Some weddings just capture that effortless, joyful spirit — and Molly and Matt’s Garden City Country Club wedding was exactly that. With a soft early fall breeze, timeless style, and a celebration full of heart, their mid-September wedding day in Garden City, New York, was the perfect kickoff to a lifetime together.
From morning mimosas and first looks to packed dance floors and sweet, emotional moments, every detail came together so beautifully.
As a wedding planner specializing in New York and area weddings, I love helping couples bring their dream wedding to life. If you’re envisioning your own stunning wedding at the Garden City Country Club or another top venue in the area, let’s make it happen together!
But first, let’s relive Molly and Matt’s unforgettable day!
Getting Ready: Laughter, Matching PJs, and Classic Style
The day kicked off with Molly getting ready alongside her bridesmaids, all wearing matching blue floral pajamas — a cozy, stylish touch that made for the sweetest morning photos. Molly stood out in a classic white lace PJ set, looking so relaxed and radiant as she soaked in those final quiet moments before the festivities began.
Meanwhile, Matt got ready nearby, suiting up in a sharp black tuxedo with a bowtie. The vibe was calm, excited, and full of anticipation. There’s something timeless about those fun getting-ready moments, where the energy builds and the day slowly starts to feel real.
First Look: A Moment Full of Emotion
Before the ceremony, Molly and Matt chose to share a first look — a private, emotional moment tucked away on the club’s beautiful grounds. The instant Matt turned to see Molly, you could feel the nerves melt away, replaced with huge smiles and a few happy tears.
First looks are always one of my favorite parts of the day — there’s this beautiful, intimate energy that grounds the couple before stepping into the whirlwind ahead. Molly and Matt’s moment was no exception — simple, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
What They Wore: Soft Blues and Timeless Elegance
Molly’s bridal look was pure romance. She wore a strapless sweetheart gown that flowed beautifully as she moved, paired with a delicate sheer lace cover that added a timeless, elegant touch (and a little extra magic for the ceremony). Her look perfectly balanced classic bridal beauty with a modern twist — effortless, stunning, and totally her.
Her bridesmaids complemented the setting with different shades of light blue — some wearing soft florals, others in solid tones. The mix added depth and texture to their group photos and looked absolutely perfect against the lush greenery of the Garden City Country Club grounds.
Matt and his groomsmen, all in classic black tuxedos with crisp bow ties, provided the perfect polished contrast to the dreamy blues. Their timeless look added an extra layer of sophistication to the day, standing out perfectly against the lush greenery of the Garden City Country Club grounds.
Ceremony: An Elegant Outdoor Setting
The outdoor ceremony setup at their Garden City Country Club wedding was a true showstopper. Gold chiavari chairs lined the aisle, framed by lush white floral arrangements and lots of fresh greenery. The soft September light filtered through the trees, making everything feel golden and glowing.
The color palette for the ceremony was a gorgeous mix of white, soft green, and hints of pale blue, tying in perfectly with the bridesmaids’ dresses and the early fall atmosphere. Everything felt elegant but natural — as if it had always belonged there.
As Molly walked down the aisle, beaming at Matt, you could see how much this moment meant to them both. It was the kind of ceremony where you could feel every guest leaning in just a little closer, not wanting to miss a second. After exchanging heartfelt vows, they sealed the ceremony with the joyful tradition of breaking the glass — a symbolic moment in Jewish weddings that represents the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing love. As the glass shattered, guests erupted into cheers and shouts of “Mazel tov!” — officially kicking off the celebration.
Cocktail Hour at the Garden City Country Club
Following their heartfelt ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy cocktail hour on the beautiful outdoor terrace at the Garden City Country Club. With the sun beginning to set and the September air perfectly crisp, the atmosphere was relaxed, elegant, and full of energy.
Guests mingled beneath the open sky, sipping on cocktails and sampling an incredible spread of hors d’oeuvres. Servers passed trays of fresh, colorful bites — everything from miniature tuna tartare cones to flavorful meatball skewers, offering a perfect balance of sophisticated and crowd-pleasing flavors. A stunning grazing table took center stage, overflowing with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh vegetables, and vibrant antipasti, beautifully accented with lush white floral arrangements and greenery.
Live music filled the terrace, with a guitarist and keyboardist setting the tone with laid-back, upbeat melodies that kept the conversation lively. Every detail — from the golf ball escort card display (a nod to the country club setting!) to the personalized service — made the cocktail hour feel effortless and welcoming.
The perfect warm-up to an unforgettable night ahead, this cocktail hour truly set the stage for the celebration to come at Molly and Matt’s Garden City Country Club wedding.
Reception Details: A Dreamy Garden Party Under the Lights
The Garden City Country Club wedding reception took place under a stunning clear-top tent, decked out with cascading greenery, woven lanterns, and twinkling string lights overhead. The setup felt fresh, romantic, and perfectly fitting for a late-summer evening.
The decor inside the tent echoed the ceremony’s palette, but turned up the volume just a bit:
Tall, lush centerpieces of white, cream, soft yellow, and blue blooms
Gold chairs with crisp white, blue floral linens
Pale blue and green napkins (depending on the linen) for a subtle pop of color
Textured greenery adding movement and softness everywhere you looked
The entire space had this light, airy feel — refined yet relaxed, with nature woven into every corner. It felt less like a traditional ballroom and more like the most beautiful garden party you’ve ever seen.
Dancing, Cake Cutting & The Perfect Celebration
As guests entered the reception, the celebration began right away with Molly and Matt’s first dance under a canopy of twinkle lights and hanging greenery. It was a beautiful, joy-filled moment that had everyone smiling and swaying along.
Right after, the energy soared as the couple was lifted into the air for the hora — a lively and beloved tradition. Molly and Matt held on tight, laughing as their friends and family danced in a circle around them, clapping, cheering, and bringing that joyful chaos only the hora can deliver.
Once everyone caught their breath, a few heartfelt toasts followed — filled with warmth, laughter, and stories that gave everyone a glimpse into Molly and Matt’s love story.
Later in the evening, the couple cut into their classic tiered wedding cake, decorated with delicate white details to match the romantic tone of the day. It was a sweet pause before guests returned to the dance floor, where the party continued late into the night.
Why Garden City Country Club Is the Perfect Wedding Venue
Molly and Matt’s day is a perfect example of why a Garden City Country Club wedding is such a beautiful choice. With its manicured lawns, timeless architecture, and flexible indoor-outdoor spaces, the venue gives couples the chance to create a wedding that feels both elevated and personal.
The setting offers:
Gorgeous natural backdrops for ceremonies and portraits
Seamless indoor-outdoor flow (especially important for late summer weddings!)
A private, elegant atmosphere without feeling stuffy
Top-notch service and food that guests genuinely rave about
Whether you’re envisioning an intimate gathering or a bigger celebration like Molly and Matt’s, the Garden City Country Club offers a stunning canvas to bring your wedding dreams to life.
Final Thoughts: A Joyful September Wedding to Remember
Every wedding tells a story, and Molly and Matt’s Garden City Country Club wedding was a beautiful chapter full of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. If you’re planning a wedding and dreaming of timeless elegance, lush outdoor spaces, and a touch of classic New York charm, a Garden City Country Club wedding might just be your perfect fit.
I love bringing dream celebrations like this to life. If you’re planning a wedding at the Garden City Country Club or another iconic venue in the New York area I’d love to help make your vision a reality.
Let’s create an unforgettable day together—reach out today to start planning!
Planning, Design, and Coordination: Danielle Caldwell Events; Venue: Garden City Country Club; Tent and Rentals: Elite/Please Be Seated Tents Events; Floral: Damselfly Designs; Day of Stationery: Write Pretty For Me; Napkins and Floral Linen: BBJ LaTavola; Photography: OK Crowe; Makeup and Hair: Elle B Makeup Team; Band: Hank Lane Music; Transportation: MV Limo; Hotels: Garden City Hotel, Hyatt Place Garden City, and Residence Inn Garden City
