1. Real Weddings

A Great Gatsby-Inspired Wedding with a Modern Twist at Tupper Manor in Beverly, Massachusetts

Family means everything to Sharon Dratch (44, works in public relations) and Christopher Edwards (48, a software engineer). Chris's two adorable child

Family means everything to Sharon Dratch (44, works in public relations) and Christopher Edwards (48, a software engineer). Chris's two adorable children from a previous marriage, 10-year-old Angie and nine-year-old Tyler, have always been an important part of the couple's relationship. They even helped him propose! "To this day, I’m still impressed by how they were able keep the proposal a total secret for days!" says Sharon. Inspired by the old-world vibe of Tupper Manor and Sharon's lace dress, the couple decided on a romantic, Great-Gatsby theme for their mansion wedding. For a fresh twist, Sharon and Chris outfitted their day in a contemporary color scheme of teal, silver and fuchsia. "The idea was to incorporate new, modern colors with the feel of the Gatsby era—a fusion of both modern and traditional styles," explains Sharon. From the Lucite huppah to the bright green signature cocktails, every bit of Sharon and Chris's family affair accomplished just that.

Monogrammed Guest Welcome Bags
Chris' two children from a previous marriage, nine-year-old Angie and 10-year-old Tyler played integral roles in the couple's wedding day—in addition to their flower girl and ring bearer duties.
Sharon and Chris
Sharon carried a bright, monobotanical bridal bouquet of fuchsia phalaenopsis orchids.
White Flower Girl Basket
Sharon and Chris were married beneath a Lucite huppah topped with a canopy of fuchsia phalaenopsis orchids.
Phalaenopsis Orchid Huppah Decpr
"Although Chris and I come from different backgrounds, it was important for me to have a Jewish ceremony. Chris and I spent the months before our wedding meeting with my Rabbi, who worked with us to create a ceremony that incorporated the Jewish tradition, but was also authentic and meaningful to each of us," Sharon says of their modern Jewish wedding ceremony. "Even more special, the Rabbi made sure to incorporate Angie and Tyler into the ceremony—so it was something that we all felt invested in and part of as a family."
Tupper Manor Garden Wedding Ceremony Venue
Sharon and Chris Ceremony Recessional
Sharon and Chris served a blue/green signature cocktail called “The Tangelini” —in honor of Angie and Tyler. The secret ingredients that game it its bright color included Malibu coconut rum, blue Curacao, pineapple juice and orange juice.
"Tupper Manor mansion is so elegant and provided the perfect 'turn of the century feel that fit so well with our Great Gatsby inspiration," explains Sharon.
Jewel Tone Flower Escort Card Display
Gold and Teal Calligraphed Tented Escort Cards
"We wanted to have a lush romantic feel for the flowers, as if we were standing in a slightly overgrown, ripe garden," says Sharon. The tall centerpieces included phalaenopsis orchids, orange roses, blue thistle, poppy pods, succulents and more.
Low Poppy Pod and Phalaenopsis Orchid Centerpiece
Gold and Teal Table Numbers
Phalaenopsis Orchid Napkin Ring
"We chose 'I Will' by Matchbox Twenty because it was beautiful," Sharon says of their first dance song. "Also, the words were meaningful and about being there for the other person no matter what."
Classic White Four Tier Wedding Cake
Sharon and Chris sent guests home with cookies embossed with their custom logo— the “S” from Sharon and the “C” from Christopher intertwined.