and anticipation.

^{The Engagement Ring}

Michael purchased my engagement ring from a local jeweler near where I grew up, making it feel even more special and personal. I had always dreamed of an oval-cut diamond with diamonds along a gold band, and he surprised me with exactly that. When he proposed, I was stunned by the hidden halo surrounding the 3-carat natural oval diamond set on a yellow gold band, with diamonds elegantly wrapping around the band.

Our Wedding

^{The Vision}

Our wedding was inspired by our deep love for the water and a shared appreciation for vintage, timeless aesthetics. The moment I saw the wooded area where we held our ceremony, I knew it had to be the centerpiece of our day. It already had this natural, whimsical energy—I just wanted to elevate it. We draped soft fabrics through the trees at the ceremony entrance to create a dreamlike, ethereal vibe that felt both organic and intentional. Throughout the planning process, I leaned into the idea of letting the venue shine. I didn’t want it overly polished, just a celebration of nature’s beauty with a romantic, vintage touch.

I worked closely with my florist to design florals that felt earthy yet classic. Moss was a key element—we had a moss-covered altar and moss-based floral arrangements for the reception. Our color palette was soft and muted: ivory and sage with hints of blush pinks and buttery yellows. We carried that tone through everything, from vintage-inspired linens and tableware to floral-patterned stationery. One of my best friends, Sophia, collects vintage silver tableware, so we brought in some of her antique platters and mismatched silver pieces for the tablescapes. One of my favorite details was the calla lilies suspended over the dance floor, woven with moss.

We also wanted the celebration to feel like a full weekend of memories, not just one day together. We kicked things off with a Welcome Party at Corey Creek Tap Room, one of my favorite vineyards. Since we were honeymooning in Italy, we created a theme inspired by the Italian countryside with a pizza truck, a bar truck, a gorgeous Italian-style grazing table, and a mille-feuille cake.

A Stylish Vintage Wedding on Long Island’s North Fork

^{Our Team of Vendors}

I’ve always loved the North Fork—it’s where I’d escape for vineyards and coastal charm. So when we visited Peconic Bay Yacht Club, we knew it was the one. It had the waterfront setting we wanted, and John and Hillary, who run the property, went above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect. As a wedding content creator, video was a must. My Happily Ever Socials team, Toniann and Meghan, captured the day on iPhone and Super 8, which made it even more personal. Photography was next on my list, and Anastasia’s vintage, candid film style was exactly what I’d envisioned. For video, Amanda of AKAM Productions was the perfect fit—her emotive, documentary style captured our story beautifully.

Our planner, Lexi from Finally May Events, was truly my right hand—calm, creative, and detail-oriented. I trusted her completely, and she brought my vision to life. For stationery, I worked with Papier June, who designed vintage-inspired handmade paper invitations, menus, and signage. My favorite detail: escort cards made from vintage Italian postcards, embossed with our initials. Music set the tone all day. Jeremy the Violist, who I found on TikTok, played through the ceremony and cocktail hour—Michael walked to “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls, and I walked to “Oceans” by Hillsong. For the reception, TI Fusion Band kept the energy high all night. Our florist, Audrey from Audrey in the Garden, blew me away. I gave her full creative freedom, and she delivered the most artistic, sculptural arrangements. And our cake, a fruit-topped vintage design by Shannon’s Sweets, was the perfect finishing touch. Every vendor cared deeply about making the day feel like us, and I’m so grateful for such a talented, passionate team.

^{The Location}

Our wedding took place at Peconic Bay Yacht Club on the North Fork of Long Island, overlooking the peaceful waters of the Peconic Bay. The ceremony was held beneath the trees in a quiet wooded area on the property, right by the water, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. From the start, we knew we wanted to get married close to home. The stunning waterfront, natural surroundings, and intimate atmosphere were everything we had hoped for as we envisioned a day shared with just our closest family and friends.

A Stylish Vintage Wedding on Long Island’s North Fork

^{The Ceremony}

I was most excited for our ceremony, and it turned out even more magical than I imagined—ethereal, effortless, and not overly polished. Set in a wooded area by the water, the space already had a natural charm. We added just a few thoughtful touches: soft ivory fabric draped through the trees, a linen welcome sign, antique silver platters for cards, and parasols displayed in a vintage urn. Guests were greeted with champagne and wine as Jeremy Green, an incredible violist from LA, played through the ceremony and cocktail hour.

Natural wooden chairs were arranged in a scattered semi-circle, each with raffia fans and petals to toss, giving the space a relaxed, whimsical feel. Michael walked down the aisle to “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls, and I followed to “Oceans” by Hillsong—when the violin started, I immediately burst into tears. Our close friend Nikolay officiated, keeping the ceremony heartfelt yet light, exactly as we wanted. Our two Pomeranians carried the rings, which guests loved, and my brother read The Blessing of the Hands, a moment that meant so much to us. After saying “I do,” we celebrated with a champagne tower by the water, using vintage silver glasses to tie in with the theme—a perfect full-circle moment.

^{The Cocktail Hour}

Our cocktail hour took place on the upper deck of the venue, overlooking the Peconic Bay. We had an escort card table with a large floral arrangement and vintage Italian postcards as the table assignments, tying in our honeymoon theme. The linens featured soft sage and vintage-inspired florals, and bud vases were filled with artistic, sculptural arrangements. We hung calla lilies and moss from the ceiling to add an ethereal touch. Jeremy Green, our violist, played live on the deck while guests enjoyed a grazing table filled with local seafood and passed hors d’oeuvres on vintage platters. Our signature cocktails were named after our Pomeranians—Mojo’s Zest (a lemon drop martini) and Tufo Picante (a spicy margarita).

^{The Reception}

For the reception, we embraced a European-style flow. Guests headed to the ballroom for dinner at a serpentine king’s table draped in chiffon, styled with vintage green floral tableware, moss runners, fresh fruit, and hand-torn floral table signs. Larger arrangements filled terracotta vessels, while smaller blooms sat in vintage silver vases—artful and organic, exactly as I’d envisioned. My dad opened with a heartfelt speech, and I surprised my mom with a dance to “In My Daughter’s Eyes.” Speeches from the best man and maid of honor followed, with all formalities wrapped during dinner so the rest of the night could be pure celebration. Michael and I gave a short thank-you before guests were led upstairs by the sound of a live saxophone.

The mood shifted from romantic to electric: calla lilies and moss hung overhead, paired with club lighting, a DJ stage, and a hybrid band setup. We made our grand entrance as husband and wife with a choreographed first dance to “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel”—high-energy and such a hit with our guests. Highlights included my brother playing “All the Small Things” on guitar (yes, I sang along—badly!), a nonstop line for the shotski, and nearly everyone on the dance floor. For dessert, we had a vintage fruit-topped cake and a playful dessert parade, with servers passing sweets like hors d’oeuvres. The night ended in the venue’s speakeasy, transformed into a nightclub—an unforgettable finale to the best day of our lives.

^{The Special Touches}

So many little moments made the day uniquely ours. For our first look, I surprised Michael with a custom illustration of our first date at American Whiskey—complete with the two SoCo and lime shots we ordered that night. We leaned into vintage-inspired details throughout: a vintage car for portraits (and guest photos in place of a photo booth), Italian postcard escort cards embossed with our initials, and antique silver trays and cups used across our décor and grazing table. Even our matchbooks tied in—the back featured my Happily Ever Socials logo. One of my favorite moments was my brother playing All the Small Things on guitar—a nostalgic Blink-182 surprise that ended with the three of us belting First Date together. Later, the after-party in the venue’s speakeasy gave the night a club vibe with a DJ, keeping the celebration alive until the very end. We also tied in one of our favorite hobbies—skiing—with a shotski for guests to sign and use. It was such a hit (even if I completely spilled mine!).

^{Our Favorite Moment}

Our vows were one of the most unforgettable moments of the day. We chose to read them during the ceremony, and it truly set the tone for the entire evening. They were heartfelt, with just the right amount of humor, perfectly reflecting who we are as a couple and giving our guests an authentic glimpse into our relationship. I went first, joking that living with Michael is like living with a human Google—if you ever need facts about historians or major historical events, he’s your guy.

Then Michael began his vows with, “2,000 years ago, a wise man from Ancient China once said…” which had everyone laughing because he really is such a history buff. He followed it with, “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage, and that is what you do for me.” Guests told us afterward how much they loved our vows—many were in tears from how emotional and heartfelt they were.

Our Style

^{The Bridal Looks}

I wanted my wedding looks to channel the vintage vibe I love, but with edge and a little sexiness. Nothing too traditional—I wanted to push the limits and have fun. For the welcome party, I wore a romantic-yet-cool corset and skirt by Seline Meisner. While getting ready, I skipped the robe for the playful Valentina Dress from Mirror Palais. On the wedding day, I knew it had to be Kim Kassas. Her designs are feminine, sculpted, and bold. I chose the Marcella Dress—a corseted lace bodice with handmade Indian appliqué and a dramatic silk taffeta skirt with a high slit.

Originally open-hip, I worked with Bridal Reflections to add a train for the ceremony, which created a basque waist. Mid-reception, I removed it to reveal the open hip—such a moment. Accessories made it all: Dior J’Adior Slingbacks, a cathedral-length lace veil from Boutique De Voile, and vintage-inspired Margot lace gloves. For the reception, I added Verstolo’s Iris necklace and swapped into crystal-covered Jimmy Choo Karli Platforms—because I love a good platform.

A Stylish Vintage Wedding on Long Island’s North Fork

^{The Groom’s Look}

Michael wore a custom Brooks Brothers tuxedo—an ivory double-breasted jacket paired with classic black trousers. To complete the look, he chose traditional tuxedo shoes from Suit Supply and a timeless Tissot watch. His inspiration was rooted in wanting a look that felt both modern and sophisticated while paying homage to classic black-tie elegance. He chose not to wear a boutonnière, preferring a clean and modern look that allowed the sharp tailoring of his tuxedo to take center stage.

^{Our Bridesmaids’ & Groomsmen’s Looks}

We had eight of our closest friends standing beside us—eight bridesmaids and eight groomsmen—each one such an important part of our story. For the bridesmaids, I envisioned a soft, romantic look that felt timeless yet effortless. I chose a soft pink color palette and let each select their own silk silhouette so they could feel confident and comfortable in something that reflected their personal style. Each bridesmaid carried a bouquet with soft touches of pink, white, and green. Pink calla lilies served as the focal point, complemented by sculptural anthuriums, delicate spray roses, and lisianthus buds. Accents of fresh greenery added texture and depth, creating arrangements that felt elegant, feminine, and perfectly in tune with the overall aesthetic.

For the groomsmen, we kept things classic and sharp. All eight wore traditional black tuxedos with crisp white shirts and black bow ties, in line with our black-tie dress code. We decided to skip boutonnieres altogether for a cleaner, more modern look. The result was timeless and refined, and together, the bridal party looked cohesive while still allowing everyone’s personality to shine through.

A Stylish Vintage Wedding on Long Island’s North Fork

Our Advice

^{For the Planning Process}

I made a full vision deck to share with our florist, planner, photographer, and video team so everyone was aligned. My planner even joked I was the most organized bride she’d worked with. I also tracked everything in an Excel sheet, which kept the process structured instead of stressful. Michael and I split tasks so he was equally involved, and I kept reminding myself it was about our commitment—making every choice feel intentional.

^{For On The Day}

Be present—it goes by in a blur. Build in extra time for getting ready and portraits; I wish I’d had a few more quiet moments before walking down the aisle. Also, invest in a photo and video team you fully trust. Having a content creator was the best decision—I relived all the moments the very next day. At the end of it all, your photos and film are what you carry with you.

^{For Post-Wedding}

Don’t plan anything early the next morning. One of our favorite memories was waking up by the water, lingering with friends and family at the condos, and laughing on the beach before heading to a waterfront bar that night to keep the celebration going. I also suggest waiting a week or two before the honeymoon—it gives you time to soak it all in. I felt a touch of post-wedding blues, but by the time we left, the excitement returned in full.