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Julia Hoyt and Minot Amory’s Blue and White Wedding in Southampton

By Alexandra Macon | Photography by 

Patricia Kantzos

Julia Hoyt—who left her finance job to found her textile company, Julia Amory (formerly India Amory)—was introduced to Minot Amory, a partner at a family office, at dinner in New York City. “We were invited by mutual friends to Doubles in New York,” remembers Julia. “Halfway through dinner we realized that my best friend, who was seated between us, and Minot have the same godfather.” The two played more six degrees of separation and things took off from there.

“Minot loves to play backgammon and came up with an elaborate plan to propose by putting the engagement ring in the backgammon basket while we were playing,” says Julia. “But, much to his chagrin, the ring stayed hidden in the backgammon table at my parents’ home in the Hudson Valley for several days while we were visiting them for Thanksgiving. He kept offering to play, and I unknowingly would say I didn’t feel like it, ruining his creative plan. Eventually, he gave up and asked if I wanted to go on a walk in the woods with our dogs, Hudson and Gracie. About five minutes in, I realized he wasn’t next to me, and I turned around to find him down on one knee.”

When planning their wedding, the couple’s first priority was to come up with a location their friends and family would really enjoy. “Southampton is where Minot grew up spending summers and where his family has been for many generations,” says Julia. “Over the duration of our courtship, we spent a tremendous amount of time there.” They decided on The Dune Church, a building located on the beach that was originally constructed as a lifesaving station.

The bride looked to the past for party decor inspiration. “In terms of aesthetic, I have always loved the clean look of anything blue and white,” she says. “My grandmother, a wonderful interior decorator, used to say the combination was so magical because it subconsciously makes us think of the sky and clouds. I decided I wanted to create unique centerpieces with multiple ginger jars of varying size on each table. In the lead up to the wedding, I hoarded ginger jars for months in the basement of the house. In total, I think we used close to 300.”

Julia knew she wanted to use printed tablecloths but couldn’t find anything that suited the aesthetic she was looking for, so she went ahead and made them herself. “I loved the fabric so much I had our bridesmaid robes made in the same fabric and my company, Julia Amory, was born,” she says. India Armory is gearing up for a full launch soon and will offer and array of ready to wear and custom home accessories and clothing.

Being the DIYer that she is, Julia opted not to have a wedding planner. “I have an extremely strong sense of what I wanted the event to look like and was lucky enough to have one of my bridesmaids really devote a huge amount of time to helping me as well as the team at the Meadow Club and our florist Erin Meaney at Topiare in Southampton, who were incredible when it came to execution,” says Julia. “That being said, I ended up setting every table and tweaking every flower arrangement myself the day before the wedding.”

Julia thought she knew what kind of wedding dress she wanted too. “I generally have a very good sense of what works on my figure and can immediately assess if something is going to look right on me,” she explains. “That being said, I went from being certain I wanted one thing to realizing that the dress has as much to do with the aesthetic and vibe of the event as it has to do with how it looks on my figure.” She ended up wearing a very simple Carolina Herrera gown with a cathedral length veil that she had custom made. Her hair presented a challenge though. “I don’t often wear it up, so it took a few trials to get it right,” she admits. In the end, the makeup artist she worked with, Katie Nova, recommended a stylist she works with, Sanela Cekic. “I cannot sing her praises enough,” says the bride. “They worked with me both the night of the rehearsal dinner as well as for the wedding.”

The weekend began with a round robin game of tennis at the Meadow Club, which was a huge success according to Julia: “Even my 96 year old great aunt Bebe played!” Later that evening, after the rehearsal, friends Kathy and Billy Rayner hosted guests at their home in East Hampton, which is situated between Georgica Pond and the Ocean. “Our bridal party gave toasts that evening, which were spectacular, including one given by both of our fathers, which was a hoot!”

The 5:30 P.M. ceremony was a traditional Episcopalian service performed by Reverend Patrick Edwards, whom the couple has come to know well. Everyone then convened at the Meadow Club for the reception. “The weather was a bit dicey so our plan to have cocktails outside was somewhat thwarted, and we had to move everyone into semi-covered areas but given it was still balmy in early October the doors were open, and we were able to enjoy the sea air,” says Julia. The menu included a seasonal salad, filet mignon, and red velvet cake by Sag Harbor Bakery. Peter Duchin and his orchestra kicked off the festivities with Cole Porter’s “Isn’t It Romantic?” “This was very special to us both as Peter is a close family friend, and Minot and I were so excited to have such a legend play,” says Julia. “And, this song is one I’ve always adored since first seeing Sabrina as a child—somehow it felt appropriate for our first dance at our Long Island wedding.”

After the reception, the couple hosted a pizza party at the Southampton Club that went late. “The groomsmen were staying at this club, so it felt more like a big house party,” says Julia. “And, of course, the pizza was a big hit. There was lots of backgammon and more drinks!” Two days later, the new Mr. and Mrs. Amory jetted off to Paris. “We made zero plans which was perfect,” says Julia. “We just roamed around and ate and drank. We enjoyed not having to think about seating arrangements, flowers, or worry about wardrobe malfunctions anymore!”