Today, we’re beyond excited to share a truly unforgettable Inns of Aurora wedding we had the pleasure of planning for Caroline and Ben. Their story began with a serendipitous match on Hinge, and as Ben so endearingly put it in his vows, Caroline was “the best $0.99 he ever spent” after upgrading his account just to meet her. From the very first date, they knew they’d found something special.

As they began planning their wedding, Caroline and Ben’s vision was inspired by the sun-drenched cliffs of the Mediterranean—a nod to Caroline’s Italian heritage and Ben’s Australian roots. They wanted a celebration that felt fresh, vibrant, and filled with the warmth of an al fresco Italian meal with family and friends. But bringing that vision to life while managing their busy lives was no small feat. That’s where we at Verve stepped in!

From the moment they reached out, our team took the reins to bring their Mediterranean-inspired dreams to reality. Caroline and Ben knew exactly what they didn’t want—something too formal or staged—but needed guidance on pinpointing what they did want. We navigated the process with them seamlessly, ensuring their wedding was everything they imagined and more.

Here’s what they had to say:

“Book her now! Because of Desirée, I could focus on what truly mattered.”

We chose Verve because of their  experience and Desirée was our venue's favorite planner. I didn't go into wedding planning thinking that we needed a planner, but after a few days, I knew I was in over my head. We both have busy careers, but because of Desirée, I spent only 20 hours planning the wedding and the day was everything I dreamed of. She thought of everything and made sure we enjoyed the process. We received many compliments on how beautiful our day was. And at the wedding, I knew Desirée and her team would handle everything. This meant I could focus on what truly mattered: spending time with friends and family.

 

An Italian-Inspired Welcome Reception

The weekend kicked off with a warm, intimate welcome reception at the Taylor House, where guests were transported to the Amalfi Coast. The room featured vibrant orange tablecloths, crisp white and green flowers, and blue accents that evoked the Mediterranean Sea. Servers greeted guests with prosecco, setting the celebratory tone. This gathering wasn’t just a reception—it was an invitation for guests to feel immersed in Caroline and Ben’s vision for a cozy al fresco celebration by the water.

 

 

Getting Ready in the Gratitude Suite

Then, the wedding day started with a relaxed morning as Caroline and her bridesmaids gathered in the Gratitude Suite. They sipped mimosas and enjoyed pastries, savoring the calm before the big event. Ben and his groomsmen had a laid-back brunch at Fargo Bar & Grill, keeping the mood light and fun. Caroline’s gown, a stunning Beccar design from Flair Brides in Boston, perfectly captured the romantic, timeless essence of their wedding, while her bridesmaids’ citrus-colored dresses added a joyful pop of color.

A Lakeside Ceremony with Mediterranean Flair

The ceremony took place on the lush lawn of the Inns of Aurora, with Cayuga Lake as a breathtaking backdrop. Guests were greeted with flavored waters and prosecco, a thoughtful touch to keep everyone cool on a summer afternoon. A harp and cello duo performed live renditions of contemporary songs, creating an enchanting atmosphere as Caroline and Ben said their vows.

The aisle was lined with vibrant yellow and orange florals that led to the altar, where large urns brimming with lush greens and citrus elements framed the couple. Caroline’s aunt officiated, bringing a personal touch to the ceremony. Caroline’s entrance to the “Pas de Deux” from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker was a magical moment that left everyone in awe.

The Attire

Let's back up for a second and talk about the attire. Caroline wore an elegant Beccar gown from Flair Brides in Boston, featuring intricate lace details and a flowing train. Her bouquet, in vibrant citrus hues, beautifully complemented the Mediterranean-inspired decor. Her bridesmaids wore cheerful yellow, peach, and orange dresses from My Wedding Wardrobe, adding a pop of color. Ben’s light khaki suit from The Black Tux brought a relaxed, coastal charm. His groomsmen wore navy suits, reflecting the deep blues of the Mediterranean Sea. Together, Caroline and Ben’s attire was timeless, fresh, and perfectly suited to their lakeside celebration. Each detail harmonized with the couple’s vision for a joyful, al fresco-inspired wedding day.

Custom Stationery and Unique Touches

Next, let's have a moment for the stationery. The wedding stationery, designed by Loria Letters, was colorful, whimsical, and filled with botanical details that fit the Mediterranean theme. From scalloped edges to citrus motifs, each piece reflected Caroline and Ben’s joyful color palette. The menus alternated in white and blue, and each featured a small cut-out lemon place card that served as both a keepsake and a practical guide for guests at their seats.

Reception in the Elegant Dinner Tent

For the reception, guests gathered in a beautifully decorated tent with two long tables that captured the essence of an Italian al fresco meal. The tables were adorned with lush floral runners, citrus accents, and elegant blue glassware. Overhead, chandeliers draped in greenery created a warm, inviting ambiance that tied the entire Mediterranean-inspired design together.

The dinner was a feast for the senses, starting with a refreshing watermelon and basil salad and a raspberry sorbet intermezzo. Guests then enjoyed a choice of mains, including roasted Verlasso salmon, New Zealand rack of lamb, honey-roasted garlic chicken, and a vegetarian spinach and wild mushroom strudel. Each dish showcased the fresh, summery flavors Caroline and Ben envisioned.

A Sweet Ending with Italian-Inspired Treats

For dessert, Caroline and Ben opted for a two-tiered sweetheart cake decorated with blood orange slices and botanical accents. They also treated guests to mini cannoli's and lemon cut-out cookies, a playful homage to Caroline’s Italian roots. The cake, a strawberry delight with vanilla buttercream crafted by Shell’s Sweets, was the perfect sweet ending to a beautiful day.

As the evening wound down, guests were gifted with mini bottles of local olive oil from the Finger Lakes, which also doubled as escort cards—a thoughtful, dual-purpose favor that left guests with a meaningful memento of the day.

“So many of our guests told us it was the most beautiful wedding they’d ever attended. The ambiance, setting, and overall experience were idyllic. We received so many compliments on how beautiful our day was, and it was truly everything we dreamed of. Desiree’s organization and vision allowed us to enjoy every moment without stress. Verve Event Co. made our wedding absolutely perfect.”

A Heartfelt Celebration of Love

We couldn’t have been more honored to help Caroline and Ben bring their Mediterranean-inspired wedding dreams to life at the Inns of Aurora. Every detail—from the vibrant citrus hues to the intimate lakeside ceremony—reflected their shared vision and unique love story. Watching them celebrate with family and friends in such a joyful, meaningful setting was truly unforgettable for us.

At Verve Event Co., we specialize in creating weddings that reflect our couples’ personalities and dreams, so they can fully enjoy their big day without the stress. Caroline and Ben’s wedding was everything they imagined, and we’re grateful to have been a part of it.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s beautifully designed and stress-free, we’d love to chat! Contact us here to start planning a day that’s uniquely yours.

LOVE THIS POST? SIGN UP TO GET FREE WEDDING PLANNING ADVICE DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX WEEKLY