Charming, American Self-Planned Wedding in Connecticut

Years of experience prepared Caitlin Campbell (32 and a senior event coordinator and wedding designer) for marrying Zach Lavender (29 and a physician’s assistant)—but not in the way one might think. “Planning your own wedding isn’t as easy as working with a client,” Caitlin says. “Luckily, I have good vendor friends.” Not only did Yumiko Fletcher, owner of Hana Floral Design, understand Caitlin’s ideal color palette (beige, black and white), but she also eventually served as the couple’s officiant thanks to their friendship. “After all of our planning check-ins, it made sense,” Caitlin says.
Striped linens on the cocktail tables struck a charming, Americana-esque note against the historic farmhouse and field backdrop. Guests honored Olive, Caitlin and Zach’s black lab, with signs of her smiling face.  Bold, modern menus topped black chargers alongside lavender, for the couple’s new shared last name. Caitlin, Zach and their guests ate slices of strawberry and champagne mascarpone cake.
Not only did the bright red ranunculus pop against the neutral palette of the tent, but the flower’s lucky color paid tribute to Caitlin’s Chinese heritage. “The black and white details had to pop,” Caitlin says. Case in point: The escort cards, which put a chic, minimal spin on a classic design. Guests sipped canned rosé as they danced to The Hudson Project, and Zach tried his hand at a karaoke serenade.