Jeff and I visited the Wake Robin Inn in Lakeville, Connecticut for the first time last weekend. I’m so happy Jenna and Jeff invited us to celebrate their wedding there!

The Wake Robin is beautiful and quaint, with 1930’s style reminiscent of the Great Gatsby era. I was struck by the attention to detail; a professional sign announcing “Jenna and Jeff’s Wedding Weekend” out front and also displayed to announce the gift table and guest favors. Jeff and I snuck a few moments to scope out the charming wood paneled Irish pub upstairs (and couldn’t help noticing its well-stocked bar!)

This was our second wedding with Jenna’s family; last time was Jenna’s sister Kara’s wedding at the Hotchkiss School a few years earlier. When they called to see if we were available, we jumped at the chance.

Jenna and Jeff held their ceremony in the candlelit ballroom of soft moss green. The priest stood before the fireplace decorated in lights and fir branches, a lush wreath hung above.

The pianist began the Canon in D as Jenna and Jeff’s mothers proceeded down the aisle carrying lit candles for the Unity table, followed by the bridesmaids in deep blue gowns. Then Jenna appeared, elegant in her strapless A-line gown with her bouquet of pink, green and ivory flowers, on her father’s arm.

The reverend led a simple ceremony laced with personal stories and heart-felt advice. As he bestowed his blessings upon them, he reminded them that there would be times when each would wonder just who that person they married really was—but that this was good, as they would grow and change together.

The ceremony complete, Jenna’s Matron of Honor, Kara, proposed a toast from the top of the staircase and the guests raised their glasses in celebration.

2009 WEDDING TREND ALERT: Jenna and Jeff made some unusual choices for their wedding that I predict will become more popular with the trend toward smaller, more intimate weddings. With only 70 guests, she opted for a cocktail style reception without assigned seating, where guests could help themselves to stations throughout the room.

The food was outstanding! Shrimp, lamb, beef, chicken, and pork sate; seared tuna; barbecued ribs. My favorite was the mashed potato martini bar. Mashed potatoes were served in a martini glass and guests chose from toppings of chicken mole, jambalaya, or vegetarian stew.

Jenna and Jeff treated their guests to signature cocktails at the bar: the Frostbite, the Snowball, and the Oatmeal Cookie.

Once everyone had stuffed themselves, the fun began. Jenna and her family did not disappoint! From James Brown to Justin Timberlake, her guests could not get enough. When Jeff and I were finally through at the end of the night, the party continued at the pub upstairs.

A fabulous way to end our 2008 season. Thanks, Jenna and Jeff!

Wake Robin Inn

Photos by Glenn Koetzner

Flowers by Country Gardeners Florist