JULY 25, 2012, ROWAYTON, CT
Throughout much of Will and Gillian’s courtship, they were like two ships in the night (but on the right course!). In 2001, they met at a weekly regatta series in San Francisco, “but never on the same boat,” says Gillian, an art teacher at Greens Farms Academy in Westport, CT, who was raised in Rowayton. Following a series of moves spanning years and states, they reconnected at Manhattan’s New York Yacht Club in 2008. After a two-year long-distance relationship, Will, a Wisconsin native and hedge fund manager, moved to the city to be with Gillian — and proposed in 2011 in Paris. “We’re both sailors, and wanted water and boats to be a part of the ceremony,” says Gillian, who worked with one of her best friends, event planner Allison Hotchkiss, to create the perfect nautical wedding for 185 family members and friends. The couple now resides in Brooklyn, NY. — Photos by Gemma and Andrew Ingalls
Graves- Jayson Wedding
“I wanted a simple, less structured dress,” says Gillian of her modified Elizabeth Fillmore gown from The Plumed Serpent in Westport, CT. “We took a lot of junk off it and I added braided rope straps.” The anchor boots, worn while being escorted to the ceremony by her father, William Jayson, were from J.Crew.
Graves- Jayson Wedding
Seated: Gillian and Will with his mother, Grace Graves. Standing: Elizabeth Graves, Anne Jayson, Jeff Young, Laura Jayson, William Jasyon Jr., Amanda Jason, William Jayson and Ted Waters.
Graves- Jayson Wedding
Gillian’s mother, Anne, an artist whose primary medium is shells, created beautiful sailor’s valentines that served as the table numbers.
