MONTAUK
BEACH WEDDING
Kendra and Tyler got married by the ocean they both love so much. Their story is so beautiful. Read the interview that Acqua & Ink and Kendra made after the newlyweds returned from their honeymoon in Africa.
1. Kendra did you design your own wedding?
Yes, my family and I own a gallery/ store in The Hamptons called 'Destination Haus' so we gained a lot of our inspiration from the various destinations we represent, and collected our own decor from around the world to design the wedding.
2. What was your concept while designing your wedding?
We got married on the beach, so I definitely wanted our wedding design to include natural elements, yet remain sustainable and environmentally friendly. We used canvas trees, plants, and dried flowers, rather than using flowers that would go to waste.
3. What was your favorite part on the wedding planning process?
I loved working on the invites with Acqua & Ink. The paper, calligraphy, pearl stamp, and hand-painted tea added such a unique element, more so than any other invite I've ever seen. Nora worked hard to personalize the invites and work within our budget and style.
4. How did you choose the venue? I know it's a meaningful place for both of you. Tell us more!
We chose the Crow's Nest in Montauk. In our opinion, it is the most beautiful venue/ hotel in all of the East End, has the best food (honey ricotta and lobster tagliatelle is a favorite), and we always spend our weekends there drinking watermelon coolers down by the beach at sunset with friends. We also celebrated our 1 year anniversary here, it's such a magical place.
5. Most memorable and funniest moment on your wedding day.
I work for an African Luxury Safari Lodge, called Singita, and my mom surprised us with a group of African & Brazilian drummers to celebrate us right after the ceremony. I think everyone was so surprised, I don't think African drummers make too many appearances at Hamptons weddings!
6. What does Montauk mean to you?
My husband Tyler is a second generation fisherman and was born & raised in Montauk. He is one of the happiest people I know, and feels lucky to work on the water doing what he loves (rather than a desk job in the city). It's not common that you meet someone from Montauk with such a unique lifestyle, which is one of the reasons why I fell in love with him. We met in Montauk, just bought our first home in Montauk, got married in Montauk, so being here has played a huge roll in our relationship and future. I would have to say our favorite aspect of living in Montauk is being by the beach, ocean, and of course the tight-knit community.
7. I know you have interesting projects in Africa. Is that your honeymoon destination?
Yes of course, I cannot get enough! It will be Tyler's first time to Africa ever, I can't wait to show him the most special place. We are starting out in The Winelands, then visiting Cape Town for a few nights, then up to Victoria Falls, staying at Royal Chundu in Zambia, overnighting in Kenya, and spending 7 nights in Singita Serengeti
8. What is the best piece of advise for decor styling you would give to other brides?
Stay unique, creative, and true to your own style. Many weddings I see nowadays are quite similar to one another when it comes to table settings, flowers, etc. I think it's always nice to add in your own personality to every detail.
Styling and Planning by the Bride
Kendra Vellante at Destination Haus
Photography
Courtney Illfield
Stationery
Acqua & Ink
