A New York Rangers Player's Vineyard Wedding in the Hamptons

With a 2014 meet-cute that feels straight out of a romance film, an unsuspecting Deanna Abbey waited on New York Rangers player Kevin Shattenkirk at a New York City restaurant—and the rest is history! The two hit it off, and he popped the question three years later outside the Catedral de Barcelona. And though they fell in love in New York City and got engaged halfway across the world, Kevin and Deanna knew they wanted to marry at Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, New York. "We spend the off-season in Sag Harbor, and Wölffer is such a Hamptons staple," Deanna explains.

With a vineyard venue in the heart of the Hamptons as the scene for their July 20, 2018, wedding, Kevin and Deanna just set about adding decor that would enhance their effortless, romantic-chic vision. As for their overall color scheme? "Sagaponack sexy," admits the bride with a laugh. This translated to white accents and floral-infused ceremony decor, along with pops of navy and brass at the reception. But, at the forefront of their planning was ensuring that guests had a blast. "We pride ourselves on showing people a good time," says Deanna.

Keep reading to see this glamorous vineyard wedding in action, as captured by Judy Pak and planned by Stella Day Events.

The bride's bouquet featured a blend of loose, garden-inspired blooms, like peonies, jasmine vine, protea, and white majolica spray roses.

Deanna's bridesmaids sported light gray fitted frocks with a crisscross back detail. "It was very flattering on everyone," she adds. As for her own ensemble, the bride turned to a figure-flattering V-neck Galia Lahav number made from delicate embroidered French lace and pearl-covered sequins. After trying on about 30 gowns, this was the only one that managed to bring Deanna to tears. She accessorized with earrings and a few bracelets rented from Verstolo in New York City.

Kevin opted for a custom two-toned tux and black bow tie. Unsurprisingly, there was no shortage of fellow Rangers players in attendance, who traded their hockey uniforms for suits to attend the ceremony and support their NHL teammate.

A wisteria arch, infused with white and green florals, dominated as the ceremony focal point. Adding to the gorgeous all-white vibe, hydrangeas lined the aisle while matching umbrellas sheltered guests at their seats. Thankfully, though, the weather forecast remained completely cooperative. "It was honestly the best day of the summer," recalls Deanna. "The weather was stunning, and not one cloud in the sky."

Steve Ott, one of Kevin's former teammates, officiated the traditional ceremony. "He's known us from the very beginning of our relationship and it was special to us," says the bride.

Deanna made her way down the aisle to a cover of Beyoncé's "Die With You," escorted by her very emotional father. "He kept crying as we were about to walk down the aisle," she says. "It makes me tear up every time I think about it." The bride also decided against a prewedding first look—she wanted Kevin to see her as she made her grand entrance. "That memory will stick with me forever," says Deanna.

Mini hors d'oeuvres, like lobster rolls, sliders, and chicken parm, made up the cocktail hour menu. Deanna also describes their bite-sized fish tacos, served on a lime wedge and paired with tiny Patrón margaritas, as "the star of the show." Instead of signature cocktails, the couple tapped their vineyard wedding venue for local wine.

Planning-wise, Deanna says mapping out decor proved to be the easiest. "We really clicked on the vision," she says. The bride and groom decorated the space with shabby-chic furniture and plenty of beautiful florals.

For the patio reception, blue linens topped the farmhouse tables, along with tall gray candlesticks and assorted flower displays. Rows of vines, brass lanterns, and various crystal globes hung from the ceiling.

Guests dined on a surf-and-turf main course, combined with creamy corn brûlée and local veggies tossed in black truffle butter. Deanna and Kevin also cut into a five-tied cake, decked out with handmade sugar flowers that matched the day's blooms. Inside, it had a strawberry shortcake flavoring, as that's what the groom's parents served at their wedding.

With Kevin's reputation as the locker room DJ, great music and dancing became a top priority for the newlyweds. In fact, Kevin and Deanna kicked off their first dance earlier than usual—in the middle of cocktail hour! The couple's 10-piece band helped lead a quick dance party before dinner, and further epic dance battles ensued throughout the evening. "We have such a great group of friends and family," remarks the bride of their partygoers.

Looking back on their big day, Deanna advises couples to cherish the moment, because the wedding goes by faster than you think. "Just try to take in that day and take a moment for each other," she says. And, know that something will inevitably go wrong. "We couldn't get our neon sign to light up and no one even noticed," adds the bride.