Quite frankly, I can’t think of a better spot to swap vows than Brooklyn Bridge Park. It’s the most iconic little gem of urban “I dos,” so when Weddings By Two sent over these beautiful snaps, we had NO choice but to stop and swoon. The gallery is packed with one pretty moment after another, and don’t miss Mint Wedding Cinematography’s film to tie it all together!
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From the Couple… We wanted a wedding that celebrated everything that makes us happy: our love for each other, being with family and friends, an undeniable addiction to Mexican food, and our favorite stomping grounds in Brooklyn.
I wasn’t the “…ever since I was a little girl…” bride. I never sketched the perfect wedding dress in my notebook, picked out flowers for my future bouquet in the backyard, or danced around with my mother’s veil on my head.
Needless to say, something happened when I met Jeff. I knew he’d be my husband one day. So when, he turned around and got down on one knee that December afternoon, I couldn’t help but start dreaming up our wedding day. Right from the start, our biggest wish was to simply have a fun party, and break as many wedding rules as possible… (except the ones we liked!)
We started with the biggest task of all: the venue. Gran Electrica in Dumbo was more than we could have ever hoped for—a farm-to-table Mexican restaurant under the Brooklyn Bridge with a beautiful garden, surrounded by an ivy-scaled brick wall, not to mention a margarita menu that trumps any open bar. Tacos and guacamole? We knew we had found the venue that suited our style perfectly. From the moment we asked if they’d consider hosting our wedding, we felt so welcomed. Plus, we couldn’t help but admire the impeccable service and owners who were always willing to help with every detail along the way. We felt so lucky.
This led us, around the corner, to Brooklyn Bridge Park. The Brooklyn Bridge has always been my favorite landmark in NYC. I had walked my second grade students across it on field trips, photographed it from every angle, and read books about its history—a monumental project seen to completion because of the unyielding support between a husband and wife. I never would have imagined saying my vows beneath it. We secured a permit and set the official date.
We love the late-summer energy that lingers in the final days of September, the fun Mexican details at the restaurant, and the relaxed vibe only Brooklyn knows. We wanted a fun, fresh, and romantic reception atmosphere to reflect that. We’re so happy with how it turned out!
Our florist, Gary of Van Vliet & Trap Event Design, covered the tables with burlap runners and gold mercury glass vases with garden roses, seeded eucalyptus, and lush dahlias in soft white, peach and blush tones. The garden was lit with strung Edison bulbs and scattered gold mercury votive candles. We also strung traditional Mexican banners, found on Etsy. They were patterned after the shop owner’s vintage Spanish lace wedding dress. It heightened the romance even more. Then, there was the photo-op of the night: the LOVE sign. Instead of ultra-expensive vintage marquee lights, we found custom made replicas for a fraction of the price. They were a total hit!
Jeff, a former art major, designed our seating chart, which we had printed and put in a clearance-aisle gold frame. I had found initial jewelry stands on sale at Anthropologie months earlier, and despite not knowing for sure what I’d do with them, I bought twelve. Turns out, they made perfect table markers and take-away gifts for several guests. We also bought miniature succulents and spray painted plastic pots in a soft, metallic gold before adding our monogram to each. We even printed small pennant flags, wrapped around toothpicks, to place in each pot. A small thank you for our guests.
We also designed the invitations and programs ourselves, using craft paper from Paper Presentation, and glue dots…lots of glue dots.
Ben, of Weddings by Two, captured the magic of the day perfectly—he is a master with light. For a wedding with no rain plan, we were blessed with golden sunlight, and Ben’s photographs actually glow! But more importantly, he is an awesome guy. He joined our party as if one of our oldest friends. We wish we could spend every weekend that way.
Chris, of Mint Wedding Cinematography, somehow single-handedly, caught every angle, subtle nuance, and heartfelt moment, creating a film that tells the story of our day. All a bride wants to do after her wedding is relive it again and again, and now I can.
We danced the night away under the Brooklyn Bridge. It was pure magic and we couldn’t be happier to share all the details with SMP so that our vendors can each be credited for all the beautiful and thoughtful touches on our day.
It was truly the best day of our lives and we’ll spend the rest of forever trying to top it!
Photographer: Weddings By Two | Videographer: Mint Wedding Cinematography | Floral Design: Van Vliet & Trap | Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven | Ceremony Venue: Brooklyn Bridge Park | Reception Venue: Gran Electrica | Shoes: Michael Kors | Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew | Grooms Attire: J.Crew | Antique Belt: Etsy, Misty Albion | Bridal Headpiece: BHLDN | Checker Cab: Film Cars | Getting Ready: Wythe Hotel | Grooms Shoes: Cole Haan | Ice Cream Truck: Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream | Marquee Lights: Etsy, Mellow Yellow Creative | Mexican Wedding Banners: Ay Mujer | Musicians: NY Ceremony Music | Photobooth: We Love Photobooths