Photography by Yudi Ela Echevarria | @yudi_ela
The owner of Warren’s The Lady Next Door and her husband pulled off their summer vintage-themed wedding with the help of their community and spacious home.
Christine jokes that she and Christopher met the old-fashioned way: online dating. Their first date was afternoon tea at Seven Arrows Farm in Attleboro, Massachusetts, followed by hours of nonstop conversation.
In October 2022, he proposed to Christine, owner of The Lady Next Door in Warren, at South Shore Beach in Little Compton. Christopher had acquired the ring from her vintage antique shop — the first of many ways the shop would assist in their wedding planning.
Christine, Christopher and his son Llew’s first step as a family was buying an old Victorian home in Fall River, Massachusetts. One day, Christine’s friend visited their fixer upper and casually brought up a clever idea: clean out the detached 1890s carriage house and have the wedding at home.
Without delay, the couple prepared their wedding venue. They began by emptying out the carriage house (filling up three dumpsters), replacing the roof, power washing the exterior and installing the lights. The couple sourced all the table linens, glassware and plates either from The Lady Next Door or from Christine’s estate work.
“Everything was meaningful,” says Christine. “We wanted the wedding to be personal and unique to us, and to imbue every little thing with a nod or gesture to something in our lives. We made sure everything had a piece of us or our community.”
A friend picked the flowers at Four Town Farm in Seekonk, Massachusetts, while other friends made the flower arrangements or loaned beakers for the centerpieces. Christopher’s band, Stereo Soul Future, flew in from California and provided the ceremony music.
“We were in charge of every decision,” says Christopher. “As the wedding planners, we both had to make choices and facilitate the people who came early to help.”
With a shop full of gorgeous vintage bridal dresses, Christine had several options to choose from. “There’s a lot of pressure for what you’re going to wear on your wedding day when you’re the owner of a vintage store,” she says with a laugh.
A certain dress in stock caught her eye when she took over The Lady Next Door from the original owner, Sandy, in 2020. Christine admired the construction and comfort of the timeless dress, which made the final cut about a month before the wedding.
The couple also honored Christopher’s late wife, Sarah, that day. Their wedding represented a significant moment in their lives, as Christine’s community was meeting Sarah’s family and friends for the first time. “That was a big part of our day, too; just love continuing and going on, not just between us but between the people who have loved Christopher and Llew for so long” says Christine.
For those who want to carry out the wedding of their dreams, the couple advises vintage lovers to find pieces that have a story behind them and invoke strong memories. Start with the items within your own or family members’ households and find a way to incorporate them into the day.
“Objects have such a powerful presence. They can make memories and people feel closer to us,” says Christine. “If it’s your grandmother’s china, maybe it’s not perfect but it has a weight to it. It has a story that’s personal to you.”
She also recommends making a day out of it by going thrifting with friends or your bridal party. There’s plenty of unique stuff out there that needs a new home and has a story to tell. “Pepper in little touches that will feel meaningful throughout the day, like a cake topper that you found when you were antiquing with your mom. Find things that remind you of the people in your life,” Christine says.
The vintage shop owner knows that tackling the vintage theme can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. She invites those planning their own wedding to visit the store and brainstorm together. “Come talk to me at the shop and I can help you strategize.” ladynextdoorvintage.com
The Details
Hair: Fuse Salon, Bristol | Makeup: Groom’s sister, Erin | Bridal Attire, Tablescape and Decor: DIY and The Lady Next Door, Warren | Groom Attire: Dries Van Noten; Yves Saint Laurent; bow tie from Circa Vintage Wear, New Bedford, MA | Catering: Rasoi, Pawtucket | Catering Support: Patty Gardner of Patty’s Kitchen | Rentals: South Coast Event Rental; Taylor Rental | Ceremony music: Stereo Soul Future | Entertainment: | Bobby Justin Band; (vinyl DJ) Justin Hubbard | Florals: Four Town Farm, Seekonk, MA | Welcome event: Bywater, Warren
