THE DRINKS
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
“ We love building signature cocktails for couples . We usually start by having a simple conversation about what favorite cocktail or spirit they enjoy drinking themselves . It ' s always fun to modify a recipe with seasonal ingredients and flavors to add a little bit of personality to a cocktail . If we are given a theme to work with , it gets the creative juices flowing in terms of ingredients , color or even garnish for the cocktail . We ' ve added edible glitter for a disco party or colorful flowers for a summer garden wedding .”
— Sarah Gwizdowski , RI Cruisin ’ Cocktails , ricruisincocktails . com
MOCKTAILS
“ The rise in wellness and decline in alcohol consumption in some has made mocktail options noticeably more popular over the last couple of years . Rather than just some soda or juice thrown together in a glass , we can now craft mocktails with high-quality ingredients and zero-proof spirits that taste just as delicious as the real thing . A popular mocktail we had over the summer was a lavender lemon spritz almost like a lavender Collins — we can always add a little something back in to elevate from a mocktail to a cocktail .”
— Sarah Gwizdowski , RI Cruisin ’ Cocktails , ricruisincocktails . com
Colleen & Steve
July 15 , 2022 Simone Plus Photography
Less is more for Colleen and Steve , and having an intimate wedding reception for ten guests at an Airbnb was an easy yes ( after the proposal , of course ). At the time , they were living in a one-bedroom apartment , wishing they had a huge backyard to host the celebration at home . The idea of booking an Airbnb for the occasion soon dawned on them , and the research process ensued .
“ We loved the idea of being on our own schedule , being able to enjoy the house all weekend with our families , and having a full kitchen for a private chef ,” says Colleen .
The two made a checklist of all the features they wanted from the Airbnb : gorgeous , spacious , outdoor furniture , a grill , yard games and close to the town hall . They found a house just near the Barnstable Town Hall in Massachusetts that checked all their boxes , and more — it ’ s located near Steve ’ s childhood home .
“ When we first asked the host about us having our wedding in the backyard , he was totally on board and sent additional pictures of the outdoor space that weren ' t shown on the listing . In preparation of our date , he even added lights to the big tree in the backyard , which saved us from having to plan for extra lighting ,” Colleen says . Upon entering the Airbnb after their ceremony , the couple found a handwritten message congratulating them on their wedding , alongside snacks and Champagne . A Superhost , indeed .
For catering , Colleen and Steve brought in a private chef ( a former chef from one of their favorite restaurants and a former “ Chopped ” contestant ) who shucked endless oysters for the guests , cooked delicious food and even cracked some beers with everyone at the end of the night . Tables and chairs were provided by Plymouth Event Rentals , while table runners , napkins , place cards , a cake topper , drink stirrers and signage were found on Etsy . For the table setting , Colleen ' s grandmother gifted the two with a set of white and gold china , which will soon be used for future special occasions . Their " something borrowed " — a pair of coupe glasses passed around the bride ’ s family for generations — was used for the Champagne toast .
Steve ’ s Airbnb highlights included “ having a setting that was completely ours and in our control — music , food , people , etc ., as well as the fun extras like sparklers and s ' mores ,” says Steve . Colleen favored the little moments , like making bouquets , getting ready in the morning with her girls , everyone laughing about Steve ' s father paying his taxes while at town hall to “ kill two birds with one stone ” and having an impromptu first dance when their song played .
The couple ’ s advice for those who would like to host their own Airbnb wedding : “ Stick to the things that are important to you and don ' t worry about others ' opinions of having a nontraditional wedding ,” Colleen says . “ Enjoy all the quality time you get to spend with the people you love by keeping it small !”
PHOTOGRAPHY : ( TOP ) MASSART PHOTOGRAPHY ; ( BOTTOM ) COURTESY OF RI CRUISIN ' COCKTAILS .
22 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2024