A Joyous Home Wedding That Felt More Like an Intimate and Relaxed Dinner Party

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November 1, 2024

The Planning

Design / Vibe / Vision

Rachel and Michael envisioned a palette that perfectly balanced vibrant and pastel shades, evoking the lively spirit of spring while maintaining a sophisticated and classic ambiance. The wedding featured a stunning array of coral, lavender, and yellow hues, accentuated by crisp whites and a rich emphasis on greenery. This combination created a fresh and elegant atmosphere, seamlessly blending the lively energy of the season with a timeless and refined aesthetic. The thoughtful use of colors ensured that every detail, from the floral arrangements to the table settings, contributed to the overall harmonious and joyful feel of the celebration.

Held at Rachel's cherished childhood home, the wedding was designed to feel like an intimate and relaxed dinner party. The ceremony took place in the serene backyard, cocktail hour was enjoyed by the pool, and the reception unfolded beautifully in the front yard. Rachel and Michael's vision was to create an atmosphere where guests could feel completely at ease as if they were attending a warm and welcoming gathering of close friends. The couple prioritized comfort and authenticity, ensuring that the event was free from any sense of formality or pretense. This approach allowed everyone to fully enjoy the celebration, creating lasting memories in a setting that felt both personal and inviting.

Proposal Story

Every Saturday, Rachel and Michael wake up and head to their favorite bagel spot in Brooklyn, followed by sitting in the nearby Cobble Hill Park. The morning of Saturday, July 30th 2022, was no different. The couple woke up and made their way to get their bagels and sit in the park. Once seated at the park, Rachel noticed Michael was acting a little odd–he had barely touched his bagel. Rachel pried for a few minutes to see what was wrong, and after saying “nothing” over and over, Michael finally turned to Rachel and said, “do you want it now, or later?” dropped to one knee, pulled a ring out of his pocket, and popped the big question.

Getting Ready

Bridal Portraits

Flat Lays

First Look

Wedding Party

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

The Details

Food & Drink

The culinary experience was masterfully crafted by Lisa Borda of Bord A Petite Catering, reflecting the warm, homely ambiance Rachel and Michael desired. Dinner began with a classic wedge salad, setting a familiar and comforting tone. Guests then had the choice of three delectable main courses: red wine-braised short rib, roasted herb chicken, or vegan risotto, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. For late-night indulgence, New York City-inspired hot dogs and Italian cannolis paid homage to Michael's heritage and their shared love for the city. Specialty cocktails were a highlight, each with a story: the Spicy Margarita, named 'Spicy Babu' after their beloved cat; the espresso martini, called 'The Matchmaker,' celebrating their friends' successful setup; and the gimlet, dubbed 'Kindred Spirits,' marking their first date's special connection.

Florals & Decor

Jocelyn of Fig Event Co. brought a whimsical and organic floral vision to life, seamlessly integrating the natural beauty of the residence into the wedding decor. The arrangements were designed to appear as if they were growing naturally from the surroundings, with table centerpieces that looked freshly cut from the garden. This approach created an effortlessly elegant and asymmetrical aesthetic, balancing whimsy with a sense of order. The florals were not only visually stunning but also deeply connected to the venue, enhancing the intimate, homey atmosphere Rachel and Michael sought for their special day.

Wedding Cake

The wedding cake, crafted by GhilaDolci Bakery, was a beautifully simple textured buttercream cake that perfectly complemented the wedding's elegant yet personal vibe. The standout feature was a custom figurine modeled after Rachel and Michael's beloved cat, Babu. This charming and unique detail added a touch of playful personality to the cake, making it not just a dessert but a meaningful centerpiece that reflected the couple's love and connection to their furry friend.

Special Detail #1

Rachel and Michael's adored cat, Babu, holds a special place in their hearts and was thoughtfully included in various aspects of the wedding. Katie Shuler's photography team paid homage to Babu by capturing delightful and whimsical images of the cat figure throughout the day. These photos added a layer of personal charm and humor to the wedding album, highlighting the couple's affectionate bond with their pet and ensuring Babu's presence was felt in the celebration.

Special Detail #2

Rachel and Michael's wedding stationery, designed by Matinae Design Studios with custom illustrations by Nanette Art & Design, added a deeply personal and artistic touch to their celebration. Their invitations featured lovebirds holding a banner with the couple's initials, symbolizing their love and unity. The speciality drink cocktail menu included whimsical illustrations, such as a charming depiction of their cat Babu playfully nestled in a cocktail glass. The ceremony program highlighted a special tree from Rachel's childhood backyard, creating a nostalgic and meaningful connection to the venue. The out-of-town guests received welcome booklets filled with unique and thoughtfully crafted artwork, including a detailed map of the hometown with suggestions for the best places to eat and drink. Each piece of stationery was a cherished keepsake, reflecting the couple's personality and story.

Special Detail #3

Rachel and Michael’s wedding bands are unique, “two-of-a kind” matching rings. They were inspired by the idea of bringing their families together to create something new, and hatched the idea of collecting a small amount of gold from their families to be melted together to create each wedding band. The couple reached out to their mothers and were given two old, gold wedding bands—Rachel’s mother’s first wedding band and Michael’s great grandmother’s wedding band. Rachel and Michael took this idea—and the rings—to Page Sargisson, a jeweler in their neighborhood. At Page, the concept evolved. Rather than melt the rings down, the brilliant jewelers created a design that seamlessly melded the 2 rings together, split them in half, and then back filled the rings with new gold to symbolize the 2 families coming together to form 1.

Couple Portraits