This Groom Created a 15-Page Vision Board for His July Wedding

Photo by Lena Mirisola

THE STORY

Gregory Costa and James Morrison, who met through an online dating site, had their first kiss on their fourth date. “I thought, it’s now or never,” Gregory says. “We were like two high schoolers.” From there, romance blossomed. Gregory proposed three years later on a walk with their dogs in Hopkinton State Park. “James said yes, but he never took off his mask!” Gregory says with a laugh.

The pair married in July 2021 at Grove at Briar Barn Inn in Rowley. Although Gregory owns a floral- and event-design company, he didn’t expect to throw such an elaborate production. “I created a 15-page vision board,” he says, still surprised. He took the lead on flowers—white blooms interspersed with dark greenery—and décor, selecting acrylic and mirrored elements (disco balls included). James oversaw the wine and desserts, as well as the couple’s outfits, down to the dog-and-bone cufflinks—a nod to their four-legged friends.

Following a New England-meets-South Beach cocktail hour on the patio, the 52 guests transitioned into the barn through a curtain of white fog, disco music beckoning. When the final toast concluded, Gregory surprised his spouse with a tear-jerking video of James’s family, who were unable to travel from Ireland due to COVID restrictions. “I had no idea; it bowled me over,” James says.

THE DETAILS

Photo by Lena Mirisola

Gregory and James got ready together, donning gray suits with custom paisley linings.

Photo by Lena Mirisola

Rather than opting for a traditional processional, the couple walked past their guests together and filled the center aisle with white roses.

Photo by Lena Mirisola

White drapery lent refinement to the rustic interior, and an installation of pampas grass, orchids, palm fronds, and disco balls hung over the dance floor.

Photo by Lena Mirisola

The bridesmaids—daughters of dear friends—set off green smoke bombs, in keeping with the color scheme.

Photo by Lena Mirisola

Hors d’oeuvres included trays of artisanal cheese, jam, and honey. “Their food is beyond reproach,” Gregory says of Grove at Briar Barn Inn.

Photo by Lena Mirisola

“Our wedding was a celebration of love, friends, and family,” James says. “The toasts and décor were peppered with jokes that everyone understood.”

Photo by Lena Mirisola

During the cocktail hour, servers circulated with mini cosmopolitans on acrylic trays.

Photo by Lena Mirisola

Ornate silver-toned chargers and pressed-glass goblets composed the place settings.

THE FILE

Photo by Lena Mirisola

Bagpipes Michael Saltis
Bracelets/Rings Tiffany & Co.
Cufflinks Bloomingdale’s
Décor/Flowers Flou(-e)r Specialty Floral Events
DJ DJ Petro
Drapery/Lighting Gateway Productions
Makeup Bre Welch, Leather & Lace Artistry
Marquee Your Love in Lights
Officiant Joe Rogers, Contagious Events
Place Cards/Seating Chart KD Calligraphy Arts
Rentals Peak Event Services
Shoes Johnston & Murphy
Suits Hive & Colony
Ties Burberry

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