A "Bridgerton"-Inspired Garden Was the Backdrop for This Moody Connecticut Wedding

New Yorkers Kacey Silverman and Aaron Baum were set up by a mutual friend in August of 2017. “I received a text from a friend asking if I would go on a date with Aaron,” Kacey remembers. “I said I would consider it.” That was enough of a “yes” for Aaron, who immediately asked her to dinner at Mamo in SoHo. Luckily she agreed, and they were a match from that moment on. “Aaron had purchased an engagement ring in February of 2020, right before the pandemic began,” Kacey remembers. “We lived in south Florida with my family for several months during this time and he had the ring sitting in his backpack the entire time! Finally, in June 2020, he proposed on a beautiful lake in Michigan, where he’s from.” 

For their wedding, which took place a year later, the duo made sure to choose a locale where their guests from all across the country could gather to enjoy a weekend-long celebration. “We loved that the Mayflower Inn was only two hours from New York City, yet once you stepped on property you felt as if you were whisked away to the countryside,” Kacey says. “Compared to the cement-paved street of New York, the greenery and blooming flowers felt like a serene oasis.” It meshed beautifully with the vibe the bride had in mind. “I wanted it to feel chic and elegant without any of the stuffiness of a traditional wedding,” she says. “I was envisioning a moody, sensual garden: overgrown moss, dewy dark greens, and cream and white florals mixed with candlelight. If you have ever seen the last scene in Bridgerton, that is it to a T!”

They booked the entire place for their 110 guests. “With only 36 rooms, it was perfect to host all our guests in an intimate setting where they didn’t have to leave all weekend long," the bride says. Read on for all of the details of their rehearsal dinner and big day, planned by Sara Landon Events and photographed by Belathée Photography.

On Friday evening, the bride- and groom-to-be hosted their family and friends for a rehearsal dinner. Kacey looked chic in a white Markarian dress while Aaron was dapper in a tan Prada suit.

“For our rehearsal dinner, my dream was a whimsical garden party filled with rich-hued florals and two long tables to feel like you were eating in someone’s backyard,” Kacey says. “The décor was inspired by LoveShackFancy, a soft and feminine designer. I have always loved the decadence of Marie Antoinette and wanted to incorporate dainty florals mixed with luscious cherries and antique china for a lighthearted yet bright energy.” Her vision was realized. “Walking out to the garden Friday night was mesmerizing!” she remembers. “It was my garden party dream come to life. I loved hearing the speeches from all of our best friends in such an intimate setting.”

The next day, Aaron got ready in a dressed down white tuxedo. “We didn’t want the energy to feel stuffy. Given it was summer, we wanted all the men to dress comfortably versus black-tie,” Kacey says.

“Getting ready with my bridesmaids at the Mayflower Inn spa was one of the most magical memories,” Kacey says. “We had reserved the spa for ourselves, and I was able to spend time with the women I love and admire in the most serene, calming environment.” 

As head of marketing for beauty brand Farmacy, Kacey knows a thing or two about skin prep. “I’ve worked in the beauty industry for more than 10 years and know how important your skincare routine is first and foremost," she says. "Skincare first, makeup second. On my wedding day, I made sure to use my clean, nontoxic skincare products prior to makeup application.” Her favorites? Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm, True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil and Calm Nutrient Mist, and Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer.

After visiting five different bridal salons, Kacey remembers getting nervous that she’d never find a gown that felt just right. “I kept asking myself, ‘How will I know?’” she shares. “But, the moment I put this gown on, it clicked.” The Lee Petra Grenebau gown featured a deeply plunging illusion panel and detailed floral embellishments.

Kacey carried an unfussy bouquet of roses, peonies, chamomile, tulips, and greenery, which was in keeping with the garden theme of the day.

Kacey’s 10 bridesmaids chose their own gowns for the big day. “They wore a variety of pink dresses in different shades and materials so each bridesmaid’s personality could come through,” Kacey says. “The dresses matched the bright, summer floral inspiration.” The variety added texture and beauty, and popped against groomsmen’s tan suits. 

“Seeing Aaron for the first time was something I’ll never forget,” Kacey shares. "He met me in the garden and tapped my shoulder. When I turned around and saw him in his white tux, I melted! It started raining during our first look, but we were so mesmerized by each other we didn’t even realize.”

Their ceremony took place in the venue’s Shakespeare Garden, beneath a chuppah made from olive branches. “We peppered in garden roses and heirloom florals in soft pink tones,” Kacey describes. “To pull the entire ceremony together, the aisle was lined with coordinating moments growing from the ground near chair legs.”

“It was extremely important that we write our vows and recite them to each other in front of our loved ones,” Katey says. “Listening to vows has always been my favorite part of weddings and I was dying to have the chance to tell Aaron how much he means to me under the chuppah.”

Potted green plants held calligraphed place cards at cocktail hour, where guests sipped Bellinis and specialty spicy margaritas with salted foam.

The summery pinks of the rehearsal dinner and ceremony gave way to moody greenery in the reception space. “Apothecary bud vases were scattered down the width of the tables along with terracotta pots filled with chamomile; to tie it all together, wooden plates and raw linen played into the full garden aesthetic,” Kacey says. “It was important to have details that felt intentional.”

The newlyweds hit the black-and-white checkered dance floor for their first dance to Leon Bridges’ “Beyond.” 

Their cake—funfetti with cream cheese mousse—had florals pressed into the frosting to fit with the garden party vibe.

Uplighting and pretty tea lights suspended from the ceiling installation lit the tent in a rosy hue as the sun went down and the dance floor turned up. “Don't take yourself—or the wedding—too seriously,” advises Kacey, who found laughter in the tougher moments of planning. “It's easy to lose track of why you're even dealing with all the planning when you're deciding on so many details—but remember this is all to marry the love of your life.”