This affair has that old world feel but with a few unique twists that give it a modern air. Think a classic trumpet dress modernized with a single sleeve cut or the glamour of De Seversky Mansion mixed with the laid back festivities of a summer party. And with images by Judy Pak + garden arrangements by Terracotta Gardens, it all makes for a day chock full of unabashed beauty.
From the Bride… Pierre and I had our very first date in Berlin in 2005, the evening before he was due to move to Frankfurt for six months. The next day I wrote my dear friend back home about the “Dashing Frenchman,” whom I would probably never see again. The following weekend Pierre returned to visit, and (even if we spent the following six years living in different countries) we have been just about inseparable ever since.
Our wedding this past summer near my home in New York brought our loved ones together from both sides of the ocean, most for the very first time. It was everything we could have dreamed, but we couldn’t have done it without our amazing family and friends and without our vendors, whose remarkable talent and hard work patched over our own rough-hewn edges! From the bottom of our hearts, we want to acknowledge a few of their individual efforts here.
Pierre and I fell immediately for the de Seversky Mansion and its hint of old world glamor. The staff was with us through each stage of the planning process and they worked tirelessly on the day to see that everything looked absolutely effortless. During the cocktail hour we had the lawn game pétanque on the ready for our French guests, but they never even noticed because they were too busy munching on the delicious food!
Judy Pak our photographer is wonder woman. Some people say they hate being photographed, but I HATE being photographed. Judy and her team were so professional and reassuring. They moved seamlessly through the day to capture as much as possible. These photos are not just souvenirs of our wedding day, they are our memories—and truly special ones at that. For this we are ever grateful.
Shelley and Dale made us dizzy with gorgeous flowers, from a spray of delphiniums at the entrance to the hand-held huppah, from lovely birch pots for the cocktail hour to resplendent centerpieces. When Shelley heard that I had dreamed of long tables at the wedding, she found the perfect wooden farm table and slid it seamlessly into the more formal dining arrangements to make us all feel a little more cozy.
I have known Marie Therese and Dana for years and, let me tell you, they worked miracles to make a bride of me. Their kindness, energy and dedication made the entire process such a relaxing pleasure. On the day of the wedding everything went so smoothly that we could share a few laughs and forget for a moment why we were there. That was until they were done and I looked in the mirror!
If the team at Inklinations had only helped us find our invitations, envelopes and paper goods (in French blue no less) that would have been enough. But when the stationary company fell through before the wedding, they worked unremittingly to help us find new solutions, even combing through the aisles of Michaels Art Supplies with us and helping to tie all of the bows on our programs. None of which they had to do, but they did anyway.
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge New York Orchestras, who helped us find such talented musicians throughout our cocktail hour and ceremony, and DJ Neza who kept everyone on the dance floor until the very end! (This was no easy task, mind you, for anyone who saw Saint Honoré’s incredible dessert display!!)
Everyone told me that planning a wedding would be stressful, but many forgot to tell us just how much fun it is. This experience brought us into contact with such incredible professionals and wonderful human beings. We wish nothing less for the special day of every couple who reads this.
Photography: Judy Pak Studio | Floral Design: Terracotta Gardens | Wedding Dress: Cocoe Voci | Makeup And Hair: Make Up By Marie Therese | Band: New York Orchestras | Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers | Venue: De Seversky Mansion | Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Photography - Assistance: Angela Newton Roy Photography