Southampton Bride Channels Audrey Hepburn’s ‘Sabrina’ for Dream Wedding

Hamptons Wedding Weekend: A Bride’s Four Cinematic Looks

A recent Hamptons wedding showcased a bride’s dedication to creating a cohesive yet personalized aesthetic across a weekend of celebrations. Bernadette,the bride,collaborated with stylist Grace to curate four distinct looks – for a welcome party,the ceremony,the reception,and an after-party – that complemented the various settings and reflected her individual style.

Rather than focusing solely on “the dress,” Bernadette envisioned a series of ensembles that echoed timeless elegance,drawing inspiration from old-world charm,Hollywood glamour,american style icons,and the natural beauty of the hamptons. Three of her gowns where custom-designed, while the fourth, her ceremony dress, was a standout choice from Monique Lhuillier‘s spring 2025 collection, which she felt instantly drawn to.

A particular highlight was Bernadette’s custom welcome party dress, created by Patricia Voto of One/Of in collaboration with Grace. the gown featured delicate floral appliqué, bringing Bernadette’s vision to life.

Bernadette opted for a minimalist approach to jewelry, wearing earrings gifted by her husband, Jimmy, for the welcome party and vintage diamond earrings for the ceremony. She completed her look with “something borrowed” – diamond waterfall earrings and a tennis bracelet lent by friends – for the after-party. Her beauty look remained classic throughout the day, featuring dewy skin and a signature red lip, with a touch of sparkle added for the evening.

The groom, Jimmy, wore a ralph Lauren Purple Label tuxedo with a shawl collar for the ceremony, later changing into an off-white dinner jacket for a Hamptons-inspired summer evening feel.The bridal party followed a color scheme of blues – French blue, navy, and floral patterns – while the groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos.

The wedding weekend began with Bernadette getting ready at her mother’s home in Southampton. Jimmy and his groomsmen enjoyed a pre-ceremony pint at the local Shippy’s before walking to the Parish Basilica of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary for a traditional Catholic mass. Bernadette recalls a deeply meaningful moment as she walked down the aisle with her mother, feeling calm, fulfilled, and surrounded by loved ones as Jimmy saw her for the first time.

What specific elements of Audrey Hepburn‘s portrayal of Sabrina Fairchild resonated most with the bride, Eleanor Vance, in her wedding planning?

The Inspiration: Sabrina Fairchild & Timeless elegance

A recent Southampton wedding captivated local fashion enthusiasts and vintage lovers alike, as bride, Eleanor Vance, drew heavily from Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style in the 1954 film Sabrina. The wedding, held at the exclusive Meadowbrook Estate, wasn’t simply inspired by the film; it was a carefully curated homage, from the dress to the décor. This isn’t the first time Hepburn’s influence has surfaced in modern weddings – her effortless chic remains a perennial favorite for brides seeking a elegant and romantic aesthetic. Key elements of the Sabrina aesthetic include classic silhouettes, understated glamour, and a focus on timeless beauty.

The Dress: Recreating the Givenchy Magic

Eleanor’s wedding gown was the centerpiece of the Sabrina-inspired theme. Working with local Southampton designer, Isabella Rossi, the dress was a bespoke creation echoing the bateau neckline and fitted bodice of Hepburn’s iconic black dress in the film.

Fabric Choice: Instead of black satin, Eleanor opted for a luxurious ivory silk crepe, lending a softer, more bridal feel.

Silhouette: The dress featured a fitted waist that flowed into a full, yet graceful, skirt – perfect for dancing!

Details: subtle pearl detailing around the neckline and a delicate bow at the waist added a touch of hepburn’s signature refinement.

Veil: A simple, floor-length veil completed the look, allowing the dress to take center stage.

Rossi noted the challenge of capturing the essence of Hubert de Givenchy’s designs while creating something uniquely Eleanor’s. “We wanted to honor the original without simply replicating it. It was about capturing the feeling of Sabrina – that effortless elegance.” Wedding dresses inspired by Audrey Hepburn are consistently popular, demonstrating the enduring appeal of her style.

Décor & Ambiance: Parisian Chic in Southampton

The Meadowbrook Estate was transformed into a scene reminiscent of the film’s Parisian setting. The wedding planners, Lavender Lane Events, focused on creating an atmosphere of understated luxury and romantic charm.

Colour Palette: A muted palette of ivory, blush pink, and gold dominated the décor, mirroring the soft tones of the film.

Floral Arrangements: loose, organic floral arrangements featuring roses, peonies, and hydrangeas were used throughout the venue, adding a touch of natural beauty.

Lighting: Soft, ambient lighting created a romantic glow, while strategically placed candles added warmth and intimacy.

Music: A live jazz band played classic tunes from the 1950s, further enhancing the Sabrina vibe. Vintage wedding themes are increasingly popular, offering a unique and personalized touch.

Hair & Makeup: Hepburn’s Signature Look

Eleanor’s hair and makeup were meticulously crafted to emulate Audrey Hepburn’s iconic look.

Hair: Her hair was styled in a classic updo, with soft waves framing her face.

Makeup: Makeup artist, Chloe Beaumont, focused on creating a flawless complexion, defined eyebrows, and a subtle cat-eye liner – all hallmarks of Hepburn’s beauty. A soft pink lipstick completed the look.

Accessories: Pearl earrings and a delicate diamond bracelet added a touch of sparkle without overpowering the overall aesthetic. Audrey Hepburn makeup tutorials are widely available online, demonstrating the continued interest in her timeless style.

Groom & Groomsmen: Complementing the Aesthetic

While Eleanor’s look was the primary focus, the groom, James Vance, and the groomsmen also embraced the Sabrina theme. James wore a classic navy blue suit with a white shirt and a silk tie, reminiscent of Humphrey Bogart’s character in the film. The groomsmen followed suit, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look. Groom attire inspired by classic films is a growing trend, adding a touch of personality and style to the wedding.

Beyond the Visuals: Capturing the Spirit of ‘Sabrina’

Eleanor and James didn’t just want their wedding to look like Sabrina*; they wanted to capture the film’s spirit of romance and sophistication. They incorporated personal touches throughout the event,including handwritten notes to guests and a curated playlist of their favorite songs. The goal was to create a celebration that was both elegant and intimate, reflecting their love story and their shared thankfulness for classic cinema.