Photo: Nathan Smith of Ira Lippke Studios
Allie Lynch and Ben Grandjean first met at Colby College in September of 2006. Throughout their years together, the couple spent a lot of their free time at Allie’s family’s home in Quogue, New York — a place where the bride made tons of memories growing up. So when Ben was ready to propose on May 3, 2014, choosing that beloved beach as the backdrop for their engagement was a no-brainer.
The pair chose September 26, 2015, as their wedding day and planned to tie the knot almost exactly nine years after they met. For Allie and Ben, picking their venues were the easiest wedding planning tasks: They knew they wanted Basilica of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton for their ceremony, and Quogue Field Club for their reception. The future Mr. and Mrs. leaned on the team at Bellafare to transform their indoor venue into an elegant English garden. The results were totally breathtaking, and, lucky for us, Nathan Smith of Ira Lippke Studios photographed every romantic detail.
Allie looked stunning on her big day, dressed in an intricate French lace and silk Amsale wedding dress. She knew it was the one based on comfort and the way it made her feel confident. She paired the gown with a lace trimmed veil, a diamond tennis bracelet from her mom, diamond and pearl earrings, and Christian Louboutin white lace pumps.
Her handsome groom wore a Ralph Lauren black tuxedo, Gucci shoes, and a Cartier watch that his bride gave him as a wedding gift.
Photo: Nathan Smith of Ira Lippke Studios
Allie’s sister served as her maid of honor and wore an all-white Amsale wedding dress. “The color scheme of the entire wedding was very neutral so a neutral or white gown seemed most fitting for the maid of honor,” Allie says.
Groomsmen stuck to the elegant vibe of the celebration in classic black tuxedos. The couple had two flower girls, who wore adorable white dresses with tan sashes and oh-so-sweet flower crowns.
The Basilica itself was a stunning backdrop for the ceremony, so the couple only added a few touches for décor. Two large arrangements of hydrangeas and greenery were displayed at the altar while smaller, largely green-and-white swags of flowers lined the aisle at the end of each pew. Live musicians played the organ, violin, and trumpet throughout the ceremony for a romantic touch.
Once guests arrived at the Quogue Field Club, they caught a glimpse of how Allie and Ben’s planner and florist brought their enchanted garden vision to life. Breathtaking floral installations were suspended from the venue’s ceiling, dazzling friends and family with their dripping greenery and touches of neutral flowers. Everyone was seated at long tables that were topped with white Irish linens and a custom tan table runners.
Tons of candles in hurricane lamps were scattered along the length of the tables, casting the space in a serene amber glow. Centerpieces varied in height from table to table but stuck to the same neutral color palette. White roses, greenery, and fragrant herbs helped drive home the feeling of being in an outdoor garden.
The couple chose classic white and gold place settings with bell shaped glasses trimmed in gold. Hypericum berries in white and green added a natural touch to each seat.
Guests enjoyed the couple’s signature cocktail, the Colby Mule, an ode to their love for Moscow Mules and the Colby College mascot. The dinner menu, which featured fresh, seasonal ingredients, included filet mignon, Guinness-braised short rib dumplings, and citrus-glazed halibut. For dessert, everyone enjoyed the couple’s three-tiered wedding cake. “Nine Cakes made a minimal and elegant confection that matched the décor perfectly,” Allie says.
The newlyweds shared their first dance to “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison. Then, the reception band got everyone out on the dance floor.
Photo: Nathan Smith of Ira Lippke Studios
The happy couple was treated to a sparkler exit before they jetted off to the Canary Islands and Paris for their honeymoon.
Ceremony Venue: The Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary || Reception Venue: Quogue Field Club || Wedding Planner: Bellafare || Bride’s Wedding Dress & Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale || Hair & Makeup: Lauren + Vanessa || Groom’s Attire: Ralph Lauren || Florist: Lewis Miller Design || Music: The Hudson Project || Cake: Nine Cakes || Photographer: Nathan Smith of Ira Lippke Studios
Looking for more inspiration just like this? Then check out another couple’s Hamptons wedding in the video below.