Deborah & Robert | Lenox, Massachusetts

Written by Lisa Light

Deborah Grabbe and Robert Shakotko first met in Beirut, Lebanon. Thirty years later and half a world away, in Lenox, Massachusetts, they were joined together in marriage, surrounded by friends and family. The stately setting of The Wheatleigh, with its Italianate lines and marble entryway, was a perfect backdrop for an elegant, and intimate early Spring wedding.

There was something storied about this warm and congenial affair…with their twenty-five guests Robert and Deborah shared hand-chosen wines from his collection, and songs from hers... representing all of the different times, places, loves, and passions that were uniting with these two. Guests were greeted with a wine and cheese reception Friday night, on the Wheatleigh’s second level terrace. In their rooms they were welcomed with letters, handmade truffles, and a bottle of wine chosen specifically for them.

Deborah's son escorted her down the aisle of the Great Hall, flanked by topiaries of greens and pink roses. Deborah’s daughter was her maid of honor. Robert’s daughter and two sons surrounded them for the simple, lovely ceremony, officiated by Justice of the Peace Eva Sheridan. As guests gathered for the reception, in the Wheatleigh’s glass enclosed portico, the sun obliged by setting, flooding the room with pink light.

The reception included cocktails and an eight-course dinner, and some of the most eloquent, heartfelt toasts you have ever heard (Robert spoke movingly of Deborah’s great passion for life). The centerpieces were stately towers of orchids, banana leaves, dark pink dendrobium orchids, peonies, French tulips, and monsterra leaves, surrounded by pillar candles of various heights.

After their wedding weekend, Robert and Deborah flew to Paris for their honeymoon. There was something so beautiful and touching about their wedding; a charmed sense of good fortune and second chances.