Peconic Bay Estate

Yesterday, Graig and I headed east again to take a look at one last winery for a wedding location. This one was going to be the deciding factor - either we didn't like and went back to square one with Bedell vs Sparkling Pointe or we loved it. Well we loved it! I'm not talking "oh it was nice" loved it. I'm talking "this is the most perfect place in the world" loved it.

The Peconic Bay winery owns a beautiful home in Mattituck that they rent out for events. This place is right on the Long Island Sound and has the most gorgeous views. You can even see Connecticut! The long dirt road that leads from the main road to the estate is surrounded by vineyards. This is really a dream location, vineyards + scenic water views = happiness. The yard is green and sprawling with beautiful landscaping. There is a perfect spot for the ceremony, the cocktail hour and the reception. There is even a little dirt path leading to a set of wooden steps that take you right down to the beach. I think I was in heaven just a little bit.

Searching for the perfect place...

New York or California....that is the big question. Well, the answer to the oh-so-important question, "Dianna, where will the wedding take place?" is....drum roll please...New York. Now my wonderful, beautiful family has an excuse to take a vacation to New York! I know you were all just dying to see Long Island, right? Now, on to the next question...

To beach or to vineyard? I have always wanted to get married on the beach. While doing research on a beautiful beach location to hold my fabulous wedding, I discovered the wineries on the North Fork of the island. You mean to tell me we can say our vows amoungst the grapes in the middle of a vineyard? Sign me up! This sounded picturesque and beautiful, with the grapes and the grass and the sun shining down.

We took a day trip to wine country and checked out a few places. As we stepped into the first winery, I fell in love. Sparkling Pointe was gorgeous, with white walls and hardwood floors and a beautiful contemporary feel. The art work displayed colorful beach and carnival scenes from Rio de Janeiro, where the owner bought his collection. I didn't know what I wanted in my winery before I got there, but I knew now. And Graig felt the same way. Unfortunately our excitement wore off when we realized the main room was just too small for our decent sized guest list to dine and to dance.

The other wineries we saw that day were pretty but nothing like the first one. Our second choice winery of the day had almost everything we wanted - the space, beautiful views and a built in, day-of coordinator in the woman who runs the place. Bedell may be an option, but I have one more place in mind. Stay tuned for details...

SPARKLING POINTE

 

BEDELL

The Proposal

Valentine's Day is so romantic. I never dreamed I would get proposed to on that day yet there I was, standing on the front stoop of our house watching him get down on one knee and ask me to marry him. I think I said of course, instead of yes, but then added the yes on a few seconds later. It's all a blur. Tom and Jen had champagne at the ready and we toasted our future and called our parents. I remember thinking, it's a really good thing I look so cute tonight. The things you remember later...