1. Real Weddings

Andrea & Rhett: A Winter Wedding in New Haven, CT

When circumstances forced Andrea and Rhett to scrap their plans for a far-flung destination wedding, they couldn’t have imagined how perfect their int

When circumstances forced Andrea and Rhett to scrap their plans for a far-flung destination wedding, they couldn’t have imagined how perfect their intimate, close-to-home celebration would turn out. THE BRIDE Andrea Montano, 29, associate director of strategy at a communications agency THE GROOM Everitt (Rhett) Speros, 31, marketing consultant THE DATE December 11 Andrea and Rhett met through mutual friends, and eventually got to know each other following an evening together at a popular NYC bar named Tortilla Flats. Later, the couple went to Connecticut for Thanksgiving with Andrea's family (their first holiday together as a twosome). At the end of a hike through nearby campgrounds, Rhett got down on one muddy knee and proposed. It was perfect, Andrea remembers. When they arrived back at the house, there was another surprise -- Rhett's parents were there as well, ready to celebrate with champagne in hand.

The Formalwear
Andrea and Rhett cut a chocolate cake infused with liqueur and iced with vanilla frosting.
The flowers, in burgundy and lavender, complemented both the season and the maid of honor's lavender and purple attire. Andrea carried a bouquet of burgundy and lavender Bacara roses, eggplant purple carnations, and red hypericum berries tied with a burgundy satin ribbon. She also wore the berries twisted into her hair for a pretty, festive touch.
Andrea says she owes much of the success of her gown search to the folks at Macy's in New York's Herald Square. I walked in right off the street without an appointment, and they were so kind to me, she recalls. Though she hadn't tried on any wedding dresses before, she lucked out almost right away. The second gown she tried on, a white silk dress with a beaded hem and waistline by Demetrios, was perfect. She kept warm in the December cold with a borrowed white mink stole. It made me feel like a million bucks, Andrea says.
Andrea and Rhett exchanged vows in a very intimate (just 11 guests!) ceremony at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Woodbridge. The couple lit the Advent Wreath, since it was nearly Christmas, and also incorporated a special prayer for the 69th Regiment fighting in Iraq.
Afterward, everyone headed over to the Union League Café in downtown New Haven to celebrate. Andrea and Rhett's reception unfolded in a room upstairs that was enclosed with French doors and featured large 19th century oil paintings of the area. Wreaths hanging from the windows and doors and a Christmas tree in one corner added to the festive atmosphere. It had the feel of an elegant townhouse, the bride says.