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Love Stories

Simon Thomas Anderson &
Courtney Powers Hewitt
  • Bridgehampton
  • May 21, 2005
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simoncourtneyThe Favors

We gave out brightly colored flip-flops tied in pairs with twine and our own tags for people to wear on the beach. Friends arranged the flip-flops by size in a rainbow pattern in the parking lot for guests to choose from on their way to the ceremony.

The Ceremony

Our ceremony took place on the beach between a pond and the Atlantic Ocean. The altar was made of driftwood we had collected from the beach all winter long and was assembled by Simon's brother, Angus. It was covered in white sweet peas, orange ranunculus, and green viburnum. (Throughout the festivities, we used orange, purple, and white sweet peas, ranunculus, viburnum, tulips, peonies, and apple and cherry blossoms.) Crashing surf served as a backdrop and guests sat on white chairs or stood in groups. I arrived across the pond in an antique wooden rowboat lent to us by the Long Island Maritime Museum in Sayville. The processional was pretty traditional. It started at the pond's edge where the boat was brought ashore and proceeded up the aisle toward the ocean. A close friend was our flower girl. She scattered orange rose petals on the sand. The two bridesmaids and groomsmen followed in pairs, and finally me and my father. For the recessional, we made our way back down the aisle toward the boat with lively fiddle music playing in the background. The guests, whistling and shouting, followed. The entire party then gathered for a group photo, taken from the dunes, before everyone headed to the reception.

The Vision

Color and light were very important. We chose a color palette that expressed the emotions we wanted to present on our big day. We used fantastic flowers, simple linens, and various lighting techniques to achieve this vibe.

The Reception

It took place at a house we have been renting in Bridgehampton for the past five winters and is therefore a very special place for both of us. The wedding party traveled from the beach to the reception in the back of a vintage hay truck, emblematic of the area, driven by the local farmer who restored it. Cocktails took place on the lawn with croquet and live jazz. Purple pennants flew from a large peaked tent. An excellent dinner was served with various toasts, followed by lots of energetic dancing to a bluegrass-influenced band from Brooklyn. Our first dance was to "What the World Needs Now Is Love," by Dionne Warwick. The evening ended with fireworks and homemade hot-air balloons.

The Unique Features

The transportation to and from the wedding ceremony (the dory boat and hay truck), as well as the incorporation of various styles of music, both with local significance, were very special additions for us. The research, quest, and, ultimately, inclusion of these elements brought us a great sense of satisfaction.

The Highlights

The drama of nature's beauty during the ceremony on the beach, the heavy surf, the rising tide, and the intensely bright blue sky.

The Advice

Make it yours.