High school sweethearts Nicole and Brian stuck it out "through college, study abroad and jobs in different cities" for nearly thirteen years until "we happily made it to the altar," the bride explains. Their altar-bound trek started on a chilly October afternoon as they picked apples from an orchard. "Brian surprised me when, instead of pulling an apple from a tree, he held out a diamond ring and got down on bended knee," Nicole says.
Beaded Bridal Dress With Sash
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
For their November nuptials, Nicole and Brian envisioned a monochromatic color palette of white, gray and black. "We wanted the overall feel to be elegant, clean and sophisticated," the bride explains.
The bride's Lazaro gown featured a beaded bodice that hinted at the couple's cool color palette.
Embroidered Clutch Purse
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
She accessorized not with the latest fashions, but with heirloom pieces that held unmatched sentimental value. Her paternal grandmother's beaded clutch and her mother's wedding-day handkerchief were among the items she carried.
Gold Glitter Bow Heels
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
Nicole chose glittering Kate Spade heels. "They were gold!" she exclaims.
Traditional Church Wedding Ideas
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
The bride purchased her cathedral length veil at the infamous Kleinfeld Bridal, and it glittered with crystals.
Short Gray Bridesmaids Dresses
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
Six bridesmaids wore mismatched silk chiffon J. Crew dresses in the same shade of silvery gray. They chose their own nude colored heels.
Chiffon Gray Bridesmaids Dresses
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
They carried full bouquets of white hydrangea.
White Hydrangea Bouquet
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
Nicole's bouquet also contained hydrangea—and a dash of white ranunculus, lisianthus and dahlias.
Gray Vest For Groom
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
Brian wore a Joseph Abboud tuxedo and gray vest and tie that complemented the couple's color palette.
Green Boutonierres
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
White ranunculus and green hypericum berry boutonnieres graced the lapels of six groomsmen, who also donned Joseph Abboud tuxedos.
Brides Magazine
Photos: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
Co-workers of the bride, who is the Associate Manager of Events & Promotions at Brides, had a mock cover made up for the occasion. Invitations from William Arthur featured scrolling graphics and script in classic black and white.
Sea Theme For Wedding
Photos: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
Framed photos of the couples' family paired with an oversized sailboat carried through on the couple's nautical and heirloom theme.
Church Wedding Ceremony Decor Ideas
Bride and Groom Enter Reception Ideas
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
Nicole and Brian served two signature cocktails: A Frenchtini, made of Vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice, for her, and a Dirty Hare, made of vodka, olive juice and tabasco, for him.
Gold Charger Plates
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
For hors d'oeuvres, the couple passed more than 20 kinds of bite-sized treats and "had twelve attended chef's stations," including risotto and slider stations, the bride says.
Black Menu Cards
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
"Food was a big focus for our wedding," the bride says. She recalls that the "roasted pear and Stilton cheese salad was a crowd-pleaser, and everyone especially loved the sauteed shrimp, seared bay scallops and crab-stuffed flounder."
Wedding Apps
Favors Wrapped In Paper
Photos: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
Favors by Sweet Petula were "small batch, custom soaps in sea salt and lavender," the bride says.
Tall White and Silver Wedding Centerpiece
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
Tall white centerpieces were surrounded by crystal candle holders and placed atop luxurious white linens.
Ballroom Dancing Bride and Groom
Bridal Party Coordinated Dance
Photos: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
The bride and groom danced to I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz.
White Wedding Cake
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
A square white, red velvet wedding cake was served alongside fruit galette, molten chocolate cake and creme brulee.
Bridal Gown With Beaded Bodice
Photo: [Laura Leigh Photo](http://lauraleighphoto.com/)
The couple headed to the Riviera Maya, Mexico, for their honeymoon.
—Jillian Kramer
Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph of Millstone || Reception Venue: Clarks Landing Yacht Club || Bride's Wedding Dress: Lazaro || Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade || Bride's Wedding Ring: Diamond Castle || Groom's Tux: Joseph Abboud || Groom's Wedding Ring: Diamond Castle || Bridesmaids' Dresses: J. Crew || Groomsmen Attire: Joseph Abboud || Hair: La Sorella || Makeup: Jeanine Mangan || Florist: Monday Morning Flowers || Caterer: Clarks Landing Yacht Club || Stationery: Vera Wang Collection byWilliam Arthur || Cake Baker: Bovella's Pastry Shoppe || Favors: Sweet Petula || Entertainment: Imagine Entertainment || Photography: Laura Leigh Photo
