We are suckers for sentimental touches here at SMP, and I am a certified sap when it comes to traditions that help personalize weddings. Particularly when said tradition is fashion based. Take for instance this breathtaking Brooklyn wedding by Erik Ekroth Photography – the bride’s gorgeous coat has been passed down for 50 years, and is to be worn when the women in the family need a little time in the spotlight. Now that is a tradition I would fully embrace. Be sure to check out the full gallery for even more personal details from this gorgeous autumn affair.
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From the bride… We wanted to create an intimate gathering with an elegant, understated theme, a slice of vintage glamour and full of precious, sentimental details. Details that highlighted past and present and the blending of two families. With my roots in Pennsylvania and Michael’s in Michigan, it was about entertaining in “one of the greatest cities on earth” and as we subtly stated in handmade wedding itineraries from Etsy vendor, Little Ladybug Press, we wanted our friends and family to “fall in love with Brooklyn.”
We were fortunate to have an amazing natural color palette around us. The brilliance of autumn and its magnificent foliage was in full swing. We couldn’t have asked for a better backdrop. The River Café, Brooklyn NY was beyond spectacular. The entrance alone instantly places you in the midst of a lush oasis with arrangement upon arrangement of fresh fall inspired flowers. Enclosed in our own conservatory, we were delighted with 180-degree views of the Manhattan skyline across the Hudson River and a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty to boot. We wanted the inside of the Terrace Room to feel just as radiant as the surrounding area. Guests were greeted with cream-colored pumpkin and leaf cardstock escort cards from Etsy vendor Sugar Papers that had been calligraphed. Our talented florist Denise Fasanello created the tablescapes with elegant floral arrangements. Rustic and lush in appearance with full Dahlias, orange roses, local hydrangeas, bittersweet, and calendula. The mini pumpkins selected from an Amish Farm in Pennsylvania provided us with a signature fall touch as Denise positioned them cascading from the arrangement. Additionally pumpkins and varied gourds were used to highlight our curly willow wishing tree as friends and families were asked to “leave us a well wish for the future” on multicolored mini leaves. A single acorn collected from my grandfathers’ 60 year old Red Oak tree dotted each of the place settings. A precious sentiment as he is no longer with us, but could be there in spirit.
The space embraced our less than 50 person affair. Lending itself to the perfect level of intimacy, we were able to share our own taste in music without a band or even a deejay. Michael carefully crafted our own cocktail, dinner and dance mix. It captured all of our musical interests with far from the traditional sounds…a real crowd pleaser. The menu was an array of palate pleasing courses from gnocchi to veal. In lieu of wedding cake, we opted for individual apple tarte tatins for our guests and a signature Brooklyn Bridge dessert in decadent chocolate for Michael and I to seal the deal.
The desire for vintage glam was idealized in my dress and accessories. A chance encounter at a Birnbaum and Bullock sample sale, alone and on a whim it was one of the few dresses I tried. But as they say “when you know you know.” With minimal alterations needed, the dress fit like a glove. It was meant to be. My something borrowed and standout accessory was the art deco belt buckle I fashioned as a hair brooch. My shoes, once plain silver strappy shoes were glammed with hand made shoe clips from Etsy vendor Sofisicata. Bold in theory for me, but perfect in sentiment, I wore vintage costume ruby and diamond earrings that my mother and I found among some of my grandmother’s jewelry. Unbeknownst to her, they were exactly what I wanted and were the combined birthstone of Michael and myself. Luxurious in so many ways, but more endearing was the fur coat I wore during the day for pictures. A 50 year old coat that carries a lot of history and pleasure for many special women in my life was given some center stage moments. My bridesmaids were regal in eggplant by designer Enzoani. My intention was to have a color that most exemplified fall. The color complimented each of the ladies features and made for a fun cocktail dress for an afternoon wedding. Each of us were highlighted with beautiful bouquets wrapped in hand selected vintage hankies and brooches to meet the girls personalities. I carried a traditional Irish lace hankie with shamrocks to honor my Poppi pinned by an art deco brooch with three crystals, as I am one of three girls in my family. Michael sported a Hugo Boss suit. His groomsmen were likewise outfitted in suits with purple ties in various shades to complement the bridesmaids.
After ten months of preparation and thoughtful execution of details with respect to so many special people in our lives we felt as though we succeeded in creating a day that embodied us as a couple. WE are so grateful to the many talented people that brought their creative spirits to fruition. Our photographer Erik Ekroth has a gift for imagery and captured the day effortlessly. Many Etsy.com vendors were utilized and were a dream to work with offering much care and delight in being apart of our day. The hours spent enjoying the day and blissfully relaying all the special touches and sentiments was and still is the most enjoyable. We were overjoyed and almost in awe that the day could truly unfold far better than we could have ever imagined. In one word, we felt blessed.
Wedding Photographer: Erik Ekroth Photography / Reception Venue: The River Café / Wedding Gown: Birnbaum & Bullock / Bride’s Shoes: Ralph Lauren / Shoe Clips: Sofisticata / Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss / Bridesmaid Dresses: Love by Enzoani / Escort Cards: Sugar Papers / Photobooth Accessories: Maro Designs / Florist: Denise Fasanello Floral Design / Calligrapher: Maryann Goodhue of Goodhue Designs / Wedding Itineraries: Little Ladybug Press