Caroline & Darius: Modern Romance at Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club

Caroline and Darius first met during their first year of college in New York City – she was going to FIT, and he was going to NYU. The sparks were apparent to both, so much so that Darius went home to tell his roommate (and best friend) that he had just met the woman he was going to marry. But it wasn’t until after both had studied abroad for a year that Caroline and Darius were able to truly connect. “We met up again at a New Year’s Eve party, and we have been inseparable ever since,” Caroline recalls. “I think we both knew immediately – it felt this was the way it was supposed to be.”

While the couple had talked about marriage and picked out a ring together, Darius still managed to surprise Caroline when he proposed. “It was a late spring weekend, and Darius told me to pack a bag for a little getaway,” Caroline recounts. She admits that once she realized they were going to The Hamptons, their ‘happy place,’ the thought that Darius had an ulterior motive did cross her mind. She remembers the moment that Darius asked her to marry him and says, “We were literally the only two people walking on the entire beach when Darius got down on one knee. It was just the two of us, and it was perfect.”

Caroline and Darius started planning their wedding shortly after their engagement. The couple’s search for a venue was narrowed down by their shared desire to get married by the ocean – “it’s where we both feel most at peace and alive,” Caroline adds. She goes on to say the Hamptons made perfect sense because, “we had been going there for years and have so many happy memories there” adding “it’s a place where Darius and his family went every year when his grandparents rented a cottage for the summer.” After looking at venues in Connecticut and Long Island, they set their sights on the Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, Mecox Bay, and Sam’s Creek, the private club offers breathtaking views of the water amidst a serene natural setting. Asked about her vision, Caroline responds, “I wanted our wedding to be an elegant black-tie event and fit the midcentury modern, Hamptons chic look, but with a timeless and traditional foundation. The venue offered a blank canvas for Darius and me to express our style and make it look how we wanted.”

After trying on “so many dresses” with the notion of wearing a dramatic ballgown, Caroline completely changed course when her best friend and maid of honor, Samantha – “she knows me so well” – presented her with a dress by British designer Caroline Castilgliano. Cut from Italian crepe, her choice epitomized contemporary allure, and featured a figure-gracing silhouette defined by clean lines and a sweeping train. For a touch of drama, the bride added custom embellishments to the original design – a row of buttons down the back and off-the-shoulder cuff – along with a cathedral length veil by Sara Gabriel for the ceremony. “Once I had it on, I knew right away,” Caroline says. “I’ve never felt more beautiful and confident. My dress was elegant, minimalist, and chic. It was also very comfortable, so I knew I wanted to wear it the entire day. The shoulder cuff was detachable – I took it off, giving me a second look for the reception. It all felt very ‘me.’ Caroline Castigliano is a dream designer.”

Caroline defined her bridal style with classic beauty and accessories. She wore her hair in a low bun trimmed with pearls complemented by a natural makeup look by Elite Bridal Beauty. For jewelry, in addition to her engagement ring from Tiffany & Co., she wore a bracelet, a recent birthday gift from Darius that was hand engraved with her married initials, and diamond drop earrings, a gift from her mother. Caroline finished her big day look with a pair of Badgley Mischka pearl studded sandals and a round bouquet of 20 white roses. Darius dressed for the occasion and wore a black tux and bow tie with Stubbs & Wooton shoes.

Caroline and Darius were married on the beach on October 21, 2023. Weather is always a factor for an outdoor fall ceremony. Despite a rainy start to the morning, the overcast skies stayed dry and only served to add to the atmospheric natural landscape. Décor unfolded in an aisleway trimmed with ‘living” arrangements featuring classic white roses, hydrangeas, calla lilies, stock, lemon leaf, and Italian ruscus, which led to a romantic blossom and Lucite backdrop. Escorted by her father down the aisle as a string quartet played Pachelbel’s Canon in D, Caroline met Darius hand-in-hand. She reminisces, “I will never forget standing up in front of all our friends and family, on the sands with the waves crashing behind us, exchanging our own personal vows to each other. It was truly an out of body experience and a memory that will last a lifetime.”

The newlyweds and guests headed indoors for cocktails and a first round of celebratory toasts. Then it was off to dinner where everyone was welcomed by an alluring scene. “I envisioned all white flowers – a completely classic vibe with an abundance of candles,” the bride says. “I’ve always loved calla lilies, roses, and hydrangeas – Bride & Blossom brought my floral inspiration to life in the most beautiful way.” Décor showcased low centerpieces atop round tables in combination with a series of petite arrangements strewn across long tables. Soft candlelight added a sense of warm romance to the room. “I was very particular about incorporating intimate touches to the place settings and Carla, Bride & Blossom’s Wedding Director was a great help there,” Caroline notes.

In a day filled with one special moment after another, we asked Caroline if she remembers any with deep fondness. “The feeling of excitement getting ready with my mom, Mother-in-Law, Maid of Honor, and Sisters-in-Law. Our first look was so sweet. I’ll never forget walking down the aisle with my dad. We danced with all of our friends to Blink 182’s ‘First Dance’ – it was an epic last song, everyone was euphoric!” As the party winded down, everyone gathered around a bonfire on the beach. Caroline finishes, “We were so lucky with the weather. We warmed up with s’mores and mini quesadillas. It was a really nice way to thank our loved ones and end the night on a chill note.”

Congratulations, Caroline & Darius! Thank you for sharing your Real BB Wedding Story with us.

Couple’s Vendor List
Venue: Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club
Photographer: Pat Furey Photography
Bride’s Dress: Caroline Castigliano
Bride’s Veil: Sara Gabriel Veils
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka & Miu Miu
Groom’s Tuxedo: J. Mueser
Groom’s Shoes: Stubbs & Wooton
Hair & Makeup: Elite Bridal Beauty
Rings: Tiffany & Co
Invitations, Place Cards, & Menu: The King’s Scribe
Caterers: Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs
Cake: Lulu Cake Boutique
DJ: 4AM