Emily Ziegler • April 24, 2026
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We cannot get over how just how enchanting Stephanie and Nick’s Bourne Mansion wedding was. Gold letterpress invitations, a Gilded Age Vanderbilt mansion, and an absolutely breathtaking candlelit wedding reception. It looked like something straight out of a movie, and we are so excited to share it with you. If you’re planning a black tie wedding, keep scrolling for all the inspiration!
Bourne Mansion: A Historic Vanderbilt Mansion
Location: 500 Montauk Highway, Oakdale, NY 11769
This was our first wedding at Bourne Mansion on Long Island, and we know it won’t be our last! It is truly a stunning option for any couple dreaming of a black tie wedding. Bourne Mansion is a Vanderbilt mansion, built during the height of the Gilded Age. The architecture and decor are works of art. We agree with the owners who said that “Bourne Mansion personifies luxury and grandeur and the elaborate celebrations of yesteryear.” If you’re dreaming of a timeless wedding venue steeped in history, Bourne Mansion should be on your list.
See another one of our favorite Gilded Age mansions in Pennsylvania: Elkins Estate.
Formal Letterpress Wedding Invitations for Bourne Mansion
When Steph and Nick first reached out to us, they had a clear vision for their invitations. Their color palette? Neutrals: cream, gold, and charcoal. They wanted to “lean into the history of the mansion and the classic, timeless aesthetic.” Steph was inspired by another one of our couple’s white and gold letterpress invitations. Letterpress printing was high on her list of must-haves, as well as a formal crest to match the vibe of the mansion.
After several rounds of design proofs, we finally landed on their perfect suite.
“My favorite part of the process was the design of the crest. We had something specific in mind but didn’t give Heather Paperie too many parameters either. Needless to say, they nailed it!”
What Steph and Nick Had to Say about Their Invitations
“We definitely knew we wanted someone to handle the design of our invitation suite, it was just a matter of finding that right person. I knew immediately that I was right in booking Heather Paperie. I have always felt that the invitation suite is your guests’ first impression and Heather Paperie was there to set the bar and surpass it! Truly obsessed, I couldn’t imagine anything better and we received so many compliments.”
If you’re getting married at a venue like Bourne Mansion, we can design formal invitations that set the tone for your big day. Take a look at some of our favorite formal wedding invitation designs, perfect for black tie weddings.
Enchanting Candlelit Bourne Mansion Wedding
Getting Ready at the Mansion & First Looks
Steph and Nick spent the morning getting ready at the mansion. Some of our favorite highlights: seeing our stationery in action, an emotional first look between Steph and her father, and intimate moments on the veranda. Young Plant Weddings captured so many beautiful details.
The sweetest first look between Steph and her father.
We are obsessed with the gowns Steph’s mother and sister wore!
Outdoor Wedding Ceremony on the Great Lawn
Bourne Mansion sits right on the Gold Coast of Long Island, NY. That means if you have an outdoor ceremony like Steph and Nick, you’ll get sweeping views of the Great South Bay as your backdrop. They had beautiful fall weather for their October ceremony, and said their vows as the sun began to set.
Candlelit Wedding Reception in the Grand Ballroom
Steph and Nick’s wedding reception couldn’t be described as anything less than enchanting. Crystal chandeliers, gilded moulding, gold candelabras, and uplighting that created a starry sky on the ceiling—can it get any more romantic?
We’ve seen a lot of cake toppers, but never a Precious Moments one! Vintage cake toppers are having a moment right now, and we’re here for it.
Congratulations to Steph and Nick! We wish you a lifetime of happiness together.
Bourne Mansion Wedding Vendors
Venue & Catering: Bourne Mansion // Photo & Video: Young Plant Weddings // Planner: Jennifer B Events// Stationery: Heather Paperie // HMU: Be Beautiful Brides // Live Band: Code Bleu // Floral Designer: Dalsimer Spitz & Peck
Start Your Black Tie Wedding with the Perfect Invitation Suite
Steph and Nick’s Bourne Mansion wedding was an absolute dream. From their formal letterpress wedding invitations to their romantic candlelit reception, they achieved what they set out to do: honor the history of the mansion and its timeless aesthetic.
If you and your partner are planning a black tie wedding at Bourne Mansion (or any other historic venue), your invitations shouldn’t be an afterthought. They’re the first step in setting the tone for an unforgettable day. At Heather Paperie, we specialize in formal, luxury stationery designed to match the grandeur of your venue.
Reach out to us to get started on your custom invitation suite!
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