Classic Coastal New England Winter Wedding at The Inn at Longshore
Caroline and Kevin’s wedding was a dream-like celebration of love, family, and timeless elegance. Set against the serene backdrop of a crisp January day in Ridgefield and Westport, CT, their wedding story began in the bride’s charming hometown, weaving personal history and natural beauty together into a storybook affair. As a childhood friend of Caroline it was especially important to the team and I to weave together designs which were impactful, intentional, and elegant for her and Kevin’s big day.
We began the morning at the family’s long time home in RIdgefield, CT. Surrounded by her lifelong friends, younger sister, and mother Caroline was showered with love and excitement from the early moments of her wedding morning. Bringing the bridal bouquet into the home and sharing it with Caroline was a special moment for us both. Her mother had given me one of her wedding dress sleeves to turn into the ribbon for Caroline’s bouquet, and the composition for the design was an ethereal combination of locally grown cotton and dusty miller intertwined with California grown ranunculus, roses, and blackberry canes. We shared a quick conversation about the excitement hovering over the day and we went our separate ways.
Kevin was getting ready down the street at the West Lane Inn, a historic and long standing cornerstone in the town. As I brought him and his groomsmen their boutonnieres we were able to chat and share well wishes for how the day would unfolded. He was anxious to know how his bride was in her getting ready flurry and I did my best to share reassurance that there was in fact no reason to be anything other than happy about the day.
The couple did no first look and instead opted to first see one another as Caroline was walked down the aisle by her father. The couple exchanged vows in the bride’s childhood church, a venue rich with memories and sentimental significance. The ceremony was an homage to Caroline’s roots, filled with warmth and reverence that brought her journey full circle. Every detail spoke to the love and care that went into the planning and creating of an intimate and heartfelt beginning to their new chapter together.
After the ceremony, guests were welcomed to a breathtaking reception at The Inn at Longshore in Westport, CT. The stunning Long Island lined venue was a welcoming and elegant backdrop for their evening of celebration and joy. The space instantly was filled with warmth, merry-making, and winter beauty as a plethora of skilled vendors came together to bring a winter inspired wedding day design suite to life
For our part the Three Roots team was tasked with creating an array of floral designs which were intentional, seasonally minded, and if possible magically highlighted by candlelight. The arrangements were expansive and nature-driven, featuring an array of California-grown blooms like tulips, quince, privet berries, roses, hydrangea, boxwood, and locally sourced dried cotton. Inspired by the beauty of a winter forest, the designs transformed the space into a lush and enchanted setting. The floral's soft textures and rich hues added depth and warmth, perfectly complementing the season’s charm.
Caroline and Kevin’s wedding was not just a union of two hearts but also a coming together of two families. Every element of the day—from the heartfelt ceremony to the elegant reception—was a testament to the strength of their bond and the love surrounding them. Guests danced, laughed, and toasted to a lifetime of happiness for the couple, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
This January wedding was a true masterpiece, blending timeless elegance with personal touches that celebrated the couple’s unique love story. Caroline and Kevin’s day was a reminder of what weddings are all about: the beauty of love, commitment, and the magic of family coming together.
Photographer: Melanie Ruth Photo
Venue: The Inn at Longshore
Dress Boutique: A Little Something White
Florist: Three Roots Floral Design
