Meaghan Phelan & Mark Amato
September 27, 2014
Castle Hill at Crane Estate
Ipswich, Massachusetts
Photograph by William Tangorra Photography
When you’ve been together for seven years, talked a lot about your future, and even purchased a home together, it stands to reason your wedding would speak volumes about who you are as a couple. You already have a strong foundation, so your big day shouldn’t be any different.
And so it was for college sweethearts Meaghan Phelan and Mark Amato.
Three elements topped the must-have list for their wedding: good food, good drinks, and good music. “It was important that our wedding felt like ‘us,'” she says. The couple capped the guest list at 110, so they could have a great dance party in the evening while still maintaining a personal vibe.
“We were going for a classic and elegant feel, that was autumnal, but not Halloween-y,” she adds of their wedding at the seaside mansion with endless views and fabulous architecture. The couple chose to have their ceremony and cocktails on the half-mile-long manicured lawn, the Grand Allée, to give guests a chance to experience the gardens, the statuary along the rolling hills, and a view of the ocean at this palatial estate.
“Our dinner was held in the gallery with soft lighting, beautiful linens, and flower arrangements in corals, peaches, and silver greenery on our tables,” she explains of when the party moved indoors. “We wanted our guests to dance the night away in the adjoining ballroom, but also have the option of strolling around the mansion.”
Stroll through the details of their September wedding with this capsule of the celebration.
Photograph by William Tangorra Photography
The couple’s “first look” was on Castle Hill in the Italian gardens next to the Great House. “I liked it because it was tucked away, so we could take photos without being seen as guests were arriving,” she explains.
Photograph by William Tangorra Photography
The place cards had pressed images of Castle Hill’s Great House and were set in real grass, created by Orly Khon, a Best of Boston award-winning wedding florist. “We wanted them to complement the Grand Allée, where the ceremony and cocktail hour were hosted,” says Meaghan.
Photograph by William Tangorra Photography
The suitcase adorned for the wedding gift cards was vintage-inspired to keep
in tune with the venue’s look and feel.
Photograph by William Tangorra Photography
The table numbers were zip codes that correlated to places that were significant in the couple’s lives: college, engagement location, first apartment, first house, and more.
Photograph by William Tangorra Photography
This set of antique silver Mr. and Mrs. forks, gifted to Meaghan by her mother-in-law at the bridal shower, were used by the couple at the reception. They remain in their kitchen to this day.
Photograph by William Tangorra Photography
“I loved our wedding colors, so I wanted to continue with the navy and persimmon theme. Our ceremony was non-traditional, so non-traditional programs felt consistent,” says Meaghan of these programs created by Mindy Wogan of TextStyle Design.
Photograph by William Tangorra Photography
The short ceremony was held outside overlooking Ipswich Bay and officiated by Meaghan’s uncle, who got ordained for the day so he could lead the nuptials.
Photograph by William Tangorra Photography
Just as the couple wished, the night was full of dancing, with DJ Greg Plowman at the helm. The couple’s first dance song? “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne.
Photograph by William Tangorra Photography
“Neither of us likes cake, so we decided to go with a dessert we do like,” explains Meaghan. There were chocolate chip cookies and Richardson’s ice cream in chocolate, vanilla, and Mark’s favorite flavor, coffee Oreo, for ice cream sundaes and sandwiches. “It was a big hit!”
THE FILE
Bride’s Jewelry: Paris by Debra Moreland
Catering: Vinwood
Music: Greg Plowman
Gown: Vera Wang
Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik from Saks Fifth Avenue
Florist: Orly Khon Floral
Groom and Fathers’ Suits: 9tailors
Hair: Kelly Sargent
Makeup: Robin Liebowitz
Rings: Barmakian Jewelers
Wedding Planner: Linnea Tangorra, Tangorra Wedding Planning
Invitations: Mindy Wogan, TextStyle Design
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