Real New England Weddings: Sandra Lewandowski & Robert Lavery

Photos by Studio Nouveau

With her 23rd birthday just a few days away, a newly single Sandra Lewandowski worked up the nerve to invite Robert Lavery, a handsome bartender she’d once flirted with, out for the celebration. He agreed, and four years later Bob found himself working up his own nerve — to propose to Sandi while the two enjoyed a private dinner in the Bahamas. “It took a while for her to answer because she was crying so much … I’m assuming it was out of joy!” he says.

As it turned out, Bob had no reason to be nervous. “He’s truly meant for me,” Sandi says. “I couldn’t ask for a more kind, supportive, fun person to complete my life. He is my best friend and I love him.”

Bob, a telecommunications technician, and Sandi, a high school teacher, started planning the wedding almost immediately. During their tour of Lord Thompson Manor, Sandi didn’t say a word to Bob the entire time — she didn’t have to. The breathtaking grounds and the stately ambiance of the house were everything they were looking for.

“They look great on everyone,” says Sandi of the simple cocktail dresses she chose for her ’maids.

(From left) Hors d’oeuvres included maple-stuffed mushrooms, asparagus-and-Parmesan-cheese buns, and pulled-duck tacos.
Green, Bob’s favorite color, was a fitting hue for a summer wedding.

“The manor provides such an elegant environment. I loved the atmosphere – it just exuded romance,” Sandi says.

(From left) The four-tier white-chocolate cake with white-chocolate ganache was filled with fresh strawberries.
Jackie Silverston, the owner of Lord Thompson Manor, helped Bob and Sandi create clean, monochromatic flower arrangements. Silverston went to Boston to source the blooms, which she assembled herself.

“I still get comments about how they would climb walls and lay on the floor to get the best shot,” says Sandi of her photographers.

The File: gown, Maggie Sottero, Pure Bliss; bridesmaid dresses, Alfred Angelo; menswear, Bonardi’s; makeup, Danielle Coates; planner, Jackie Silverston; catering Lord Thompson Manor; cake, Something Sweet by Michelle; DJ, Greg Gates Plowman, Entertainment Concepts

Want more? Check out all of our featured Real New England Weddings for this season.