Kristen & Joe Celebrate With A Beautiful, Fun-filled Reception

Kristen & Joe Wedding – High Centerpieces – Trumpets at the Gate – by Kim Mancuso

“We had the most laid-back, fun reception. The whole party danced the night away, from the flower girls to the grandparents!” Here, our featured bride Kristen shares the final chapter in her Real BB Wedding story.

Part 4: Reception, Centerpieces, and Surprise Moments

After a joyous cocktail hour, guests made their way to the reception where they were greeted by a gorgeous welcome table arrangement of peonies, roses, ranunculus, snapdragons, and stock set in chic cylinder vases of various heights. Trumpets at the Gate’s dining room is marked by large, open windows and elegant chandeliers On this day, the space was awash in natural light, casting an airy, romantic atmosphere.

Kristen & Joe Wedding – Card Table – Trumpets at the Gate – by Kim Mancuso

Kristen & Joe – Wedding – Low Centerpiece – Trumpets at the Gate – by Kim Mancuso

Floral décor was simple, vibrant, and stylish. Low centerpieces featured various types of roses, dahlias, clematis, and ranunculus in vibrant shades of pink, white, burgundy, red, and purple with fresh greenery accents. Complementing the tablescape, blooming urn arrangements on pedestals stood at the front of the room, enhancing the secret garden feel.

Everyone relaxed and dined on the delectable menu Trumpets at the Gate had prepared for the evening. After dinner, the celebrations really got underway. Kristen made sure to take full advantage of the venue’s cathedral ceilings, heading to the second floor balcony for her bouquet. Soon after, she and Joe took center stage in the ballroom for their first dance together.

Kristen & Joe Wedding – Bride – Trumpets at the Gate – by Kim Mancuso

Kristen & Joe Wedding – First-Dance – Trumpets at the Gate – by Kim Mancuso

In a day full of special moments, a couple in particular stood out to the bride. She recalls, “My sister Elizabeth was my Maid-of-Honor and Joe’s bother was his Best Man. They both gave really wonderful speeches.” Unbeknownst to the newlyweds, the event was a going to take a humorous turn. Kristen continues, “Towards the end of the reception, my brothers and brother-in-laws started singing Frank Sinatra’s ‘New York, New York.’ It was a complete surprise they had planned with the DJ. And they were shockingly great! Everyone loved it and joined in!”

Kristen & Joe Wedding – Speech – Trumpets at the Gate – by Kim Mancuso

Kristen and Joe’s Trumpets at the Gate wedding was not only a true expression of the couple’s love for each other, but also the love that they have for their family and friends. The memorable day ended with an after-party, which Kristen’s sister Rachel and bother-in-law hosted at their house on the water. She looks back and says, “We had so much fun. At one point, everyone at the party had a sparkler and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to my mother whose birthday was the following day. It was such a special moment, and she felt so beautiful and cherished.”