1. Real Weddings

A Library Wedding in Boston, MA

Deborah agreed to go to a Halloween party with her friend during her sophomore year at Brown University. Little did she know that she was about to mee

Deborah agreed to go to a Halloween party with her friend during her sophomore year at Brown University. Little did she know that she was about to meet the man she’d marry, Jay, who was also studying at Brown at the time. With Deborah in a Charlie’s Angel costume and Jay dressed as the Monopoly Man, the costumed pair hit it off and started dating. The Bride Deborah Witzburg, 26, a law student The Groom Jay Beidler, 27, an investment analyst The Date August 15 Just over five years later, Jay asked Deborah out to dinner, and placed a small, black velvet box on the table. When she opened it, she found the engagement ring that once belonged to her great-great grandmother.

A friend of the couple officiated the ceremony, which was held in the reading room of the library and included Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish customs that have become part of their families’ traditions.
Fresh roses and hydrangeas decorated the simple, buttercream-frosted cake. The yellow cake matched a recipe from Deborah’s mom’s vintage Joy of Cooking cookbook.
Guests’ names were printed on green cardstock and tucked into pockets typically found in the backs of library books. The pockets featured the same garden design used in other stationery elements.
Tall arrangements of roses, orchids, lilies, hydrangeas, and ranunculus, along with old-fashioned reading lamps, topped the library’s long, reading tables.
Tables were identified with numbered library-book envelopes, which kept with the couple’s theme.
Mint vodka lemonade served in julep-style glasses provided the perfect refreshment on the hot August afternoon.
Glasses filled with strawberries and raspberries and topped with homemade whipped cream -- a great choice for a summer dessert -- complemented the classic cake.
Guests ate hors d’oeuvres, including smoked salmon and Tuscan vegetable tarts, in the library’s courtyard, where gardens and a fountain provided a breath of fresh air between the indoor ceremony and reception.
The bridesmaids chose from various styles of black silk J.Crew dresses and paired them with metallic sandals and necklaces from the bride.
Folded programs were printed with the same silver typeface and garden motif used on the save-the-dates and invitations. Inside, photos of the Deborah and Jay’s late family members added a personal touch.
The bride carried orchids, calla lilies, hydrangeas, freesias, and ranunculus wrapped in the same silk material as the bridesmaid dresses, tying their looks together.
Deborah and her mom wore matching antique-gold Manolo Blahnik shoes. The best part: They can both wear them again.