A low-key couple, Malena and Scott’s idea of a “perfect wedding” didn’t look like the so-called norm; it wasn’t Pinterest-perfect and it didn’t involve a ton of details. Their version of “perfect” was small and simple (and stress-free!) with an outdoor ceremony at the Welwyn Preserve – one of their favorite spots – officiated by the groom’s sister, just nine guests, and a catered dinner at the groom’s parents’ home. In the end, it was everything they could have hoped for and more; and most importantly, it was perfectly them.

Special thanks to Jesse Pafundi of Golden Hour Studios for sharing all the gorgeous photos with us!

Intimate Long Island wedding

Malena, 32 & Scott, 33

Glen Cove, NY

Wedding Date: May 4, 2013

Number of Guests: 9

Wedding Cost: $2,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Welwyn Preserve. (While we love having adventures far from home, we’re incredibly lucky to have the most beautiful nature preserve less than a mile from our house.   With its wooded paths, old rock walls, abandoned greenhouse, and secluded beach, Welwyn Preserve is easily one of our favorite places in the world.  We always knew we didn’t want a big traditional wedding so once we’d decided on a small ceremony with close family, the venue was a no brainer.)

Wedding Reception Location: The Groom’s parents’ home. (We had originally thought about celebrating with dinner at a local restaurant, but decided it would be cozier to be together in a comfortable place.  We had dinner catered from one of our favorite local restaurants,  and our family was kind enough to set everything up beautifully while we were out galavanting with our awesome photographer.)

purple ribbon wrapped wedding bouquet

bride embracing groom from behind

bride and groom kissing in the woods

bride and groom woodland portrait

groom kissing bride on cheek

Black and White wedding portrait

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We decided on an intimate wedding for a few different reasons, but the biggest reason is that we’re a pretty a low-key couple.  We knew we wanted the day to be about celebrating our love, and keeping it simple allowed us to remain virtually stress-free about the entire process.

intimate-long-island-wedding-new-york-6004004

bride portrait in front of flowering tree

long-island-wedding_1859

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

For us, it was mostly just remembering that it was okay to have the kind of wedding we wanted. There can be a lot of pressure to have “the perfect wedding”, which can sometimes mean stressing over a million details.  For us, small and simple was the way to go. Whenever I felt a little self-conscious about straying from the norm, I just reminded myself that perfect looks different to different people.

intimate-long-island-wedding-new-york-6003970

bride and groom in front of abandoned log cabin

wedding portrait in front of log cabin

B+W woodland wedding portrait

bride and groom in abandoned greenhouse

bride and groom kissing in abandoned greenhouse

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

I completely understand the desire to have everyone you know and love surrounding you on your wedding day.  I knew it was going to be hard on some level not to have our closest friends and our extended families with us, but everyone was very supportive and understanding about our choices.  We also had an informal barbecue over the summer to celebrate with extended family.  I got to wear my dress again, we displayed some of these beautiful photographs, had a video playing, and passed around the ceremony and vows for people to read.  It was almost like wedding number two!

bride and groom walking through overgrown field

glowing light bride and groom portrait

bride and groom kissing portrait

smiling bride and groom

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

I know our tiny guest list was not easy on everybody, but we are lucky to have the kind of friends and family that support us no matter what.  Finding other ways to celebrate with the people who are important to us was also a fun way to extend the festivities, making it about more than just the one wedding day.

bride kissing father at wedding ceremony

grandmother speaking at ceremony

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Our ceremony was so special to us.  Scott’s sister, Jen, was our officiant (along with our nephew who was born in August).  Though we are both close to our family members, Jen is the one who probably knows each of us the best.  To have someone we love so dearly join us in marriage…well, it’s hard to describe how special that was.  We had also encouraged our family members to find a poem, a reading, or compose some words of their own to share.  Scott and I both agree that this was our favorite part of the ceremony.  Their heartfelt and personal choices meant the world to us.

outdoor wedding ceremony

outdoor wedding ceremony

bride reading her vows

groom listening to bride's vows

little girl at wedding ceremony

bride putting ring on groom's finger

bride and groom first kiss

bride and groom hugging after ceremony

bride and groom facing guests

What were the highlights of the reception?

Our “reception” was just so relaxed.  We were able to enjoy our meal, watch our niece play, and were on our own timeline.

wedding picnic basket

bride and groom with picnic basket

wedding guests throwing confetti on couple

bride and groom being hit with confetti

father opening wedding champagne

pouring champagne for wedding toast

bride and groom champagne toast

bride and groom with champagne

clinking champagne glasses

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

There was nothing to distract us from the purpose of the day: to celebrate our shared life.  We helped each other get ready in our bedroom in the home that we renovated together; my parents drove us the mile from our house to the preserve we’ve spent countless hours enjoying; and we were surrounded by the love of people who have known us since the minute we came into the world, or soon thereafter.  It was the perfect balance of “a day in the life of Malena and Scott” and “this is your special day”.

bride and groom at sunset

Bride and groom sunset stroll by the water

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Dare to be different!  Everyone has his or her own idea of what a wedding should be.  Don’t be afraid to define what you want your wedding to be and then make it happen. Shake off any insecurities you may have, avoid comparisons and expectations, and forge ahead with your plan.   There were times when I caught myself feeling like an inferior bride for not wanting more than an intimate ceremony and a quiet dinner with family (not to mention a $30 dress!).   It can be so easy to compare ourselves to others or to what we’ve been told things “should” be.  Celebrate your relationship and be true to who you are as a couple, and you can’t go wrong!

bride and groom sitting by the water at sunset

Vendors:

Venue: Welwyn Preserve

Photographer: Jesse Pafundi, Golden Hour Studios

Wedding Dress: Ann Taylor on EBay!

Shoes: Born from DSW

Tailor: Anatoly Schneider – I have to include him because his skills are perfection!

Hairpiece: Buttons n’ Blossoms

Groom Attire: Suit is Tommy Hilfiger from Macy’s

Floral Design: Glen Cove Florist – my bouquet lasted for 3 weeks!!

Makeup Artist: Jenn Brown

Catering: La Bottega

Engagement Ring: Tamara McFarland –  handmade from recycled metal and a moissanite stone.  I am so in love with my ring that I had to share!