Real Wedding: Kristin Ocampo & Mark Sliwinski

September 9, 2017
The White Barn at South Farms
Morris, Connecticut

The couple enjoyed a sunny stroll with Kristin’s bridesmaids, who wore strapless gowns from J. Crew. / Photograph by Steve DePino

THE STORY

The only person who reacted with complete surprise on the day that Mark Sliwinski proposed to Kristin Ocampo was… Kristin Ocampo. “I was totally blindsided by it,” says the Connecticut native, recalling the afternoon when her then-boyfriend popped the question at a public garden. “I thought we were there to buy flowers for my aunt’s surprise birthday party.” That’s the story that Mark had carefully devised with the help of Kristin’s close relatives to keep the proposal a secret. The plan went off without a hitch, and to heighten the occasion, the couple’s immediate families were waiting in the wings to help them celebrate.

When the time came for the pair to start planning their wedding, they knew they wanted a relaxed environment where guests could come together and “just really enjoy each other’s company,” Kristin says. They found the ideal setting at the White Barn at South Farms, a family-owned property situated on 150 acres of Connecticut farmland. The wide-open space, plus a pre-wedding game of cornhole, helped put “an informal spin on things,” Mark says. After they exchanged vows under a sunny blue sky, the couple’s photographer pulled them aside to snap a few shots in the fading daylight. And for a quiet moment, removed from the joyful noise of cocktail hour, it seemed the bride and groom were the only two people on earth.

THE DETAILS

Photograph by Steve DePino

A garland of greenery, dahlias, zinnias, and ranunculus adorned each table.

Photograph by Steve DePino

“I think the most memorable moment for me was walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing Mark there,” the bride says.

Photograph by Steve DePino

With the help of her father, Alberto, Kristin turned an old window into a charming seating chart for guests.

Photograph by Steve DePino

Along with this vanilla-buttermilk cake, the AmandaBakes team served cider doughnuts, Key lime pie bars, Irish whiskey cupcakes, and other desserts from an Airstream trailer parked outside the venue.

Photograph by Steve DePino

Complete with grazing cows, the farm’s idyllic grounds were a perfect match for the couple’s rustic indoor-outdoor celebration.

Photograph by Steve DePino

The couple took their first steps as newlyweds, surrounded by loved ones.

Photograph by Steve DePino

The barn’s layout included one long table in the center of the room, where Kristin and Mark were joined by their closest friends and relatives.

Photograph by Steve DePino

In lieu of a traditional guest book, the couple provided this album (and a few Polaroid cameras) for guests to fill with photos and handwritten notes.

Photograph by Steve DePino

“Dahlias were the big flower that I wanted in my bouquets and on the tables,” the bride says. “When we were talking about the shape of the bouquets, I said I wanted it to look like I went outside and picked some flowers and put it together.”

Photograph by Steve DePino

Kristin’s Selia Yang gown, dressed up with a sparkly pair of Jimmy Choo heels, was the first dress she tried on.

Photograph by Steve DePino

The couple shared a laugh during the speeches, delivered by Kristin’s dad, her sister-in-law Jennifer, and Mark’s brother Brian. “We’re both very close with our families so it was really heartwarming to hear their perspectives on our relationship,” Kristin says.

THE FILE

Baker AmandaBakes
Bride’s Dress Selia Yang
Bridesmaids Dresses J. Crew
Caterer The Executive Chef Catering Company
DJ DJ Vin
Flowers K.L.W. Design Co.
Groom’s Suit My.Suit
Groomsmen Suits The Black Tux
Hair and Makeup Salon on 63
Invitations Hudson Paperie
Videography The Light Mill
Watercolor Design MaryAnna Coleman Design

Getting married? Start and end your wedding planning journey with Boston Weddings' guide to the best wedding vendors in the city.