We’re kicking off another gorgeous week here at SMP NY with the prettiest, chic beach fete we ever did see. Photographed to perfection by Marianna Jamadi Photography + Armando Rafael Photography, this wedding will have you dreaming of sandy shores and elegant, modern design in no time! See each and every fabulous detail right here!
Don’t miss this pretty, pretty film by Kiss the Bride Films!
Click here for the FULL wedding!
From the Bride… When my knight in shining armor, Brian, got down on one knee, our wedding journey began. My knight is no ordinary knight — the force is strong with him. He LOVES all things Star Wars! I’m NO Princess Leia — I’m more of a Carrie Bradshaw who happens to have been born in Venezuela to Chinese parents. We wanted our wedding to be a reflection on who we are both as a couple and individual people, as well as what makes us smile. We both love the beach. I LOVE the color pink, Hollywood regency style, anything vintage, and I am just addicted to a good bargain. His love of the Republic knows no bound. How could I combine what he loves with what I love in a classy, understated manner, incorporate my unique background AND pay homage to our shared love of lobster rolls!? This was harder than crossing Manhattan in 4-inch heels without a cab! I treated our wedding as a party. A great party has good food, a piñata, music and sangria! For Brian, anything Star Wars-related makes for a an awesome time.
I had a specific vision in my head on not only how I wanted the space to look but how how I wanted the whole wedding to feel — beach chic romance meets Han Solo in a galaxy far far away! I started an inspiration board of things I loved and spaces that made me happy. Brian was great and didn’t really ask for much except a Bobba Fett groom’s cake. I showed my inspiration board to my florist, Victoria, who was AMAZING! She worked with our budget and helped find alternatives when my ideas were too big for our pockets. She allowed me to source most of my decor items: driftwood, mercury candle holders, seashells, glass globes to hang from the ceiling, lanterns, etc.). Beach chic theme, check! I also wanted to surprise Brian. I organized a Chewbacca butter sculpture, a Darth Vader pinata filled with Star Wars goodies, a Chewbacca cut-out with lightsabers as props at the DIY photobooth and Star Wars-themed guest tote bags. Brian had the brilliant idea of making a signature cocktail, a Tatooine Caucasian…another nod to Star Wars. Star Wars theme, check! Our invitations, favors and menu played into our love of lobster rolls. Our printer created a beautiful heart lobster monogram, which to stamp our favor bags. Each had a red enamel lobster cracker, a lobster bib and a lobster-shaped cookie cutter. The bag was tied with a two sided recipe card. On one side, it had the a lobster boil recipe to use with the lobster bib and cracker. On the second side, we had a cookie recipe to use the lobster cookie cutter with. We also served lobster rolls at the reception. We even had a lobster cage as our card holder! Lobster roll theme, check!
In order to represent my Chinese heritage, we decided to have the tea ceremony before the wedding. It was amazing to have both of our families participate in this cultural ritual. For my family, it was a sign of respect and something a parent looks forward to. For Brian’s family, it was a sign that they embraced and celebrated our differences. Lastly, at Chinese weddings, the bride and groom have a large photo of themselves at the entrance of the reception. We did a take on this tradition and had a love map of all our milestones together. Unique background honored, check! Our family and friends still talk about how much they loved our wedding because it was so us. I want brides everywhere to know that a wedding should be whatever they want it to be. No theme is too impossible to mix together. For us it was about incorporating all the different elements that we love and things make us who we are … even Star Wars can be classy!
Wedding Photography: Marianna Jamadi Photography + Armando Rafael Photography / Wedding Venue: The Allegria Hotel in Long Beach, New York / Floral Design: Designs by Ahn / Wedding Cinematography: Kiss the Bride Films / Wedding Cake: The Hudson Cakery / Wedding Invitations: By Invitation Only / Star Wars Tote Bags: MisNopalesArt / Photo Booth Props: MisterMustache / Chinese Tea Ceremony Dress: Calypso / Bride’s Ceremony Dress: Anne Barge via The Wedding Salon of Manhasset / Bride’s Reception Dress: Jenny Packham via Designer Loft NYC / Bride’s Shoes: Miu Miu / Groom’s Suit + Tie: Brooks Brothers