Real Wedding: Ted Hughes & Caroline Brodette
September 12, 2015
The Gardens at Elm Bank
Wellesley, Massachusetts
Photograph by Suzanna March Photography
THE STORY
Who says you can’t find true love at a college party? While out with friends at Saint Anselm College, sociology major Ted Hughes spotted Caroline Brodette, a business student. Immediately smitten, he approached her with one of his smoothest pickup lines—to no avail. “She wasn’t having any of it,” Ted says with a laugh, but fate was on his side: The two were in a Tuesday flip-cup league, which guaranteed they would bump into each other once a week. After “six months of persistence,” Ted says, a friend urged Caroline to give him a chance, which turned out to be the right move. Nearly 10 years later, while strolling in a snow-covered rose garden, Ted popped the question.
The bride-to-be, the principal and owner of C. B. Hughes Design, couldn’t wait to plan their wedding. She designed her own programs, menus, seating cards, and table numbers, and complemented Elm Bank’s natural beauty with gray and metallic accents.
After casting a nervous eye at the sky—rain was in the forecast—the two said their “I do”s at St. Cecilia, then enjoyed an evening of merriment at Elm Bank capped off by cannolis from Maria’s Pastry. “We wanted something that people could grab and eat and not have to leave the dance floor,” Ted says. It worked: When Men in Black closed out the night with “All for You,” by Sister Hazel, no one wanted to stop dancing—so the band played five encore songs. And, thankfully, the rain held off until just the right moment. “We were the last to leave the reception,” Caroline says, “and just as we were leaving, it started to sprinkle.” Fate was on their side, again.
THE DETAILS
Photograph by Suzanna March Photography
“Incorporating candles instead of using all floral centerpieces kept it modern,” Caroline says of the tablescapes. “I loved how all of the candles looked once it got dark.”
Photograph by Suzanna March Photography
In lieu of a guest book, the couple asked guests to sign blank puzzle pieces, which they plan to put together in a shadowbox to display in their home.
Photograph by Suzanna March Photography
After the ceremony at St. Cecilia, where Ted’s grandparents were married, the bride and groom posed in the church’s courtyard with their bulldog, George.
Photograph by Suzanna March Photography
Caroline’s bridesmaids wore long black gowns from her friend’s new eveningwear-rental shop, Best Dressed.
Photograph by Suzanna March Photography
“I wanted it to be simple,” Caroline says of her vision for the wedding. “We did a clear tent so that you could see the trees through it and it wouldn’t take away from all of the foliage.”
THE FILE
Band Men in Black
Bride’s Dress Angel Sanchez, Vows Bridal Outlet
Bridesmaid Dresses Best Dressed
Catering Timothy S. Hopkins Catering
Flowers Lilac and Lily Floral Design and Event Styling
Hair and Makeup Beauty Parlr
Invitations Bella Figura
Menswear The Black Tux
Planner 42 North
Rentals Peterson Party Center
Tent Seacoast Tent Rentals
Videographer Long Haul Films
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