When a couple is so in love that they are ready to wait 13 years (and longer if they had to) to finally tie the knot, we expect a big, warm, love-filled celebration, which is exactly what we got from this beautiful couple. The two had a whirlwind romance and knew they were perfect together from the very beginning, and then waited almost a decade and a half for New York to allow same sex marriages. And the party that followed? I’m of the opinion, thanks to Clean Plate Pictures, that it definitely lived up to the hype. A beautiful couple, a romantic setting, friends, family and loved ones all there to celebrate this stunning love. Let’s celebrate with them in the full gallery!
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We met by chance at a New York bar while Gaelle was on vacation. We had an automatic connection and after spending to days together, prior to her return to France, we agreed we would stay in contact. Remaining “in contact” evolved from “I’m back home safe” to daily chats some lasting hours! After getting to know each other over the phone, we soon came to realize that we were developing feelings for each other. After an impromptu visit eight weeks later, we began planning our lives together. We spent three weeks together in the City of Lights and we returned to New York to start our journey together.
We would get excited when some states started to allow gays to marry, but we never thought we would get the opportunity in New York. In the summer of 2011, 13 years after we met, laws were passed and we were thrilled.
Gaelle’s family was expected to come to New York for the holidays and so felt it was the perfect time to tie the knot. My family came from Florida and close friends were also invited to share this very special day in our lives.
I came across the Bartow Pell Mansion via a web search, and upon visiting, we immediately decided to exchange our vows and have a cocktail hour on site. The grounds are beautiful and the Mansion itself had a charm that we loved immediately. As we have a small guest list, Bartow Pell was the perfect location for this intimate affair. Decorations were minimal, since the Orangerie had beautiful light and didn’t need much, we did however, add flowers in the lavender color family. As we both lost our moms, we had a memorial candle engraved with their name in their honor.
My wedding dress was purchased at Pronovias, NYC. I knew I didn’t want a white dress, but had no idea what style or color I would end up in. I felt so elegant and beautiful in this one and the color as perfect for my skin tone. For weeks up until the wedding I would get so giddy just thinking of my dress!
Our wedding was so emotional for us. We were happy to finally and legally celebrate our love with loved ones. There was not a dry eye in the house. Love was in there and we felt it.
My favorite photo is Gaelle kissing my cheek and hers is the picture of our feet…she was so excited to show off her stripped socks!
Photography: Clean Plate Pictures / Cinematography: Copacetic Films / Flowers: Metropolitan Flower Exchange / Ceremony Location: Bartow Pell Mansion / Reception Location: Capsuoto Freres / Invitations: Etsy / Shoes: Badgely Mischka / Dress: Pronovias