1. Real Weddings

A Laid-Back Multicultural Wedding in Connecticut

The Bride Monica Dedet, 39, training to be a nutritionist The Bride Victoria (Tory) Winkelman, 28, an event planner The Date July 4 Monica and Tory

The Bride Monica Dedet, 39, training to be a nutritionist The Bride Victoria (Tory) Winkelman, 28, an event planner The Date July 4 Monica and Tory decided to get married on Tory’s family estate in Connecticut, where she spent many summers growing up. They created a Miami-meets-New England beach vibe with lots of multicultural accents. Think: Latin salsas on the menu and New England Adirondack chairs at the reception.

The seven bridesmaids wore navy-blue J. Crew dresses in various styles. Everyone went barefoot for the ceremony on the grass.
After the wedding, Monica and Tory escaped for a few minutes alone.
To give off a relaxed vibe, a truck draped in Dutch colors (a nod to Tory’s heritage) served up beer on tap and in bottles.
Instead of traditional vases of flowers, urns filled with rich green succulents decorated the tables.
Tory carried a lush and soft bouquet of white peonies and lavender roses, while Monica opted for a romantic one of deep-red peonies and roses.
Monica and Tory chose “Always” by Patsy Cline for their first dance.
Rich draping and uplighting decorated the tent.
The bar inside the tent had a more upscale vibe than the beer truck. It was decorated with red and white flowers and votives.
The couple exchanged vows on the front lawn of Tory’s family estate, overlooking the Connecticut River.
Guests hung out around this fire pit set up with Adirondack chairs.
Both brides wore delicate lace dresses by Claire Pettibone. Monica chose one with an Empire waist and lace sleeves, while Tory wore a geometric number with a deep V-neck.
These custom-made stickers topped the inner envelopes of the invitations.
After the barefoot ceremony, Monica and Tory changed into these cowboy boots for dinner and dancing.