A Glam, Rustic Chic Wedding at the Riverhouse at Rumson Country Club in Rumson, New Jersey

Lindsay Messina (29 and a senior research analyst at the NYC Department of Education) and Blake Abbot (33 and a physical education teacher at Middletown Public Schools) took an understated approach to gilded-age glam that Lindsay describes as “The Great Gatsby meets shabby chic.”

After a traditional ceremony at the same church where Blake’s parents wed, the couple and their guests headed to their riverside venue for a whimsical cocktail hour with suspended florals, summer-inspired eats and a local musician. “I love the wedding cocktail hour and consider it a highlight of the day, so we decided to extend it a bit,” Lindsay says. For the reception, a live band kept guests on their feet with Motown and classic rock hits. 

Lindsay’s flowy gown featured lace sleeves, a deep V-cut back and intricate beadwork. She paired it with a Juliet cap and cathedral-length veil for the ceremony. 

Silver vases held blush, pink and burgundy florals along with fresh greens.

Rustic tree branches wrapped in string lights and greens hung from the ceiling, while garland-topped wood farm tables filled the reception. After dinner, the newlyweds cut into a tiered buttercream cake with cascading sugar flowers. “I had a vision for what I wanted, and the bakery absolutely delivered,” Lindsay says.

“I was a bit apprehensive about the color palette I chose, but the risk paid off,” Lindsay says of the mismatched bridesmaid dresses.