1. Real Weddings

Susan & Scott: An Outdoor Wedding in Darien, CT

Courtship was easy for Susan and Scott. The couple met in a bar and hit it off right away. But the proposal was a little more difficult to negotiate,

Courtship was easy for Susan and Scott. The couple met in a bar and hit it off right away. But the proposal was a little more difficult to negotiate, even though Scott had it all thought out. The Bride Susan Valentino, 26, graduate student in family therapy The Groom Scott Hersey, 29, home contracting business owner The Date September 2 The plan was to take Susan to Kennebunkport, Maine and propose while having breakfast in bed. Susan wasn't feeling well that morning, so he decided to wait until the couple's romantic sail around the coast, but he ended up getting seasick. Finally, on their last night in Maine, while the couple was relaxing on a chaise overlooking the garden, Scott seized the moment. Susan said yes, and the two began planning their Napa-style wedding at Susan's parents' home in Connecticut.

Susan and Scott exchanged a variety of traditional vows. Susan's favorite memory from the ceremony was when their dog got loose and ran up and down the aisle barking. It brought the ceremony to a comical standstill.
An impressive hors d'oeuvres menu gave guests the chance to taste a little of everything -- from duck breast to sea scallops. The couple offered either filet mignon or halibut for the entrees.
A piped buttercream ivy pattern and a whimsical bride and groom cake topper made this three-tiered confection a hit. The vanilla cake was filled with fresh raspberry jam and raspberries.
Provencal style urns held the black, fuchsia and coral blooms in the centerpieces. Artichokes, grapes and ivy gave them a fresh-from-the-garden touch.
Guests literally left with a fresh taste of Napa -- the couple personalized bottles of merlot for everyone.
Susan and Scott shared their first dance to Ray Charles' and Van Morrison's live version of the song Crazy Love.
Guests took their seats at long wooden farm tables. Tea candles, hurricanes and silver-plated coffee urns filled with table wine gave the tables a warm, homey vibe -- something that was especially important to Susan's mother.
The deep purple orchids, green hydrangeas and ivory calla lilies reminded the couple of the California wine country.
The couple wanted the invitations to reflect their wedding style, but they didn't want to completely give the theme away. They chose a lily of the valley design printed on ivory paper in chocolate ink.