I’ve always wanted to go to a fabulous wedding on New Year’s Eve. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with balloons, champagne and bushels of love as you witness inspiring “I do’s.” And if I ever get that invite, I hope it’s just like this fete planned and designed by Kate Siegel Fine Events. It’s a party to remember and these two get to re-create it every December 31st. Larissa Cleveland and Elysium Productions captured it all to help get us in the mood for this weekend – Happy New Year’s all!
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From the Bride… How we met: I was hired as an assistant at the law firm of Barasch McGarry Salzman and Penson upon graduation from Pace University. Nearly three months into my new job, I struck a close friendship with Christopher Carozza, a then young lawyer working for the World Trade Center Victim Compensation Fund. Our early relationship was built upon after work drinks and mutual friendships with co-workers. If I had developed a crush on Christopher, I did not let him know at all. After all, he was in a serious relationship and I was a single girl living in Manhattan, working a full-time job and spending weekends with girlfriends. When “Hurricane Sandy” ravaged the city in October 2012, I was displaced from my TribeCa apartment. I wasn’t the only one at my job displaced though. Chris had recently broken up with his girlfriend and was also displaced from his Manhattan apartment. As we shared horror stories of not being able to get back into our apartments, we also began hanging out more and more, as we were “couch surfing” due to relationship status and the aforementioned Hurricane displacement. One night, Chris surprised me with tickets to their mutual favorite Broadway musical, the revival of “Annie.” That was the beginning of the end. Since I was little I had loved that musical, and the message of “hope for tomorrow” rang true for each of us that evening. Though they were still living out of suitcases, after that “date night” our tomorrow was a new lease together on the Upper East Side and an engagement that followed two years later.
Favorite wedding moments: I have so many favorite moments from my wedding. The entire day was just so calm it really didn’t hit me until I was standing with my father waiting to walk down the aisle. Once it began there was one excitement to follow another. From the most amazing band setting a very New Year’s Eve mood to my brothers surprising me with a song and dance that included all my childhood friends. It was a feeling I will never forget: pure happiness. The few times I was able to sit down I looked out to the dance floor and can’t recall it once being even close to empty. We had a difficult time getting guests to sit down to eat! When midnight hit I stood and looked out to the a stunningly gorgeous room, covered in balloons and confetti, surrounded by everyone I love – that was such a true celebration of love… and quite the Happy New Year!
Photography: Larissa Cleveland Photography | Cinematography: Elysium Productions | Event Design: Kate Siegel Fine Events | Event Planning: Kate Siegel Fine Events | Floral Design: Kathleen Deery Design | Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza | Cake: The Whole Cake | Invitations: Southern Fried Paper | Bride's Shoes: Prada | Catering: Componere Fine Catering | Calligraphy: Nancy Hopkins Lettering | Lighting: Impact Lighting & Production | DJ: Boutique DJs | Band: Mood Swing Orchestra | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Wedding Venue: Bently Reserve | Balloon Drop: Balloon Magic | Beverage Services: Rye on the Road | China Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Custom Bandstands + Backdrop: Cherries Flowers | Custom Dance Floor: Bright Event Rentals | Custom Masks, Hats + Poppers: Paper Tangent | Getting Ready Venue: W Retreat & Spa | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Mother of the Bride's Attire: Tom Ford | Place Card Holders: Theoni Collection | Rentals: Standard Party Rentals | Signage, Stir Sticks + Napkins: Southern Fried Paper