Classic and elegant combined to create this dreamy affair for Stacey & Hsin. They chose a historic mansion to get married in, with ornate details that reminded Stacey of Downton Abbey. From the ‘indoor garden’ feel of the ballroom, to the blue ribbon tied bouquets, every detail was thoughtfully executed to create a masterpiece for this couples day!
from the photographer: “Stacey and Hsin chose the beautiful, historic Bourne Mansion for their Long Island wedding. This Vanderbilt mansion is a turn-of-the-century work of art! From the ornate French blue room, large light-filled getting ready suite, and a breathtaking ceremony lawn with views of their 205-acre property – this venue personifies luxury and grandeur. Stacey and Hsin loved how it felt classic and full of history, but still romantic and fresh. They chose natural greenery and white florals to create an “indoor garden” feel in the grand ballroom. Their color palette of dusty French blue, ivory, sage green, and hints of silver matched the venue perfectly. Stacey carried her dream bouquet of simple white tulips and white freesia tied with a blue ribbon. Stacey chose two absolutely DREAMY wedding gowns, by Justin Alexander and Tara Keely, paired with the most delicate applique cathedral veil. And of course, my personal favorite wedding addition – their pup Coco was the ring bearer!!”
How did you two meet?
We met in medical school where my husband was one year senior of me. We started talking, then studying together, and he started leaving me sweet notes and chocolates in my school mailbox during the exam days. It was the most challenging year but we are most certainly grateful we met!
What’s your proposal story?
Hsin popped the question at Jones Beach in Long Island on 2/17/2018. I always wanted a private and intimate proposal and he executed it so well. We took a nice long walk on the beach to celebrate afterwards. It was a perfect day.
Tell us a little bit about your wedding vision!
We wanted a classic wedding that is timeless in style. We also were looking to incorporate the strengths of both outdoor and indoor settings. Our color palette consisted of ivory, sage green with gold and dusty French blue accents. The most important things I was looking for in our venue was an open space and its history. Bourne Mansion was perfect because the outdoor lawn stretches over a vast green lawn lined by a waterfront. The interior of the mansion was saturated with original historical elements that is reminiscent of 1920s architectural epitome with French-inspired details, including a bright powder-blue bridal suite and oak wood library (As a huge fan of the show Downton Abbey, I felt like one of the Crawley ladies getting hitched!).
Tell us about your attire choices!
My ceremony dress from Justin Alexander was my dream gown turned into reality. It was a perfect match to my classic vision. My gown was made with Mikado silk with a dramatic train with minimal beading accents. I wanted a simple style with heavy, rich fabric for the ceremony. I added some additional fun details by selecting a cathedral length veil with pops of flower embroideries. My husband wore a tailored navy Hugo Boss tuxedo with black collars with a Rolex Submariner watch that was my family’s wedding gift to him. For the reception, I opted for a more dramatic A-line dress by Tara Keely with lots of beading and an open back. It was a seamless but surprising transition from the classic ceremony dress. Another throwback to 1920s, just bolder. My shoes were from Jimmy Choo, a pair of silver-blue sparkles to go along with my color schemes.
What was the most important thing to you while planning? Anything you chose to splurge or skip?
Flowers and photography were our biggest investments from the very beginning. I wanted an “indoor garden” atmosphere by filling a grand space with fresh flowers and branches filled with
tiny ivory blossoms. We also wanted to make sure that our photographer was not only experienced but had a unique identity to their work. We wanted to make sure our florist and photographers not only understood our vision but were approachable and passionate as well (in fact, we still keep in touch via social media!). Both teams were the best decisions we ever made for our wedding. We and our guests are still obsessed over their work.
We chose to save some pretty pennies on small details that our guest probably would not care to remember (limousines, menus, programs, etc.).
Any favorite memories of the day?
The night before my wedding, I picked up my dress and to my horror, I discovered that the dress was not fitted perfectly due to my last minute efforts to get fitter. In the morning of the wedding, I rushed to my tailor’s place to get them fitted.
Our favorite memory is definitely the moment when our eyes met at the end of the aisle.
Frankly, the entire day flew by in a blink of an eye. Before we got married, one of the best advices we have gotten from our married friends was to make the most out of small, short intimate moments as much as possible. And those are the moments we both cherish the most. We did not drink on our wedding day to remember every detail clearly. It is our day, in the end.
Tell us about your wedding flowers.
I wanted keep the simplicity with a bouquet of whites with a French blue ribbon tie. My bridal bouquets was white tulips, which were not in season but somehow my wonderful florist managed to work it out. My ceremony had a grand arch made with white flowers and lush greens. Each reception table was decorated with lustrous branches covered in orange blossoms with gold candelabras. They were not only beautiful but smelled so heavenly too!
Did you include any family heirlooms or special traditions?
My something blue was an oval sapphire ring with diamond halo that belonged to my maternal grandmother. Plus, it reminded my Princess Diana’s famous engagement ring so much. My family is Christian and we always pray. My grandmother and mother held my hands to pray for me before I officially set off to walk down the aisle.
Any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
Focus on having the right vendors. When they are experienced, responsive, and personable, they will come to your rescue at your most desperate moments and save the day. Be prepared to take lots of mental pictures on the day of the wedding. When things get tough, they will surely lift your spirits.
When things get a little too crazy while planning, refocus your vision on the big picture. Zoom out and take a deep breath! For example, we chose our venue first based on the overall style. I picked my wedding gown after the venue had been decided. Don’t let the little details (which the guests or you won’t remember), get to you! Lastly, have fun.
Photography: Cassi Claire Photography | Ceremony Venue: Bourne Mansion | Reception Venue: Bourne Mansion | Floral: Wild Floral Designs | Stationery: Minted | Videography: NST Pictures | Wedding Cake: The Rolling Pin Bakery | Calligraphy: P.S. Calligraphy | Favors: La Marca Prosecco | Hair: Bomi Makeup | Makeup: Bomi Makeup | Ceremony Musicians: VS Music | Reception Musicians: Silver Arrow Band | Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander | Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss | Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux | Headpiece: Eden Luxe Bridal | Wedding Dress: Tara Keely by Lazaro | Submitted via: Matchology
