Guest post written by my lovely wife, Kathleen.  Enjoy!

After planning a wedding for nearly two years, I was more than ready to sit back and let Rich do all the heavy lifting when it came to our honeymoon in Hawaii.  My plan of attack was simple:  Pack my suitcase and tag along.  While I obsessed over things like ostrich feathers and flowers, my beloved was quietly booking our flights, making hotel reservations and drawing up an itinerary for a relaxing and romantic (not to mention recuperative) getaway.  We knew that after the stress and tumult surrounding the wedding, we would be craving a little sun and frivolity.  All in all, the trip was exactly what we needed, but it didn’t exactly get off to a seamless start. continue reading »

After two years of careful planning, the big day had finally arrived.  Kathleen’s grandiose vision had culminated into a perfect display of vintage elegance and grace.  The ceremony was flawless…the reception:  PERFECT!  One hundred and twenty of our closest family and friends helped us celebrate our special day.

Looking back, the day went by in an instant, just as many friends had warned.  Kathleen looked amazing in her dress, almost Olive Thomas-esque with a modern twist.  Rather then gush over every detail of the wedding, I’ll just share one that for whatever reason is eteched in my mind:  After our photos were taken on the Branford House lawn, with a stunning backdrop of Long Island Sound, we were quietly escorted back to the empty bridal suite in the mansion.  Blissful silence is the best way I could describe it.  The two of us sat back, enjoyed some delicious appetizers and sipped away on our martinis.  Interestingly enough, spending those few moments with Kathleen were one of my favorite parts of the entire reception.  I was struck with an overwhelming feeling of contentment.  My sweetie and I were finally married. continue reading »