Real wedding · Darien, Connecticut
Michele & Nicholas
Waters Edge at Giovanni's
A pizzeria first look, a rose champagne bottle, and midnight balloons
- Venue
- Waters Edge at Giovanni's
- Location
- Darien, Connecticut
- Setting
- Estate & club
- Season
- Winter
- Photographs
- 23 selected
New Year's Eve came in grey and drizzly, and the first look happened somewhere nobody would guess: a local pizzeria with red vinyl booths, red stools along a marble counter, and a gold wreath in the front window. Michele wore a white faux fur wrap over her gown. Nicholas stood facing the rainy street until she came up behind him, and then the two of them were laughing against the counter under a wall of bottles and holiday garland.
The morning before it had been all hotel room light and quiet prep, with a makeup artist working by the window. A beaded clutch spelled out bride in gold, and a pair of teal satin heels with crystal buckles sat on a tufted leather chair. Back at the venue, vows were read into a microphone in front of a sculpted white wall, Michele holding a small black book, Nicholas listening with his hands folded. Her bridesmaids wore gold sequins and deep navy.
The ballroom was dressed for midnight. Gold chargers, black and white balloons packed into a net on the ceiling, and a giant champagne bottle built from black roses with both their names across the label. Michele changed into a fitted beaded gown for the party. A singer and a guitarist played, guests hoisted the couple up on chairs, and when the net finally opened, the two of them disappeared into streamers and gold balloons.
Getting ready
Details
Black, white, and gold ran through everything, from the chargers to the rose champagne bottle.
Ceremony
Portraits
The pizzeria gave the first look red vinyl, holiday garland, and warm window light on a grey day.
Celebration
A midnight balloon drop turned the whole room into a party in one second.
Planning a wedding like this?
Winter weddings lose daylight early, so if you want portraits with window light, schedule the first look by early afternoon. A nearby spot with real character, like a favorite restaurant or cafe, makes a warm rain plan and photographs far better than a hallway. For a New Year's Eve reception, ask how the venue handles a balloon drop so your photographer can be on the floor, not stuck behind the crowd, when it opens.
