WEDDING

WEDDINGS A Picture Perfect Day (Ok, it rained, but the forecast looks spectacular)

When Barbara Karsky and Brian Lyman met on a blind date 10 years ago, who knew that ‘happy hour’ was destined to turn into happily ever after? But that is precisely what happened on March 5, when the couple vowed their love in an intimate ceremony held at the idyllic Gatsby-esque estate, Villa DeZecheo in Rincon, Puerto Rico.

A native of Syracuse, New York, Barbara is a cold-weather girl. Not so Brian, who was born right here in West Hartford. No wonder, then, that Brian wanted a week-long wedding in a sunny, tropical location, preferably on the beach. A venue that could accommodate their large blended and extended family. And some fabulous friends. And their favorite bartender. And a chef.

Villa DeZecheo, situated on the ocean with breathtaking beachfront property and picturesque sunset views, was the perfect choice. The first floor open-air layout and two gourmet kitchens was ideal for Rincon’s sultry weather and Barbara and Brian’s love of big family meals.

Barbara, co-owner of BK&CO, insisted on local everything. Dresses from Mariella Creations, tuxedos from Daswani, hair and make-up from Antonia’s Hair Boutique (yes, she came to PR!), placards and event signage from Ellen Sayers Calligraphy, and guests sprinkled throughout in festive BK&CO.

Brian, head of the real estate division of Parker Benjamin, insisted on a planned itinerary of activities for their wedding guests that included a day of golf, welcome happy hour at sunset, beach party at The Marina and a post-wedding pool party and BBQ.

The wedding party included: Maid of Honor Trish Kretschmer, sister of the bride; Best Man Justin Sullivan; bridesmaids, Brooke Lefkin and Dakota Lyman, Brian’s daughters, and Kathryn Karsky, Barbara’s daughter-in-law; groomsmen Jonathan Karsky, Bryan Karsky, and Nicholas Karsky, Barbara’s sons, and Dave Lefkin, Brian’s son-in-law. Barbara’s niece, Rylie Carpenter, officiated.

Barb & Brian

The groom with his groomsmen The bride's bridal party looking pretty in pink

The rehearsal dinner, was held at Cosecha, a charming outdoor café, co-owned by Brian’s daughter, Dakota. She also designed all the bouquets, boutonnieres, and table centerpieces, using native flowers sourced from Rincon. The bird of paradise flower, symbolizing faithfulness, love and thoughtfulness, was used throughout the décor.

Austin Racine, a celebrated chef from Martha’s Vineyard, cooked a traditional Puerto Rican pig roast for the wedding complete with delicious farm-to-table sides. The wedding cake was also a cultural classic: double layers of Amaretto cake, dense and moist, with buttercream frosting and adorned with white orchids. Guests sipped on signature cocktails created by West Hartford’s Wampanoag bartender, Kat Davoren — Rincon Rita, fresh juice margarita; The B’s Squeeze, a spicy margarita; Mint To Be, a delicious mojito; Love Ya a Bunch, rum punch; and I Do Brew, a local beer.

Cue the music. “The Book of Love” by Peter Gabriel, orchestral version.

And so, on a beautiful day (that’s the vibe, not the weather - it poured! A sure sign of “good luck”), on a balcony overlooking the ocean on the west coast of Puerto Rico, Barbara and Brian, surrounded by family and friends, all vowed to love each other.

Party time!

Cutting the cake The Maid of Honor (the bride's sister) toasts the happy couple