Fact. Garden ceremonies are totally awesome. Like jaw-droppingly gorgeous, seriously amazing, can never get enough awesome. And when they are followed by a knock-your-socks off reception held at Gary’s Loft in NYC? Well, that’s what we call awesome to the extreme. Add in a to-die-for gown from Anne Barge, the fab stylings of HWR Events and an entire gallery overflowing with ah.mazing images captured Lauren Gabrielle Photography and, well. Saying “I Do” has never been so pretty. Click here for more.
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From the Bride… Jem and I met in 2006 when we worked together. Neither of us was single at the time, so we just got to know each other as co-workers. I quickly realized that Jem was the funniest person I’d ever met — no matter how stressed out or grumpy I was, he always knew how to make me laugh. After working together a little more than one year, we both moved onto other jobs and didn’t keep in touch. A couple of years later, I was single and had an extra ticket to see Radiohead (my favorite!). I sent Jem a text invitation, even though I had no idea where in the world he was. To my surprise, he accepted. We had an amazing time at the concert, although we still argue about whether we went as friends (I think so) or on a date (he thinks so). Turns out he was single too, and we began dating.
For our wedding, we wanted venues that would reflect our interests and our NY lives. We chose the Conservatory Garden of Central Park because we spend lots of time outdoors and because Central Park is quintessentially NY, not to mention it is the most beautiful park in Manhattan (we know — we visited them all). For the reception, we found Gary’s Loft, which included shabby chic, mismatched furniture and decor and a roof deck with breathtaking views of the Empire State Building. We knew this would impress both our local and out-of-town guests. We wanted more of a swanky cocktail party vibe than a typical seated dinner, and the loft was perfect for this! Our caterer, Tristin Your Kitchen, made countless guests remark “This is the best food we’ve ever had at a wedding!” It was very important to us that the food be exquisite because we’ve both worked in some of NYC’s finest restaurants, as have many of our guests. Our cake was made by our dear friend, Tiffany MacIsaac of Buzz Bakery and Birch & Barley in Washington, D.C. It was both stunning and delicious. We used HWR Events for our planning and day-of-coordination and couldn’t be happier. She understood our (somewhat quirky) vision and helped us to have the wedding that we wanted!
As for my dress, I was the luckiest bride in the world. Shortly after becoming engaged and over a year before the wedding, I went to Filene’s Running of the Brides. It was everything they say and more. Within five minutes of the doors being opened, every single dress had been snatched off the racks. Girls had teams of 10 or more bridesmaids and family members, carried huge signs describing their dream dress (e.g. A-line, strapless, size 8-10, etc.), and people are ruthless in trying to get their hands on everything. After a few minutes of utter chaos, my bridesmaid and I decided to leave. As we were about to walk out the front door, I saw a woman near the checkout with a stunning dress. I said to her, “That is beautiful!” To my surprise, she replied, “Do you want it?” I mumbled “Aren’t you buying it??” Turns out she worked there, so she wasn’t. After trying it on twice and having my (very patient) bridesmaid try it on twice for me so I could see how it looked on someone, I decided to buy it. At the time, I wasn’t sure if it was just an adrenaline purchase since it was 95% off — but I never looked at another gown again. Like Jem, I know it was the one for me!
Finally, perhaps the most important decision of all was choosing Lauren Gabrielle Photography to capture everything. The moment I saw her work (on SMP!) I was enamored. Her blog and portfolio confirmed that ALL her work is stunning. She is remarkably talented yet humble and was incredibly easy to work with. We love every single image she captured and know that generations who come after us will treasure them as well.
Photography: Lauren Gabrielle Photography / Ceremony: Conservatory Garden at Central Park in New York, New York / Reception: Gary’s Loft in New York, New York / Planning + Wedding Day Coordination: Heather Rice of HWR Events / Bouquets: Sprout Home / Reception Décor: HWR Events + Gary’s Loft / Officiants: The Bride’s Brother + The Groom’s Brother / Catering: Tristin Your Kitchen / Wedding Cake: Tiffany MacIsaac of Buttercream Bakeshop / Vow Books: Morgann Hill Designs / Wedding Dress: Anne Barge via Filene’s Basement (Now Closed) / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Engagement Ring: Little King Jewelry / Bride’s Jewelry: From Her Grandmother + Groom’s Grandmother / Hair: Drybar / Makeup: Kimara Ahnert / Groom’s Suit: Indochino / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: twobirds Bridesmaid