As Kim prepared for her walk down the aisle, the surprises kept coming… > feature wedding :
kimberly ziomek and leigh martin June 14, ‘08 newport, rhode island
When Kim Ziomek and Leigh Martin “clicked” at a Hartford, Conn., club a few days after Thanksgiving in 2003, the future bride couldn’t help but be surprised. The couple had actually met two years before, through mutual friends, but had left their initial meeting in a tiff. Luckily, for her, the groom-to-be didn’t seem to remember. In fact, this time, Leigh was so smitten, he asked Kim, who was living in Florida at the time, to stay an extra day so they could get to know one another. Their subsequent dinner date led to a long distance relationship followed by her return to her hometown six months later. The surprise proposal came in 2006 in Chicago atop the John Hancock Center in the Signature Room at the 95th. That November evening, Leigh presented his brideto-be with a menu pre-printed with his request. She was oblivious.
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“I hardly opened the menu because I already knew what I wanted to order,” laughs Kim. “But, he insisted I take another peek, just to be sure.” The ring was accompanied by a champagne toast and a dozen pink roses. Tempted initially to host a destination wedding in Mexico, the couple instead chose a weekend of celebration activities closer to home. “Our goal was to plan a great party for our friends and family,” says Kim, “yet, something romantic and sophisticated.” For the ceremony and reception, they selected the Astors’ Beechwood Mansion, a sprawling venue built in the 1850s, brimming with history, as well as many modern amenities. As Kim prepared for her walk down the aisle, the surprises kept coming, literally, as
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Leigh sent each of his seven groomsmen consecutively to her door with gifts in tow including a diamond tennis bracelet, diamond earrings and a Louis Vuitton overnight bag. It was on the front lawn, overlooking the ocean and among their 130 guests, that Kim and Leigh recited their vows. She in a strapless Melissa Sweet gown; he decked out in a tan Ralph Lauren suit. “The groomsmen wagered on which one of us would cry first,” says the bride. “Leigh held strong and wiped the tears from my cheeks.” The consummate planners, the couple infused the weekend with many personalized touches. Hues of pink and brown bathed virtually every accent—from the nosegay bouquet of roses held by the bride to the silk laden tabletops. The couple’s filigree monogram adorned everything from the ice sculpture and water bottles to the containers provided for the candy bar. thank you for sharing your story
grace ormonde WEDDING STYLE NEW ENGLAND
As the evening progressed, guests enjoyed different spaces throughout the property— cocktails under covered tents on one end of the lawn, dinner on the other, followed by dancing in the mansion. Tarot card readers, cigar rollers and a roving saxophonist kept the crowd intrigued. As the night came to an end, the groom’s final surprise was revealed—a spectacular fireworks display the couple had originally decided against. “The entire night was so magical,” says Kim. “It turned out to be exactly what we had imagined.” Though work obligations kept the couple from a honeymoon following their wedding, Leigh and Kim vacationed in the Maldives in November. > Written by Dina M. Cortez For more feature weddings and resources visit WeddingStyleNewEngland.com
Location: Astors’ Beechwood Mansion Newport, RI; Cake: Confectionery Designs by Mark Soliday Newport, RI; Caterer: Fine Catering by Russell Morin Newport, RI; Event Planner: Elegant Occasions New York, NY; Florist: Stonekelly New York, NY; Lighting: Ormonde Productions Barrington, RI; Suit: Ralph Lauren; Wedding Gown: Melissa
Sweet at The White Dress by the Shore Clinton, CT; Photography: Tommy Colbért Photography Boston, MA