A Rustic Vintage-Inspired Wedding at the Venetian Yacht Club in Babylon, New York

Gina LoCicero (30 and a nurse) and Dean Barr (29 and a union worker) were introduced to each other by a mutual friend. "The first time I laid eyes on her, I knew I would spend the rest of my life with her," says Dean. "For our first date, I was overdressed for the restaurant and Gina made sure I knew it. After taking off a few layers in the bathroom, the night went wonderfully and it just confirmed what I knew the moment I met her." On their two year anniversary Dean proposed to Gina on a weekend trip to New York City at Pier 17, one of their favorite spots in the city. After visiting several vineyards on Long Island, the couple decided a waterfront wedding was more their style. The Venetian Yacht Club in Babylon, NY fit the bill. "Gina, her mother Debbie, and her grandmother who is no longer with us, shared a special passion and bond through butterflies," says Dean. "When Gina visited the Venetian's website, a video shows a beautiful butterfly guiding you through the venue. Gina took this as a sign, and we immediately made an appointment." The couple exchanged vows on the venue's back patio overlooking the Great South Bay in a ceremony conducted by Dean's father, who was ordained for the occasion. As a nod to their grandparents who had passed away, the couple opted for a vintage, rustic-themed affair. "We wanted our wedding to be something like they would have had 50-60 years ago," says Dean. They chose a color palette of soft pastel peach, sage and ivory hues and timeless blooms like peach and ivory roses, hydrangeas and green amaranths. Rustic details included mason jar vases for the centerpieces with ivory lace and pearls wrapped around the top of each jar lending a vintage touch.