A French Château Inspired Celebration Along the Sakonnet River

By Kevin Harson11 September 2025

Pink, orange, yellow, baby blue, white

Michael and Dylan’s equestrian romance culminated in a wedding day at Glen Manor, the same venue where they first met. It boasted the effortless charm of a French Château with fresh countryside styling. The stunning property rested along the banks of the Sakonnet River in Rhode Island, offering sweeping views and lush outdoor gardens.

As avid equestrians, Michael and Dylan share a passion for horses that lies at the heart of their love story. They first met as young competitors in a horse show series at Glen Farm’s polo grounds. The competition, which ran for several weeks during the summer and again at the end of the year, offered a grand prize — a toy barn — to the competitor with the highest cumulative points. Dylan was determined to win the barn but lost to Michael, thus beginning a serious rivalry. However, when they started dating at fourteen, their rivalry quickly dissipated. They’ve been together ever since. Last year, Michael planned a trip back to Boston for Dylan’s birthday, the city where they lived together after college. Nostalgic for their city life, they spent the trip visiting their favorite destinations. On Sunday morning, Michael planned a long walk past their old apartment and through a park where they used to walk their dog. After more than seven miles, he stopped by the river just as the sun was beginning to set, casting its rays along the waterfront and across the sailboats dotting the river.

Dylan wore a gown by Ines Di Santo with a balance of simplicity and detail, as a draped tulle covered the corseted bodice, layering with the illusion lace back and off-the-shoulder tulle sleeves. Dylan captured memorable photos in the gardens while holding parasols with her bridesmaids, and the couple stole away for intimate dockside moments.

As a specialty cocktail, Dylan and Michael served blood orange margaritas to complement the bright, citrus-y vibe.

They selected a joyfully bright color palette as a celebration of the start of their married life, as well as the fifteen years they’ve spent together. The florals expressed this with a soft citrus story of pinks, corals, and yellows. The outdoor garden ceremony was adorned with fresh bouquets in stone planters at the altar. At each guest’s seat rested a hand-painted white fan with the couple’s initials and wedding date. Embracing the French Chateau style, the reception included colorful glassware, toile-printed details, calligraphy, and fresh fruit surrounding the centerpieces.

After cutting a mini Lambeth cake, the couple served a dessert spread for the evening included parfaits, macarons, and cannoli.

A string quartet serenaded the ceremony and cocktail hour with modern pop songs, infusing vibrant energy with a classic feel.