New York Weddings

With an oncoming hurricane, some logistics had to be reworked a bit for this Brooklyn bash but the smiles and fun loving energy never, ever faded. Cynthia Chung went along with the wild ride, capturing all the laughter that this Bride and Groom brought with them – see our favorite moments below and more in our Vault right here!

Whimsical Brooklyn Bash

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Whimsical Brooklyn Bash

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From Cynthia Chung Photography… New York City got hit with some high winds that weekend because of Hurricane Joaquin but nothing stopped us. With a high energy and fun bridal party, a stylish bride and groom, nothing could dampen our day. We geared up and breezed through Grand Central and had the ceremony indoors at an adorable restaurant – which had an awesome vibe of comfort and cozy. Add in some crazy swing dancing, dinosaur wedding favors, dang delicious dinner, drinks and cupcakes – well, it was definitely a night to remember!!

From the Bride… Miles and I met in Brooklyn, and it’s where our life and love have grown together, so it was the only place we could see ourselves getting married that felt true to both of us. Our vision for our wedding was to have a good party, with good food, good music, and all of our favorite people by our side. Or as I deemed it “just north of an elopement”. What unfolded from that was an intimate affair with a vintage vibe and a lot of sentimental value throughout.

From the beginning the plan was to have a ceremony at a waterfront park in Brooklyn, officiated by one of my best friends, followed by a reception at Le Barricou, a restaurant that was a long-standing date night spot for Miles and I. And then to top it off, a stellar jazz band, because we often enjoy live music together in the city and wanted to share that with our guests. Of course… it wouldn’t have been OUR wedding if things had gone according to plan. Fast forward to the big day, a hurricane might be hitting New York, it’s windy and rainy, and we’re making a last minute relocation of our ceremony to the back of Le Barricou. Stressful… but as my mom put it, I was born during a hurricane and here I was getting married during a hurricane… so “there’s your sign”!

Lucky for us, Le Barricou was incredibly accommodating, and also happens to have a lovely skylight in their back room we could be married beneath. Before we knew it, we were mass texting our guests to show up an hour late at a new location, and the huge balloons that were supposed to serve as markers in the park had now become our altar decorations. And Cynthia, our most wonderful photographer, was quick on her feet in suggesting Grand Central as an alternate place for our photos, where she so patiently guided our quirky and wild bridal party through the masses like the pro she is. I’m so thankful for the people who rallied around us to make the last minute changes and decisions we had to make possible! 

Like many brides do, I spent a lot of time on Pinterest – me against the internet – pining after pretty details, but also not wanting to do a ton of DIY projects. In the end we kept it simple. I made menus that had a mad-lib on the back which proved fun for our guests, a friend illustrated a cute wedding map for us, and we spray painted tiny dinosaurs gold to use on escort cards that doubled as favors (because Miles and I have dinosaur nicknames for each other). Beyond that, we relied on the decor of the restaurant and good company to set the mood for our reception, which was perfect for us. 

And just like that, we were married! I’m confident that it was the combination of beauty and chaos that made it the PERFECT DAY. In the end, everything came together even better than we’d imagined, curveballs and all, and we wouldn’t have had it any other way!

Photography: Cynthia Chung Photography | Floral Design: Stems Brooklyn | Wedding Dress: Theia | Cupcakes: Heavenly Crumbs | Bride's Shoes: Anthropologie | Hair: Foxy Salon | Band: Dennis Lichtman and Friends | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Venue: Le Barricou | Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bridal Shop | Wedding Map Illustrations: The Paper Gnome

When it comes to wedding day grandeur, nothing can quite compare (or hold a candle) to The Plaza Hotel in NYC. Want proof? Just take on peek at this pretty from Marcy Blum Associates. It’s an evening filled with ballroom elegance and Christian Oth behind the lens and we’ve got it all in The Vault!

From the Bride…When I was in my first year out of college, I went to my younger sister’s winter formal with her as her date. She was a Junior at the University of Madison-Wisconsin. While at her formal, we were hanging out with her friend Alex when he asked me if he could give his older brother my number. I was single and looking to date, so I happily obliged. Daniel texted me and asked me for a date the following week. He took me to Pravda on our first date, and my initial impression was that he was extremely sweet, mature, a little shy, and very cute! The conversation was easy, and I felt very comfortable with him instantly. Our first date was the week before Christmas, and I think that we were pretty much living together by March.

About 2-2.5 years into dating, Dan and I went on vacation to Anguilla, which is my favorite island that I have been going to since I was little. I knew he had a ring at this point because I had designed it, but I didn’t know when he was going to propose. It was the second night of our vacation, and we had a dinner reservation at the hotel. When we arrived for dinner, the hostess told us that we had a private table set up by the pool, which overlooked the ocean. The ring was set on the table. When we walked up, Dan took the ring and got onto one knee. It was the most beautiful and meaningful moment that I could have asked for.

Soon after we got home from the trip, we started the wedding planning process. We got Marcy Blum’s name through my mom’s friend, and from our very first meeting with her, we knew she was the perfect fit! Marcy and Gabby (her assistant) made the entire process so seamless and fun. Planning a wedding should be a happy and exciting time, yet sometimes it gets clouded by stress. With Marcy, I did not feel overwhelmed at all. People kept telling me that I was the calmest bride that they had ever met (on my wedding day, someone even asked me if I was sedated!!), and I owe that all to Marcy and Gabby.

Our wedding was at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. It was on June 18th, a beautiful warm sunny day. The entire day was like a dream. I woke up and did Pilates with my sister, and when we came back to the hotel, the bridal suite was decked out with hair and makeup stations, food, champagne, most importantly, my bridal party and mom! Hair and makeup felt like a party-we had champagne flowing, music playing, and matching pajamas (duh!). I think my favorite part of the day was the reveal, though. After getting ready, they had me walk down this beautiful grand staircase where Dan was waiting for me. It became very real to me at that moment that I was about to marry my best friend. Pictures followed, and our photographer Christian made the whole process so playful and fun. Even Dan said he had fun during pictures, which says a lot! We took photos in the hotel, and we also got to go to Central Park since it was such a beautiful day. The shots that he captured were truly amazing.

The ceremony room was the most whimsical, magical room I had ever seen. The design team (David Beahm) made it feel like an enchanted garden. Everything just felt very special and you could tell that so much thought and attention went into the décor. David transformed the Plaza into a beautiful garden, with rustic wooden tables, floral linens, and flowers like peonies, garden roses, and hydrangea. It felt so unexpected for the Plaza, which I loved. The food was great-everyone raved about the raw bar and the lobster rolls at the cocktail hour. My favorite touch was that there were freshly made doughnuts for guests as they were leaving at the end of the night-SO good!! Honestly, the whole day/night was such a blur-it went by way too fast and I wish I could do it all over again. It was the most special day of my life, and I feel so lucky to have had everyone I love in one room for a night. It was so whimsical and beautiful…a truly perfect way to start our marriage.

Photography: Christian Oth Studio | Event Planning: Marcy Blum | Floral Design: David Beahm Designs | Venue: The Plaza Hotel

Ben and Kim’s love story began long before their wedding day when they were just a pair of high-school sweeties growing up in New York City. Fast forward 13 years and there was zero question where they should tie the knot. “We knew Brooklyn was where we wanted to be married – outside, right on the water, with the city that raised us in the background,” said Kim. China Jorrin photographed the celebration full of beauty and emotion like you’ve never seen.

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We are two NYC kids who met at 15 years old, quickly becoming high school sweethearts. Ben is a video producer/editor/director and Kim works in casting for film and TV. After imagining the day of our wedding since we were teenagers, finally experiencing it after 13 years together, in front of our closest family and friends, was the greatest gift we could’ve received. We knew Brooklyn was where we wanted to be married- outside, right on the water, with the city that raised us in the background. The simplicity of our gorgeous white florals and neutral colors and style, perfectly reflected our vision for this incredibly meaningful day. It was an absolute dream.

What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning?

We envisioned a day filled with memories and love, surrounded by close family and friends. We knew our wedding would be fairly large – we have been together for almost 13 years and it was important to us to include all of the people who had contributed to our life together. It was truly special celebrating with the people we grew up with. We had always wanted to get married in Brooklyn – and knowing we needed a venue that could accommodate a large party, we knew immediately after finding it that The Liberty Warehouse was our dream location. We wanted an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour overlooking our beautiful hometown of NYC (which nearly didn’t happen due to the thunderstorms, but magically cleared just in time for the invite!!). We moved inside for the reception, surrounded by Amber lighting and flickering candles, while the sunset and outdoors were still accessible just a few steps away. It was absolute perfection. The entire staff at The Liberty Warehouse, led by Jeff Torem, were so wonderful throughout the planning process and made our experience one we will never forget.

Tell us about your color palette and style vision?

Ben and I wanted our wedding to reflect our warm, romantic, and simplistic style preferences. The neutral color palette we chose perfectly summed up our vision for the evening’s decor – white/cream, charcoal and dove gray, and black. White flowers with pops of greenery, light Amber lighting, and the gorgeous brick arched Liberty Warehouse structure in the background perfectly defined our personal style and vision for our Brooklyn wedding. My bridesmaids wore mostly long chiffon charcoal or dove gray/cream dresses (one gray Tulle dress for my youngest “Maid”, my sister Sophie), and the groomsmen wore fly black suits. Ben wore a stunning gray tuxedo with black lining on the pants/jacket. He looked so handsome.

What unique elements or DIY details did you include?

We loved the idea of incorporating photographs of us, our family and our friends. Making our wedding as personal as possible was our priority. We knew we were going to use baby photos of us as our table numbers, which was such a fun and cute moment for us to do together. With this idea already planned, we decided to use baby photos of our bridal party on our wedding website instead of current photos. It personified this natural theme we had of incorporating the past and the present, as our relationship is such a wonderful reminder of time and love. For our guest book at the wedding, we had Polaroid cameras on the escort card table, so our guests could snap a photo of themselves and write us a little message as a keepsake. We also had photo collages of us and our families on the same table. We have such incredible families and we wanted to show them off!

What was your favorite moment?

Our ceremony was our favorite part. Our officiant Jeddah helped to create such a wonderful flow to the ceremony, allowing our personalities to just shine right through, resulting in a very moving and loving moment in the day. It’s what our guests reference as their favorite part in the day, as well. It was incredibly important for us to personalize our vows, and hearing each other’s words was a special experience for us both. After being together for so long, there were so many different things we could say in those 20 minutes. It was entirely about love and our devotion to each other- a mix of humor, romance and memories. We also included a moment where we thanked our parents, having them stand while we turned in their direction, and hear how special and inspirational they are to us, in our own words. That was very rewarding. The dancing was our other favorite part. Our incredible DJ Neza literally kept our guests on their feet the entire night. He crafted the evening so perfectly, knowing when to play certain songs, when to entice people back on the dance floor and also when to slow it down. He developed the perfect balance, and if we could have him follow us around in our daily lives, creating a life soundtrack for us, we would.

Your favorite crafted detail?

Personalizing our wedding was our favorite detail. From the table number baby photos, family photos, photos of Ben and I at 16 years old right next to a photo of us from this year, speeches from our parents and siblings, personalized vows – it was just us. Every moment, every word- it perfectly defined who we are as people in this relationship together, and what experience we wanted our guests to have on this day. We’ve known each other almost half our lives, and sharing the history of our relationship with those who know us best was our favorite part. Planning the menu was also incredibly fun… Because we like to eat. Who doesn’t!?

What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be?

If time allows, space out the planning process so you don’t get too overwhelmed. We happened to have almost a 2-year engagement, and planning a NYC wedding does take some time, but it allowed us to really enjoy every detail without feeling too stressed. I also think it’s important for brides to just relish in this moment. Everybody says it, and I will add myself to the tally, but this incredible day that’s potentially taken so long to plan goes by so quickly. My sister gave me a great piece of advice that was passed down to her from a friend: take a moment during the wedding to just look out at your guests, look at the scene in front of you, and take it all in. Because in just a few short hours it will be over! As I was looking into The Liberty Warehouse from outside by the water, an incredible sunset behind me, I thought to myself, this is pretty special. This is a day about my love and me, and all of the people who love us most. It is a day of celebration.

Photography: China Jorrin Photography | Floral Design: Raven Hollow Guild, Inc. | Wedding Dress: Suzanne Neville | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Rings: Deena Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Essense of Australia | Catering: The Liberty Warehouse | Makeup: The House Of Makeup | Lighting: Pegasus Productions | DJ: DJ Neza | Groom's Attire: Joseph Abboud | Groomsmen's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Officiant: Jeddah Vailakis, NYC Wedding Officiant | Venue: The Liberty Warehouse | Bride's Hair: Drybar | Candy: Samuel's Sweet Shop, Rhinebeck NY | Groom's Shoes: Nordstrom | Groom's Tie: Pierre Cardin | Invitations + Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Listen up, you guys. Today we’re hosting a sweet little meet and greet with one of our fave vendors and, well… you honestly can’t miss this.  Because when it comes to finding the perfect cinematography studio to capture your Big Day, the team at Wedding Drone New York is IT.  Think a cinematic experience like no other with both ground AND sky cameras filming every single second.  It’s the future of cinematography and you NEED to scroll below for a jaw-dropping look.

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Part of the reason we love our jobs so, so much is being able to connect awesome vendors with awesome people like YOU.  Because when it comes to your Big Day, you deserve nothing but the best… and today? Well, today you’ve got it. Because the team at Wedding Drone is truly changing the game when it comes to wedding films with their unparalleled ability to literally film from every angle with traditional cameras on the ground and bonus cameras in THE SKY for the most breathtaking views of your wedding day you will ever lay your eyes upon.  It’s sooo crazy cool AND the best way ever to document all of those unforgettable moments.  We literally can’t get enough.

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For a cinematic experience unlike any other, contact Wedding Drone New York. It’s a decision you definitely won’t regret… Trust us.

How do you pull off a classic city wedding… but with a unique whimsical twist? You hire an incredible team led by Ang Weddings and Events. Add in Nine Cakes and Face Time Beauty Concierge assisting with the details and Brian Hatton and McKenzie Miller Films capturing it all, you’re guaranteed a stylish success. And that’s exactly what we have right here – head to our Vault to see it all!

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From the Bride and Groom… We first met in springtime in New York City, and we hoped to capture that feeling of lush beauty and budding excitement! We wanted to celebrate in the style of a classic, elegant New York wedding, but also retain the elements of our unique style – a little whimsical and cartoony.

Our planner, Tzo Ai of Ang Weddings and Events, knew how to help us blend those elements perfectly. We visited several venues in the city for our ceremony and reception, but knew almost immediately that the Four Seasons Hotel – with its curving row of bright, round awning lights, pillared central space, and enormous grid windows with twinkling candles in every pane – would combine our love for a retro New York vibe with a more modern, contemporary sleekness. Our floral design was in shades of pale pink, ivory, white, and hints of chartreuse, using cherry blossoms and peonies as the backdrop, but together with Tzo Ai and our wonderfully talented florist Sarah from Blossom and Branch, we incorporated bright pops of saturated pinks and corals to add a bit of unexpected color and fun. On our wedding day, we completely fell in love with the tall, lush arrangements that evoked a garden-like feel… reminding us of our first dates in Central Park!

To add a bit more of our own humor to the wedding, we created specially designed invitations from Lion in the Sun, incorporating our very own cartoon “bear and lion” motif, which I (Emily, the bride) like to sketch to represent us. We loved the contrast of the classic heavy, ivory letterpress with gold flowing script… and the funny “bear and lion” cartoon and bright pink edging. Likewise, we equally loved creating both our beautifully elegant (and so delicious!) gold-and-white cake from Nine Cakes decorated with what seemed like a billion tiny hand-made petaled flowers, as well as our “bear and lion riding in a yellow cab” cartoon that I drew just for our wedding and we had printed directly onto our favorite Eleni’s iced cookies. To tie everything together, we thought music would be key! Our band, Blair Reinhard Band, was simply phenomenal, weaving Sinatra and Top 40’s music in together to create a fun, vibrant atmosphere. When I picked my wedding dress, I also hoped to find something that would capture old-school glamour but with a bit of fun, and I found it in the custom, intricately beaded bodice and full ballgown skirt with an asymmetric gather and wide, ribbon-like panel of silk gazar train. Like our wedding, it was exactly what I had hoped for – classic, but with a little magic thrown in!

The best advice we can give is to stay true to your own personal sense of fun and style! We loved all the little details and extra whimsical touches that made our wedding feel so special to us. We agree that the best practical advice is to find a planner who both organizes and inspires you; if you have busy jobs and careers, a great planner will make all the difference!

Photography: Brian Hatton Photography | Videography: McKenzie Miller Films | Event Planning: Ang Weddings and Events | Floral Design: Blossom and Branch | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Nine Cakes | Invitations: Lion in the Sun | Shoes: Miu Miu | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Hair + Makeup: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Band: Blaire Reinhard Band | Favors: Eleni’s New York | Tuxedo: Ermeneglildo Zegna | Officiant: Kristopher Marx | Wedding Venue: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara | Ceremony Strings: Elan Artists | Draping: Dazian | Wedding Rings: Tiffany & Co.

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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The florals in this upstate NY wedding have grabbed ahold of my attention and not let go. But it’s not the bouquets – though the bridal bouquet is OMG worthy – but the unique and oh so pretty floral hair combs that all of the bridesmaids wore instead of carrying bouquets. Genius, right? Elena Wolfe – with assistance by Colleen Macmillan – captured every look and more. Head to our Vault for it all!

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From Elena Wolfe… Cali and Phil had a beautiful and lush summer wedding full of blush, ivory, and greens. The ceremony overlooked the Hudson River and guests were seated next to rows of white lanterns and blush rose blooms. The bridesmaids had custom flower hair pieces to complement their blush gowns and the groomsmen looked handsome in charcoal suits. Everyone danced into the night with a fun live band finishing with a cake adorned by fresh flower buds and draping ivy.

From Earthy Elegance Florals… Our inspiration was drawn from the elegant location with rustic hints. We wanted the flower decor to feel different and unique while maintaining a tasteful appearance. The bridal bouquet was made up of blush pink and white peonies, garden roses, white sea holly, eucalyptus and ivy cascading down the side. Instead of having my bridesmaids hold bouquets, I decided to do something different and have them all wear floral hair combs made up of blush pink and white garden roses, white sea holly, spray roses and eucalyptus leaves.

We pulled a lot of the inspiration from the location including the gardens. We wanted the ceremony and cocktail hour space to have a romantic feel with lanterns decorated with eucalyptus and spray roses. We filled the reception space with candles, and half of our barn-style harvest tables were decorated with rectangular wood boxes filled with cylinder white candles and an arrangement of flowers made up of blush pink and white garden roses, stock, hydrangeas, spray roses, wax, eucalyptus and green ivy hung off the sides of the box. The other half of our tables were decorated with eucalyptus, spray roses and green ivy floral runners and candles down the center of the harvest tables.

Photography: Elena Wolfe Photography | Floral Design: Earthy Elegance Florals | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Invitations: Minted | Engagement Ring: Tiffany & Co. | Catering: Jean Jacques Culinary Creations | Band: Noiz Entertainment | Suit: Brooks Brothers | Wedding Venue: Boscobel | Bridal Boutique: The Plumed Serpent Bridal Salon | Film Lab: Pro Photo Irvine | Photography - Assistance: Colleen MacMillan | Wedding Rings: Cartier

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Photography

Elena Wolfe Photography

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Now this is how you plan the perfect NYC wedding. Step 1: make sure the incredibly talented Clary Pfeiffer Photography is behind the lens. Step 2: Marry in a stunning church that has sentimental meaning to you. Step 3: Plan one blowout party at the famous St. Regis Hotel. The results? PERFECTION! We’ll let you see for yourself in The Vault.

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From the Bride… Being an artist and designer myself I had a clear vision for the esthetic design of the wedding that all evolved from a beautiful Marie Antoinette inspired greeting card designed by the artist Paulette Kinney. Years before my wedding was even a glimmer on the horizon I happened across this enchanting gilded greeting card on Etsy and instantly fell in love with the whimsy and beauty of the design. Years later, soon after I was engaged, Paulette was the very first vendor I contacted to commission her to rework the design into a custom wedding monogram and entire wedding paperie suite. This image became the cornerstone of the visual esthetic of the event and was laced throughout the entire look of the day becoming the single most standout element branding our wedding. The custom baroque and pink rose encrusted crest was hand painted on a custom runner in the church, used on the favor boxes and escort cards, as well as hand painted on the most prominent tier of our wedding cake. The single most stunning use of this image was the large-scale reproduction that was printed on a 33’x15’ custom dance floor wrap. This piece was an absolute showstopper for guests when they entered the ballroom. The colors also complimented the overhead sky mural so wonderfully that the two looked as if they were made for each other. Having this one piece of inspiration to generate all of my ideas from made choosing the other elements in the room a breeze, including the vintage crystal napkin rings, dupioni silk blush pink napkins and the divinely light and airy ruffled table linens from La Tavola.

My something old was my great grandmother’s handkerchief given to me by my grandmother, as well as a vintage six pence coin presented to me by my mother and 4 sisters. We observed the age-old tradition of placing a six pence coin in the bride’s shoe to wish her prosperity, love and happiness in her marriage. Something borrowed was a crystal and silver rosary acquired by my sister and maid of honor, Alana, during her studies abroad in Italy. It was purchased at vintage shop in Rome, and blessed by Pope Benedict XVI during a mass she attended at the Vatican. On my wedding day it was wrapped around the stem of my bouquet as I walked down the aisle. If Jesse and I are blessed with a daughter one day this same rosary will be gifted to her from Alana on her first holy communion. Since the accent color for my wedding was pale aqua blue, my something blue was a custom made aqua silk tulle crystal beaded garter. Finally my something new was a gorgeous Alencon lace cathedral length mantilla veil designed by Homa, which I absolutely fell in love with the moment I tried it on and was purchased by my mother. Hopefully this beautiful heirloom quality piece can also be passed down for generations to come.

The Ceremony was held at a church in Brooklyn Jesse grew up attending as young boy. He spent many Sundays there as an alter boy and we both quickly agreed it would be a sweet sentiment knowing the same aisle he walked down as a young boy on many a Sundays was the same aisle he would be walking down as an adult on our wedding day. A Custom aisle runner was hand painted with the monogram crest from our wedding invitations, and gorgeous letterpress wedding programs were custom designed by the talented Barbara Stanaitis of Bella Baroque Studio.

Jesse and I love historic locales. On many weekends during the fall and winter you can find us traveling to quaint New England towns in search of historic landmarks, mansions, or homes to explore. We definitely knew we both wanted to get married in a historic space. We visited every historic locale within an hour of NYC, from the sprawling grounds of Oheka Castle, to the baroque ballroom of Sleepy Hollow Country, to the stonewalls of Hempstead house in Long Island. Each one was beautiful in its own rite but not the right fit for us. Disappointed Jesse and I felt like we had left no stone unturned and were about to settle on one of the many properties we had already visited, until my sister and maid of honor Alana recommended we look at the ballroom on the top floor of the famous St. Regis Hotel in NYC. Given that she is my sister and knows my absolute love of baroque details she knew it was the place. One quick Internet search later and I knew I had found the one! Jesse and I quickly booked an appointment with the catering manager to view the space. Between the expansive views of Fifth Avenue and Central Park, the elegant details of the gilded ballroom, sparkling baroque chandeliers, and pale aqua sky mural painted on the ceiling, we knew it was the perfect locale for our classic New York affair. The bygone era esthetic of the space was the perfect backdrop for the Marie Antoinette inspired design ideas I had for the rest of the wedding. The ballroom was also the perfect size for our 160+ head count, and offered us a space that was big enough for all our guests to enjoy dinner and dancing comfortably, yet small enough that the party still felt intimate and romantic. I’m definitely not a bride who likes the feel of large sprawling event venues or halls and this event space was completely the opposite.

Some of my favorite moments of the day captured by Clary Pfeiffer were the photos taken of Jesse and myself when we were first able to view the ballroom before our guests. I had spent countless months and many late nights agonizing over all of the details of this room, and when I saw it for the first time I felt like I had entered into a dream world filled with all of my favorite things. I remember in this moment twirling around in the center of the dance floor staring up at the glittering chandeliers, admiring the overwhelmingly gorgeous rendition of our monogram on the dance floor and basking in the warm glow of the candlelight emanating from the candelabras, and saying to Jesse and Marie Danielle “Can I live here!” It was nothing short of breathtaking.

Photography: Clary Pfeiffer Photography | Cinematography: Kiss The Bride Films | Wedding dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Ana Parzych Cakes | Ceremony Venue: St. Anselm Church | Reception Venue: Saint Regis Hotel | Entertainment: POSH Entertainment | Bride's Headpiece + Bracelet + Earrings: Bridal Styles Boutique | Bridesmaids dress: White Runway | Bride’s Robe: GirlandaSeriousDream | Bride’s shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Chiavari Chairs + Glass Top Tables: Luxe Event Rentals | Church Programs + Menus: Bella Baroque Design | Custom Aisle Runner: The Original Aisle Runner Company | Custom Garter + Ring Pillow: Millie Icaro | Event Coordination + Floral Design: A Votre Service Events | Flower Girl Dress: Custom Gavella | Groom’s tuxedo: Michael Andrews Bespoke | Invitations + Escort Cards: Paper Nosh | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Veil: Homa Bridal | Velvet Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Wedding Clutch: BHLDN

Whatever you have scheduled for the weekends of October 7th – 9th and October 14-16th, cancel it. Now. Because Designer Loft is hosting an Aire Barcelona Trunk Show and, well… it’s a can’t miss, you guys. Think seriously stunning gowns that are all about luxe fabrics, flattering silhouettes and unique details. Mark your calendars and prepare to fall sooo in love.

Known for their dramatic styles and show-stopping trains, Aire Barcelona’s newest lineup of lovely is everything you’ve ever wanted… and so much more. From their awe-inspiring fit and flares to their breathtaking ballgowns to their chic A-lines that will leave all of your guests talking, each and every gown is crafted with their love of fabulous details and soft + silky fabrics.

With amazing customer service and serious know-how from the talented staff at Designer Loft, The Aire Barcelona Trunk Show is a win-win when it comes to finding that dream dress. Grab your besties and make plans NOW to attend from Friday, October 7th – Sunday, October 9th. You’ll get to bask in the beauty that is Aire Barcelona, plus receive an exclusive 10% discount on their stunning designs. (YES.)

Call Designer Loft at (212) 944-9013 or click here NOW to book your appointment. You’ll be so very, very happy you did.

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Designer Loft

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These two wanted their big wedding to feel truly intimate, so in lieu of traditional escort cards they wrote a personalize note to each and every one of their 300 guests. “Although we didn’t get a chance to speak to EVERY individual person, the notes allowed us to share a favorite memory and thank each guest for playing such an important role in our lives,” said the bride. It’s a meaningful touch with so much heart, and there’s more to love (AvaFlora blooms included) in the gallery from Michelle Lange and film by Bilski Productions.

Danielle and Nicholas’ Wedding at The Carltun in Eisenhower Park from Bilski Productions on Vimeo.

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From the Bride… Coming from a big family where Sunday dinners are the norm and no milestone goes uncelebrated – we knew our wedding would be one big party! Nick and I met in college at Hofstra University just down the road from The Carltun, where we were married. When I met Nick I instantly fell in love with his sense of humor and his energy.

It was the day after our first date that I introduced him to my ENTIRE family at my father’s 50th birthday and he immediately fit right in. I am so grateful to have the love of my life by my side through anything life throws our way including two years of long distance between New York and Virginia.

After about a year and nine months of long distance, Nick popped the question in the best way he knew how – by proposing at my parents’ house with all of our closest friends and family watching from inside turning our engagement into one big celebration. Soon after our engagement Nick moved back from Virginia, we moved into our first place together in New Jersey and the wedding planning began!

The first item on our wedding planning agenda was finding a venue that could accommodate our 300 family and friends and could bring to life our vision for a rustic elegant affair. When we first visited The Carltun we instantly fell in love with the classic elegance of the space. The elaborate white molding and wood floors in the ballroom were absolutely breathtaking. The garden area where we would be married was so romantic as its centerpiece is a gorgeous water fountain surrounded by cypress trees.

After selecting our venue we then began to solidify the details of our big day. Our venue helped shape our color palette for our big day. Being that The Carltun was so elegant we wanted to incorporate a neutral color palette into our theme to compliment both the ballroom and the garden area.

When we first met with Lori at AvaFlora I explained our vision and she immediately knew how to bring it to life through a mix of white florals and greenery. The bar which, was the backdrop for my Dad and I walking down the aisle was covered in a green garland. The end of the aisle was decorated with an array of plants and white and green floral arrangements which, were later repurposed as decor for the ballroom and entrance of the space.

Being that we wanted to incorporate a rustic look to our day, we enlisted the help of Dovetail Rentals. They provided draw dropping farm tables to line the front of our ballroom for our bridal party’s table. When we walked into the ballroom the day of our wedding it was perfect! Our head table was lit with candelabra’s and each place setting was met with a simple piece of greenery giving it a cozy aesthetic and making it feel just like a big Sunday dinner.

Throughout the planning process, we wanted to find ways to include our family and friends in all of the excitement. For our favors we chose to give out a bottle of homemade wine as one of our favorite things to do is have a movie night and share a bottle of red wine. In March we got our entire bridal party and immediate family together to bottle and label 200 bottles of wine. This was such a fun day and allowed us to spend time with everyone leading up to the big day.

Being that we were anticipating around 300 guests for our wedding we wanted to find a way to make it feel intimate. Nick suggested we hand write notes to all of our guests and I am so happy we did! The week’s leading up to our wedding we dedicated about an hour a night to write a note to each of our guests. The notes were then carefully placed into an envelope which acted as the seating card for all of our guests. Following our wedding, we still hear about how amazing it was. Although we didn’t get a chance to speak to EVERY individual person the notes allowed us to share a favorite memory and thank each guest for playing such an important role in our lives.

As I worked on the nitty gritty details, Nick coordinated the elements for our wedding that he was most passionate about – the music.

About a year prior to our engagement, we attended our close friends, wedding in Florida where we heard, Bryan Malpass for the first time singing acoustically. That night Nick let Bryan know that the second we got engaged Bryan would be the first to know! Following our engagement – Nick confirmed Bryan to fly in from Florida for our big day to sing me down the aisle.

Our ten bridesmaids walked down the aisle to the acoustic version of “What Makes You Beautiful” and I followed walking down to the acoustic version of “Just the Way You Are” as selected by Nick – they could not have been more perfect.

Following the ceremony Bryan sang during cocktail hour, however, because Nick and I did not get a chance to hear him during that time, Nick requested he play some songs as guests were having their entrees during the reception. As Nick and I were making our way through the tables to greet guests we walked across the dance floor to get from one end of the room to the other but quickly stopped in the middle of the room for one of our all time favorite songs “I’ll Be.” This impromptu dance turned into such a memorable part of the night for us as we were not only the only people on the dance floor but felt like we were the only two people in the room.

After two years of planning, the day came and went so quickly and it could not have been more amazing. Our day was made special thanks to all of the love and support we received from our parents. From my mom going on countless wedding dress appointments with me to my dad sharing our favorite dance (“Butterfly Kisses”) together to Nick’s mom and dad for making numerous trips between Virginia and New York to be a part of every pre-wedding event – we are forever grateful for everything they did to make our wedding everything we could have dreamed of and more.

If we can give any future bride and groom advice it would be to not worry about the small stuff. While some things may not go according to plan don’t stress about it – chances are you and your new hubby are the only ones that will notice it. The day is about you and your husband and the love and excitement you have ahead. Most importantly have fun!

Photography: Michelle Lange Photography | Cinematography: Bilski Productions | Wedding Planning and Design: Gilded Lily Events | Floral Design: AvaFlora | Cake: The Carltun | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Makeup: Kristin Mavroson | Hair: Stephanie from De La Mer | DJ : Bravura Entertainment | Wedding Venue: The Carltun | Bouquets and Boutonniere Ribbon: Poetry of Silk | Bridal Shop: Wedding Salon Of Manhasset | Invitation Designer: Linen & Leaf | Live Music : Bryan Malpass | Signage: Bee Curious Designs | Vintage Furniture Rental: Dovetail Vintage Rentals | Wedding Dress Designer: Inbal Dror

Classic weddings will always have my heart and that includes long lace sleeves, beautiful bouquets of peonies and romance galore, and anytime I need a boost, no need to look further than right there. Elena Wolfe captured this elegant ivory and sage celebration that fulfills all my classic wedding needs to a tee. See the perfect Pronovias gown, these plush peonies and more in our Vault right this way!

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From the Elena Wolfe… Tatum and Andrew planned a classic, soft and elegant wedding. Floral colors were ivory, blush and sage green with hints of dusty miller. The forecast was filled with rain, but the clouds cleared up and the rain held off until the night came! The bride and groom drove off in a Rolls Royce to celebrate their marriage and join their family and friends to dance the night away.

From the Bride… I wanted my wedding to be soft, classic and elegant. Nothing can really prepare you for planning a wedding, and you learn as you go! As long as you keep your vision in mind, and you don’t get too caught up in the tiny nuances, you’ll alleviate a lot of the stress planning a wedding can cause! Take the weather for example, there’s nothing you can do about it! So when rain threatened our big day, I thought.. ‘Oh nice! Overcast is perfect for pictures!’ One piece of advice I can give is to do your research for your vendors and once you meet with them – as long as you have that connection – let them do what they’re good at! It always helps to give some direction, but if they understand your vision let them do what they do best!

Photography: Elena Wolfe Photography | Floral Design: Bella Flowers | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Ceremony Venue: St. Johns Episcopal Church | Reception Venue: The Carltun | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Getting Ready Venue: Garden City Hotel | Music: Fusion DL

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Elena Wolfe Photography

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This is a true New York love story if I ever heard one. It’s what happens when fate brings a fashion designer and a chef to the same subway stop not once but twice within a single day, and the rest is history. No surprise, she designed a custom gown and he planned a menu that’d make foodies drool. But the best detail of their day? The ceremony took place right above the train station where they first met. Read on for the full story with beautiful images by Kayla Barker.

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Their Love Story

It was a chilly January day in New York City when Jean-Paul and Candace first laid eyes on each other. Candace walked onto the train and immediately captured Jean-Paul’s full attention. Not wanting to come off as “creepy,” he sheepishly attempted to get her attention. Ultimately in his mind he failed as she, like many women taking the subway in NYC, had her attention focused on her book with music playing in her ear buds. Little did he know, she noticed him too, but of course would never be the girl to meet a guy on the subway. Candace got off the train and Jean-Paul remembers thinking to himself, “well… there she goes…” He even thought about getting off the train with her to say hello, but decided to keep his seat and not be late for work.

“Jean-Paul was convinced

that he would never see the

beautiful blonde girl again.”

Jean-Paul was a line cook at Maialino restaurant at the time. He worked his typical 10-12 hour day. On that day, the subway line he usually took home was having rail work performed on it. He had to take an alternate route which forced him to enter the 23rd street 6 train station. Candace, at that time, was beginning her interview process after recently graduating from Parsons The New School for Design.

After seeing some friends for dinner that night Candace ended up having to catch the train at the same spot as Jean-Paul. As Jean-Paul approached the turnstile, he once again saw this beautiful blonde hair flowing from the same girl he saw 12 hours earlier on a different subway line! It was her, it was a miracle, and he could not believe it! Jean-Paul knew this was his chance and he had to say hello! He did, and he and Candace Koehl “officially” met for the first time on January 13, 2011.

“He once again saw this beautiful blonde hair

flowing from the same girl he saw 12 hours earlier

on a different subway line! It was her…

and he could not believe it!”

Candace and Jean-Paul dated on and off for a few months after meeting, but it wasn’t the fairytale that he thought it would be. Candace was a tough one to crack. Both went their separate ways for most of 2011, 2012, 2013. During that time they each climbed the ladder in their respective fields, Candace was freelance designing for various womenswear brands and Jean-Paul was Chef de Cuisine at Gramercy Terrace.

Although his career was going just as he planned and worked so hard for, Jean-Paul was still hung up on Candace. He was convinced this girl was his wife and there was no way they weren’t meant to be together forever. As those years passed, he remembers spending many nights lying awake praying for another chance with Candace or grace to accept that they weren’t meant for each other.

Spring of 2013, Candace and Jean-Paul reconnected. Things were different this time, they were both more mature and ready for a serious relationship. Jean-Paul proposed December 22, 2014 and they were married December 12, 2015.

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From the Bride… We chose Gramercy because it is one of our favorite areas in Manhattan. We spent much of our early relationship in this neighborhood since Jean-Paul worked at Maialino and The Terrace during our courtship. We also met at the train station right underground the church we were married in!

Having my dad walk me down the aisle and marry us was a dream that I’ve had since a little girl. The years leading up to our wedding were very tolling on his health and well-being. It was a true miracle that he was able to be there on December 12 and marry us in front of so many close friends and family. It is a moment we will always cherish.

The food was in Jean-Paul’s hands! Since many of his past and present industry peers were attending the wedding, he wanted the food to not only be spectacular but also represent us and where we come from. We had everything from a shrimp boil to a taco stand! Other food items included imported salumi and cheese, passed hors d’oeuvres curated by the terrace, and a whole suckling pig with all the accompaniments. Louisiana and Texas at their finest!

Designing my own wedding dress had also been a dream of mine since I was a young girl. I remember sketching different dresses growing up…the styles always altering here and there but the classic timeless romanticism was always there. Once Jean-Paul proposed, I knew the dress was my number one priority! I researched, sketched, sourced fabric, and then found the perfect seamstress. We worked together for several months from the initial muslin to the final creation. Alterations were happening up until the day of the rehearsal dinner! The final outcome was perfect and exactly what I had envisioned.

Photography: Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography | Floral Design: Bird & Bloom | Wedding Dress: Candace Koehl (the bride) | Cake: Emily Isaac | Invitations: Bird & Bloom | Ceremony Venue: Calvary Episcopal Church | Shoes: Valentino | Rings: Diamond Doctor | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Calvin Klein | Catering: Gramercy Park Hotel | Makeup: Phoebe Goulding | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein | Ceremony Music: Kamel Boutros, Organist; Maria Im, Violin; Kristen Doering, Piano; Stephen Steffens, Soloist | Hotel: Gramercy Park Hotel | Coordinaton: Bird & Bloom | Invitation Printing: Ink Print Co

Not all seaside venues are created equal.  And when it comes to that quintessential Hamptons locale that delivers time and time again, Sole East Resort is IT.  Think the perfect marriage of glam + sophisticated with a laid-back Montauk vibe that is all sorts of awesome. From the hammocks to the lawn games to the manicured gardens, setting the stage for your Big Day has never been more fabulous.

Here at SMP, we’ve spent many a days swooning over Sole East Resort and it’s stunning landscaped gardens and luxe pool complete with St. Tropez lounge beds.  And, honestly… one look at ANY wedding hosted in this gorgeous resort and it’s easy to see why we are so very, very smitten.  Think a short jaunt to Montauk’s fab Atlantic Ocean beaches, yummy bites at The Backyard Restaurant and exemplary customer service that will wow you AND your guests. It’s a full-service property known for spoiling you, which means you can spend your entire wedding weekend (or week!) sitting back, relaxing and letting the fun happen. (We adore that.)

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From fab welcome barbecues to cocktail or pool parties to farewell brunches to THE Big Day, Sole East Resort has you totally covered. Contact them NOW to start planning that Hamptons wedding of your dreams.

Photography: Whyman Studios | Wedding Planner : Duke + Van Deusen | Florist: Karen Lenahan Designs

If there was every a wedding that solidified our love for peonies, this would be it. A classic vineyard affair captured by Lindsay Madden Photography that’s everything a girl could ask for. Complete with a gown from Gabriella New York Bridal Salon, the prettiest PJ sets courtosey of Pretty Plum Sugar, and of course delicious bites a la Marcey Brownstein Catering & Events, we’ve got it all waiting for you to fall in love with via The Vault!

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From the Bride… It was the summer before we got engaged. Jon and I took a weekend trip to the North Fork, where we stopped at a winery called Bedell Cellars. We were immediately blown away by its beauty. Sitting on the deck–which, incidentally, would become the site of our first dance two years later–and enjoying a glass of wine, we took in the gorgeous views of the vineyard–and knew this was where we would be married. And within days of getting engaged, we booked the venue. What we loved most about having a wedding at Bedell was the fact that we didn’t need to do much, because the venue spoke for itself. We chose a muted color palette to let the natural colors of the vineyard and the gardens shine. We included pops of pink peonies and garden roses (thanks to Karen Lenahan Designs) to add some color, and hung string lights throughout the pavilion and tent, but that was about the extent of it; we kept everything else simple.

Riva at Bedell, Daria of Daria Culver Events and Leslie at Marcey Brownstein Catering and Events made planning my wedding a pleasure rather than a stressor; they are all incredible people to work with. The only thing we actually needed to worry about about was the weather on the big day. On the morning of, we woke up to the sun shining, and knew everything was going to be absolutely perfect. Jon and I had the best time getting ready with our parents and bridal party, and our first look was picture-perfect (thanks to Lindsay Madden Photography). Nothing could have been better–seeing all our loved ones in one beautiful place; feasting on fantastic food, wine, and cocktails; enjoying the stunning sunset, followed by an epic dance party (thanks to the Joel Young Band)- our wedding was, beyond a doubt, the best day of our lives.

Photography: Lindsay Madden Photography | Cinematography: Amanda Madeline Studios | Wedding Planning: Daria Culver Events | Floral Design: Karen Lenahan Designs | Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham | Cake: Leanne's Specialty Cakes | Invitations: Little Black Dress Paperie | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Marcey Brownstein Catering & Events | Makeup: Nicole Sievers Makeup Artistry | Hair: Styles On B | Lighting: Karen Lenahan Designs | Entertainment: Hank Lane Music | Groom's Attire: Boglioli | Bridal Dress Salon: Gabriella New York Bridal Salon | Bridesmaids' Prep Outfits: Plum Pretty Sugar | Ceremony & Reception: Bedell Cellars Winery | Getting Ready Location: The Harborfront Inn | Reception Rentals: Party Rental Ltd.

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A classic beauty, an iconic venue, and timeless words welcome us with open arms in this stunning Rob Adams Films clip. Set at The Plaza Hotel in NYC, this elegant and grand wedding is straight out of a movie – from the gorgeous views to the fairy tale romance. Sit back and enjoy this happily ever after!

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From Rob Adams Films… Married at The Plaza Hotel, one of New York’s finest luxury wedding establishments, Leah and Blake’s young love was celebrated in New York City! This couple swept us off their feet with their lavish wedding decor, a stunning venue, and a timeless Texan twist! A case of love at first sight, this couple is one of our favorites! As he sat alongside Leah listening to speeches by loved ones, and held her hands in his, Blake was full of gratitude and joy. “Endowed with her mother’s beauty and cheerful personality, she was bound to attract a potential husband in short order” says Leah’s father in his speech. “You radiant an inner and outer beauty without a trace of vanity,” her father says. Her hair worn long, and styled in delicate waves, Leah was a gorgeous bride.

On a beautiful spring day, complete with a grande room full of guests, Leah and Blake were joined into holy matrimony together in a short non-denominational Christian wedding ceremony. Leah was absolutely stunning in her haute couture wedding dress by world renowned luxury dress maker, Galia Lahav, and Blake went with a classic Hugo Boss tux. Once married, their guest tossed rice into the air in celebration of their new life together! The couple headed into Central Park for a post-ceremony photography session where they had fun taking portraits and turning the heads of other sophisticated New Yorkers passing by them. Overlooking Manhattan’s Central Park South, Leah stole Blake’s heart at the wedding of a lifetime. Their love for one another, so sweet and youthful.

Upon their return to The Plaza, Leah and Blake joined their close friends and family for cocktail hour where they shared laughs, dancing, drinks, and delicacies all the while preparing for their choreographed first dance! Their first dance was delicate and romantic – ending with Blake dipping Leah on the dance floor for an exit kiss! A live trio and quartet played throughout their wedding reception; the music enveloped the Plaza’s grand ballroom with melody in celebration of their love. Gathered with their closest friends and family, and full of genuine and heart-felt emotions, we really enjoyed filming their special day. Here is a teaser, a short film, for you to experience the beauty of their day through our offerings of luxury cinematography. We appreciate that Leah and Blake chose us at Rob Adams Films to create their wedding film for them. We love meeting brides and grooms who are excited about and care deeply about having a gorgeous wedding film!

Photography: Hiram Trillo | Cinematography: Rob Adams Films | Event Planning: The Plaza Hotel | Floral Design: Floralia Decorators | Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav | Cake: Ron Ben-Israel Cakes | Invitations: Ceci New York | Catering: The Plaza Hotel | Hair + Makeup: Once Upon A Bride | Lighting: Bentley Meeker | Entertainment: The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn | Groom's Suit: Hugo Boss | Wedding Venue: The Plaza Hotel | Day of Coordination: Baton NYC | Photography Session: The Plaza Hotel

In the bride’s words, “My mom has instilled in me a love for nature and gardening, so naturally, I embraced a romantic garden vibe.” That point of inspiration turned into a tented wedding ceremony that brought the outdoors in with branches, greenery, and lush florals throughout. Believe us, your Friday is about to get so much prettier thanks to images from the lens of Michelle Lange.

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From the Bride… After the excitement of the engagement settled, I turned to Pinterest and other online blogs to gain inspiration. I soon found that I was getting both overwhelmed and lost in a world of wedding expectations that were excessive and simply unrealistic. Once I realized that I wanted to base the theme around inspirations from my loved ones, my vision came to life. My mom has instilled in me a love for nature and gardening, so naturally, I embraced a romantic garden vibe.

The florals were a beautiful mix of ivory and blush shades with hints of loose flowing greenery throughout. Anthology Studio created gorgeous arrangements that climbed up intricate pieces of driftwood. The stationary mimicked these florals, many of which my mom and I designed together. My dad and I created the slate table numbers one afternoon using slate from their yard. We continued this garden theme with the unique place card display my mom created using vintage drawers from my grandmother’s sewing machine that she filled with an ivory flower bed for the cards.

Both my mom and Josh’s mom are cancer survivors, so we decided to make a generous donation to the American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer chapter in lieu of traditional favors. During our ceremony, we incorporated a special Polish tradition in honor of my grandfather and his heritage. I’ll always remember the smile on his face as he passed us the heirloom cup of wine and dish of Polish bread.

I wore an ivory high-neck lace dress, one that my mom and grandmother instantly agreed fit the romantic feel. I allowed each of my bridesmaids pick a blush dress of their choice from BHLDN, and they looked absolutely stunning. Josh and his groomsmen all love and work in athletics, so Josh bought them matching Nikes to pair with their gray suits. We each wanted our closest friends to be psyched about what they were wearing, and the consensus was that we delivered!

My favorite moment was a brief one that only Josh and I shared, but it was one that I’ll treasure forever. We asked the band to play “I Will Wait” by Mumford and Sons for our first dance. Though untraditional, the song has been a sort of anthem to the long distance portion of our relationship. Josh told me in the middle of our dance that he listened to the song during his morning commute, thankful everyday that I was willing to “wait” for him. The fact that you caught this touching moment on camera was wonderful!

Now that the thank you notes are sent and the gifts are put away, I can look back and realize I’m proud that each design element paid some sort of special tribute to a loved one of ours. I truly didn’t see everything come together until I saw it all documented in the collection of gorgeous photographs you captured. I recently scanned through my old wedding Pinterest boards, and I’m thankful we went in a unique direction to create a romantic vision of our own that honored the ones who mean the most.

Photography: Michelle Lange Photography | Event Design: Anthology Design Studio | Floral Design: Anthology Design Studio | Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Makeup : Strut | Hair Stylist: Robyn Colores | Band: Silver Arrow Band | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Wedding Venue: Saratoga National Golf Club | Bridal Shop: Ferri Formals and Bridals | Bridesmaids Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Groom's Shoes : Nike | Wedding Officiant : Victoria O. Mine

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Silver Arrow Band

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Hang around these parts long enough and you’ll quickly realize one thing: we love, love, love a nautical wedding. So today we’re breaking down a fab list of 10 Must-Haves for YOUR maritime-inspired soiree, all with the help of our friends at The Duchess.  It’s a step by step guide to that seaside affair you’ve always wanted, complete with a seriously awesome locale.  Scroll below for a look.

THE LOCALE TO END ALL LOCALES

You can’t have an awesome nautical wedding without an equally as awesome locale and when it comes to take-your-breath-away venues perfect for saying “I do” seaside-style, The Duchess is IT. Think an ultra-elegant setting with hardwood dance floors, full-service bars and stunning contemporary decor. Not to mention climate-controlled interiors and fab outdoor furniture for lounging under the stars. This is celebrating in style… and then some.

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PRETTY PAPER GOODS

You’ll most definitely want every.single.one of your our nearest and dearest on hand to celebrate your BIG moment, so be sure to invite them to the Party of the Century with some pretty paper goods that scream Nautical Chic.  I’m talking a gorgeous suite that is most definitely seaside inspired, so your guests know they’ll need to grab those boat shoes and get ready to dance the night away, bubbly included.

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A FUN-FILLED REHEARSAL DINNER

Rehearsal dinners are ALWAYS a good time, but a rehearsal dinner pre-nautical wedding? Sooo awesome. Think a lobster or clam bake with the cutest details, all held seaside at a crazy cool venue like the Fish Bar, Pier 81’s IT seafood lounge and rooftop.  Starting your events off right has never been more fun… or convenient.

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CREATIVE PLACE CARDS

You can’t have a nautical wedding without some sweet rope detailing, so throwing some nods to your boating skills on your place cards is, well… totally awesome.  Not to mention that it’s a fab way to add a little touch of your theme to the proceedings without being too over the top. We honestly adore that.

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TOTALLY AWESOME ROPE VASES

And speaking of fabulous ways to add some knot-inspired details to your Big Day… DIYing some special touches, like these amazing rope vases, is a definite MUST.  You’ll be adding a touch of personalization your guests will absolutely adore, plus you can sit back and admire your hard work the day of. It’s what we call a win-win, loves.

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STUNNING SEERSUCKER

You know we love a stylish groom and it doesn’t get much better than a handsome Mister rockin’ some seersucker.  Whether it’s simply a suit jacket or you prefer an all-out ensemble, adding this gorgeous fabric to your Big Day lineup is a definite MUST… and throwing in that dapper bow tie doesn’t hurt, either.

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A CRAZY COOL COMPASS

You can’t have an awesome nautical wedding without a little ode to compasses. That’s basically a fact. So why not add those sweet Save the Dates to your lineup?  They’re totally unique + seriously stunning AND set the mood the minute your guests receive them. We’re obsessed.

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THE PERFECT GIFT FOR GUESTS

Start your guests off with the coolest compass ever and send them away at the end of the night with a little pack of helpful items for the day AFTER.  Think everything from ibuprofen to a pack of tissues to those much needed breath mints. Trust us, this is a detail your nearest and dearest will LOVE.

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ANCHORS AWAY

Saying “I do” in a nautical wedding just wouldn’t be right without a little anchor love.  Add this must-have detailing with sweet DIY pillows, table linens or even place cards or table numbers.  Just don’t throw your Big Day bash without one.

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YOUR ONE TRUE LOVE

Sure, you need all of the amazing details to pull off a nautical wedding, but the one thing you can’t do without? Your one true love.  Because when all is said and done, you’ll be happily sitting on one of The Duchess’ fabulous decks, staring at the breathtaking skyline that is the world’s greatest city (NYC, of course) and sipping champagne while your guests party the night away in high style. It just doesn’t get any better than that.

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Contact The Duchess TODAY to begin planning your nautical wedding.  Your dream day is waiting, loves.

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Photography (Top to Bottom):  The Duchess (Image 1) + KT Merry (Image 2) + Kirsten Julia (Image 3) + Arielle Doneson (Image 4) + Style Me Pretty Living (Image 5) + T&C Photographie (Image 6) + KT Merry (Image 7) + Love & Light Photographs (Image 8) + Ruth Eileen Photography (Image 9) + I Do Weddings (Image 10)

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KT Merry Photography

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Just when I thought I’d seen it all, Bashful Captures sends along this styled shoot which totally redefines any and all preconceived notions of Brooklyn, because this borough? Well, it’s totally chic. A gallery complete with Violet and Verde blooms and undeniable beauty, we’ve got every bit of it waiting for you to fall in love with via The Vault!

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From Bashful Captures… When I first dreamt of this styled inspiration shoot, I wanted to create a unique, modern rustic look in Brooklyn, NY. I first started at Prospect Park, but as soon as we got there, it started pouring. Unfortunately, once the rain slowed down, there were puddles everywhere and we weren’t able to shoot outside the park. However, rain didn’t stop our shoot, but instead we took photos under the Peristyle which created this beautiful grecian look that went perfectly with this gorgeous BHLDN dress. Then once we got to Dumbo, BK, the sun started peeking out. This beautiful light peeking through the buildings created a very romantic feel for the shoot as well. Dumbo is one of the most popular areas that I often go for weddings or engagements sessions in NYC. I wanted to create a fun, but unique look that inspires brides to think out of the box.

Photography: Bashful Captures | Floral Design: Violet and Verde | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Invitations: Paula Lee Calligraphy | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Hair + Makeup: Ombre By E.J. Makeup Studio | Groom's Attire: H & M | Accessories: BHLDN

You know we’re never ones to miss a trunk show celebration (we keep bubbly on hand, just in case), so when our faves over at Bridal Reflections on Fifth Avenue called to say they would be hosting the newest looks from Solo Merav, we just couldn’t keep the good news to ourselves. Think seriously elegant styles meets the finest in customer service. It’s going to be sooo awesome.

Happening on September 22nd – 25th, the Solo Merav Trunk Show will feature brand new fashions from the designer that knows everything there is to know about emphasizing your every curve.  From sophisticated silhouettes to jaw-droppingly beautiful details to intricate stitching and the highest quality materials, each Solo Merav gown is the perfect balance of sexy and romantic with just the WOW you want for your Big Day reveal.

To start your journey to that gown of your dreams, contact Bridal Reflections today to book your appointment for the Solo Merav Trunk Show on September 22nd – 25th.  You definitely don’t want to miss the brand new fashions, as well as the special, event only pricing. Call 212.764.3040 to book your appointment today… that show-stopping gown is waiting.

Bridal Salon: Bridal Reflections | Gowns: Merav Solo

Hold on tight guys, your Monday is about to take a giant leap up in the pretty department, all thanks to Craig Paulson Photography and his brilliant captures of Sarah Glick’s wedding.  Yes, THE Sarah Glick from Brilliant Events, a lady that knows how to throw a gorgeous wedding… and star in her very own beautiful day. Scroll below to soak in every moment and learn how YOU can win a free engagement package from Craig.

Hiring a wedding photographer is a really, really big deal… and so is making sure you find someone who loves weddings just as much as you. Craig Paulson Photography is that guy.  His team shoots weddings, because they adore weddings… and it shows in each and every gorgeous image they capture. From those first moments chatting with your besties to the sparkler exit at the end of the evening, the talents at Craig Paulson Photography are there to document your Big Day with candid images that showcase the best in you AND your guests.  Just ask Sarah Glick.

Born in Australia, Craig Paulson understands that the beauty in the details matters just as much as the beauty in the love you share with your sweetie. I mean, you spent hours choosing that perfect color palette… and Craig will document every.last.piece of wedding pretty.  But above all, Craig will provide you with those awe-inspiring memories and unbelievable service you’ll cherish always. We promise you that.

Contact Craig Paulson Photography TODAY to capture your true love masterpiece.

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GIVEAWAY

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What: Craig Paulson Photography is giving away a FREE engagement shoot in Manhattan! Shoot must be on a weekday with Craig Paulson and a second photographer.

How: To enter, simply leave a comment below telling us why you absolutely love Craig Paulson’s work! (Ex: I love how Craig manages to capture all of those special moments you didn’t even know were happening!)

Who: One lucky winner, chosen at random, will be announced right here on SMP on Friday, October 7, 2016. For terms and conditions, click here.  Good luck, loves! xo

Photography: Craig Paulson Photography | Videographer: Orange Films | Florist: Rountree Flowers | Bride: Brilliant Event Planning | Bryant Park Grill: Bryant Park Grill | Gown Boutique: J. Crew | Hair & Make-Up: Face Time Beauty Concierge

When these two Brits set out to tie the knot in the Big Apple, they wanted a top-notch vendor team to bring their dream day to life. Naturally, they brought on Weddings By Two, Anthony Brownie, Marcey Brownstein and 74 Events, just to name a few. With guests traveling in from all across the world, the pros made sure the celebration was a party to remember…and we say mission accomplished.

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From the Bride and Groom…As two Brits living in New York, we debated long and hard whether it would be a London or Manhattan wedding for our big day.

After seeing the amazing views we could offer our guests at Studio 450 and the blank canvass provided by the space, we decided to jump in and try to deliver a classic New York experience.

From the outset we wanted to bring the city into our wedding day as much as possible, which is why we opted for a rooftop ceremony with stunning skyline-views that provide everything from the Empire State Building to One World Trade as the backdrop for our day.

We had a crowd of guests flying in from all over the world, so the venue helped bring a true sense of New York to our out-of-towners. We decided to soften the industrial city views with our color palette, flowers and décor. The combination of the gleaming white, industrial space with the soft pinks and greens of the flowers and table settings helped add a little bit of elegance to the skyline. Our florist Anthony Brownie worked hard to connect our day through the carefully chosen flowers and arrangements that dressed our rooftop ceremony, our table decorations and the bouquets and boutonnières. Classic soft pink and white roses were complimented by more textural plants and leaves that helped provide stronger edges to echo some of the industrial elements of the building and skyline.

The whole day was accompanied by a classic playlist including Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, to give a timeless and very New York feel to the wedding.

We were truly blessed with the weather, it was blue skies and sunshine all day and any fears of some August thunder-storms quickly evaporated. One of our best memories is walking back down aisle, in the shadow of the Empire State Building and seeing our friends and family uniformly adorned in the teal sunglasses we provided. The weather and skyline helped to paint a fantastically romantic view of the city throughout the day; as our reception unfolded, the sun went down and our guests leapt to the windows between courses to capture the sun set over Manhattan.

In between the ceremony and reception our genius photographer helped us sneak out and capture some late afternoon photos on the Highline…it was a wonderful break between everything happening on the day and allowed us time to take it all in and have our very own New York minute.

Finally, we wanted to bring a real flavor of America into our wedding food and we were delighted with the creative but classic menu provided by our caterer Marcey Brownstein. Mini selections of beer and pretzels, lobster rolls and mac n cheese balls were served as hors d’oeuvres and the petite cupcakes and cheesecakes for dessert all helped our guests hopefully get a proper taste of the city. Even the late night snacks of grilled cheese and donut holes proved to be a welcome late evening pick me up.

Above all, we wanted to throw a damn good party so as day turned to night, our DJ made sure everyone hit the dance floor mostly with a signature cocktail in hand. As the evening closed out, we managed to get some time, just the two of us, back on the rooftop looking in at our friends and family dancing, just us, the moon and a New York skyline, the perfect end to the perfect day. We still can’t quite believe it.

Photography: Weddings By Two | Event Planning: Whimsy Weddings | Floral Design: Anthony Brownie Flowers + Events | Catering: Marcey Brownstein Catering & Events | Hair + Makeup: Glamsquad | DJ: 74 Events | Officiant: Rev. Mary-Rose Engle Of Engle Heart | Venue: Studio 450