New York Weddings

Dear adorably sweet and happy newlywed couple: Your wedding rocked. Sure I wasn’t there in person to see the impressive Flowers By Bernard , jaw dropping La Sposa dress and every fabulous handmade detail created by the talented you. But based off of these memorable moments captured by Carmen Santorelli Photography, I 100% love your wedding day. And let’s not forget the 15 Minutes of Frame highlight reel {sigh!}. Walk down memory lane in the full gallery here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

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From the Bride… Three words sum up my vision for the wedding: soft, classic and romantic. I tried to apply those defining characteristics to every part of the wedding, starting early on with the beautiful letterpress invitations from Bella Figura and carried through to the floral china at the reception. It was important to me to have a lot of personal touches and homegrown elements throughout the day. A crafter at heart, I made the ceremony programs, lace handkerchiefs, wedding wands and signature drink straws, all with some gracious help from my family. We lovingly named our reception tables after places we have traveled together, and we mixed square and round table shapes to give the ballroom some added energy and movement. A combination of high and low centerpieces, along with beautiful linens and lots of candlelight, further transformed the venue into an enchanting space.

For my dress, I was immediately sold on the long, lace train of the LaSposa “Denia” dress, which I matched with a lace jacket purchased separately on Etsy. I loved the classic look of the dress, which had just a twist of contemporary styling. The finishing touches were my mother’s cascading fountain veil and my great-grandmother’s brooch, which was pinned to my bouquet. The guys all wore Black by Vera Wang tuxes from the Men’s Wearhouse, and my bridesmaids wore beautiful flowing gowns in a dusty rose color. My stand-out sister and maid of honor wore the same dress in an eggplant shade.

I spent countless hours scouring inspiration boards on Pinterest and finding the perfect vendors that would help us achieve our design aesthetic. Carmen Santorelli’s photos artfully captured our wedding, which I’m delighted to share on SMP!

Wedding Photography: Carmen Santorelli Photography / Second Shooter: Falcon Griffith / Wedding Venue: The Vanderbilt at South Beach in Staten Island, New York / Floral Design: Flowers By Bernard / Wedding Cinematography: 15 Minutes of Frame / Wedding Cake: Renato’s Pastry Shoppe (718-442-6838) / Wedding Invitations: Bella Figura / Band: The Loyales via Lucy Music / Photo Booth: The Modern Photobooth / Wedding Dress: La Sposa “Denia” via The Wedding Atelier / Bride’s Lace Bolero (Worn Over Wedding Dress): Alex Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischa / Makeup: Bryan Lynde / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bari Jay via RK Bridal / Men’s Tuxedos: BLACK by Vera Wang

The loveliest Kate Spade heels can really get a party started and Arielle Doneson Photography knows full well how to finish that party off. Breathtaking images, that’s how. This is Hudson Valley in the most classic of ways with a Bride who is an event planner by day meaning she knew exactly what she wanted when it came time to craft her own affair. Her vision was timeless and romantic with a layer of fun and she totally nailed it. See it all unfold in the full gallery.

From the Bride… Fritz and I met at college, and after eight years of dating he surprised me with a picture-perfect proposal on Mother’s Day in Central Park. Being an event planner, I immediately jumped into the wedding planning, and I loved every single minute of it. We knew from the start that we wanted our wedding to be formal and fun, as well as romantic and timeless without being too stuffy.

We began our venue search in Manhattan where we live, but nothing seemed quite right, so we decided on a whim to take a drive up the Hudson River Valley to visit The Garrison. Almost immediately after touring the beautiful property, Fritz and I were convinced that this was the perfect place for us. The outdoor ceremony space features a jaw-dropping view, and we fell completely in love with the simple elegance and rustic charm of the interior décor. With venue decision made, the rest of the wedding details fell into place. After a bit of research, we booked who I firmly believe to be the best vendors a bride and groom could ever hope for. Working with my talented florist, we came up with a floral design concept that was soft, elegant, romantic and featured peonies – my favorite flower. As a perfectionist, I was hesitant to take on too many projects, but I incorporated personal touches to the wedding with DIY details such as a chalkboard seating chart and table numbers, homemade wedding programs and a color-coordinated candy bar.

On the big day, I loved the time I got to spend at the Garrison getting ready with my mother and bridesmaids. I could even run downstairs to check on the progress of everything throughout the morning and afternoon – the planner in me loved that! The weather was perfect all day, and our fantastic photographer got some amazing photos during our first look and portraits, then as soon as we lined up to start the ceremony the sky clouded over ominously. As if on cue, the moment before I walked down the aisle there was a terrific clap of thunder. It rained as we exchanged vows, but I honestly don’t remember anything except looking into the handsome and happy face of my best friend as we became man and wife. All in all, I could not have imagined a more perfect day, and I would not change a single thing.

Wedding Photography: Arielle Doneson Photography / Reception: The Garrison in Garrison, New York / Floral Design: Mary Lou Pappas Flowers / Bakery: The Pastry Garden / Wedding Invitations: Graphic Nature / Wedding Dress: Luna Novias by Rosa Clara / Shoes: Kate Spade / Hair: Salon at The Garrison / Makeup: Meredith Hayman / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Men’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank

It’s that time again, lovelies.  Time to dive into SEVEN gorgeous fêtes chock-full of pretty, pretty inspiration and enough heartwarming moments to fill your entire work week.  Yep – I’m talking Wedding Wednesday.  One fabulous soiree after another for a morning, noon and night of lovely.  So, silence those phones, clear those calendars and get ready for all of the pretty.  It’s going to be awesome.

When an oh-so-wonderful designer at one of our all-time favorite invitation studios gets married, we get a little crazy.  And when that invitation studio happens to be the ever-fabulous Bella Figura and that marriage is a backyard BBQ overflowing with rustic meets vintage touches every which way you turn, well.  That’s a cause for a serious celebration.  Because this is the kind of wedding that captures your heart from moment ONE with its beautiful setting, adorable duo and, of course, fine paper goods.  Join us in the gallery for all of the lovely captured by Amelia Beamish Photography.  It’s sooo good.

From the Bride… We wanted a very informal, down-to-earth wedding to make sure every one of our guests felt comfortable and ready to celebrate! So we had a rustic, backyard BBQ filled with natural, hand-made touches. The wedding was held at Ophelia’s Garden Inn, a local bed & breakfast in Syracuse, New York, that’s surrounded by trees. The grounds are filled with beautiful gardens, and vintage furniture and eclectic knick-knacks can be found throughout the inn, which made for a really romantic, shabby chic look. I asked both of my sisters to be my maids of honor, and all of the girls wore different dresses in beige, champagne and ivory. The boys wore sand-colored suits with ivory accents. I worked with Bella Figura (of course!) for my invitations and used the Hendrix design by Jessica Hische in antique gold and camel inks for a soft, romantic look. Debi Zeinert (a Bella Figura calligrapher and owner of The Blooming Quill) did hand calligraphy accents for my invitations and addressed my envelopes as well. Sarah Hanna (another Bella Figura calligrapher) created a custom tree guestbook for me. All of the guests signed the artwork in gold pen, and it turned out so beautifully — a piece of art I will always hold on to! For flowers, I chose astilbes which were wrapped in burlap and accented with neutral lace ribbon and twine. We created our own altar for the ceremony by using shepherd’s hooks painted in champagne, then decorated with tulle, mason jars, astilbe flowers, and a custom banner that read “Be in Love.” The banner was handmade by my friend Tiffany Button. Ribbons and astilbes were tied to the chairs for the ceremony.

We incorporated more handmade touches throughout the reception: we used a vintage bird cage for cards and hung white paper poms from the trees around the property. The place cards were handwritten in gold ink, and with twine, we hung mason jars with candles inside from a wooden archway on the property and clothes-pinned all of the place cards to the twine. My family and I also hand-painted mason jars with table numbers and filled them with astilbe flowers in shades of blush and ivory. We also filled mason jars with sand and votive candles and used natural lace ribbon and twine for finishing touches. Limp Lizard Catering did the food, and it was local, down-home BBQ, smoked to perfection! And Biscotti’s, a local bakery, made our red velvet, two-tier cake with ivory buttercream frosting and Swiss dot decor. We topped it off with a handmade burlap bunting banner as our cake topper.

Favorite moments from the big day: watching Anthony’s face when I walked down the aisle; my dad tearing up when he saw me in my dress; Anthony singing “Whatever It Is,” by the Zac Brown Band to me on the dance floor; stepping away with Anthony throughout the evening to try and take everything in; our exchange of vows, (which we wrote ourselves!); and dancing!

Wedding Photography: Amelia Beamish Photography / Wedding Venue: Ophelia’s Garden Inn in Syracuse, New York / Floral Design: Wegmans / Catering: Limp Lizard / Wedding Cake: Biscotti Cafe / Wedding Invitations: Bella Figura / Calligraphy: Debi Zeinert of The Blooming Quill / Tent, Linens, Dinnerware, Lighting + Dance Floor: Upstate Party Rental / Guest Book: Sarah Hanna / Wedding Dress: Watters

Temperatures outside may be on the chilly side, but this engagement session by León Images has left me with nothing but warm fuzzy feelings for fall. An afternoon stroll for two is exactly what a couple would do on an ordinary Sunday. Except this adorable couple is anything but ordinary, with their stylish outfits and charming smiles! Curl up with a cup of jo and the full gallery here.

Click here for the FULL engagement session!

From León Images… Zeynep and Mike met and started dating while they were both attending grad school in Sweden. Mike eventually got a job in New York, and Zeynep moved back to her home in Istanbul. Despite their vast geographical distance, they stayed together. Zeynep eventually joined Mike in New York, and now they are happily engaged. The two made their home in Brooklyn, so it seemed like a natural fit to have the engagement shoot in DUMBO. We knew that the location had to have somewhat of a city feel for this cosmopolitan couple. The cobblestone streets, iconic bridges, waterfront, charming shops and restaurants were all elements that inspired the couple. I also love DUMBO because the neighborhood is very urban but lacks crowded sidewalks and busy streets, allowing couples to relax, be comfortable and really get into a day of shooting. The resulting photos perfectly captured Mike and Zeynep’s cross-continental love story.

Wedding Photography: Ricardo Gotla for León Images / Location: DUMBO in Brooklyn, New York

We have seriously just stumbled across the sweetest recipe for an engagement session. One dog, two lovebirds, and a delicious picnic yields utter perfection EVERY time. Add Leo Timoshuck Photography and his well seasoned camera to that mix, and it is over. Over in a pretty haze of gorgeous images. Indulge your inner sweet tooth right here in the gallery!

Click here to see the full image gallery!

How It All Began. Without their knowledge, Tim and Katie unofficially met during their freshman year in college. As athletes at SUNY Oneonta, both were responsible for working sporting events. It just so happened that Tim, a lacrosse player on a 40-man roster, was working Katie’s volleyball game. The picture that was snapped at this partular moment created a priceless memory (and funny story!) Neither of them could believe what they found as they stumbled upon this picture years after they had already been dating…

Tim and Katie officially met while attending college on Halloween 2006. Dressed in his best ‘Cuse Beer Vendor attire, he dubbed Katie as “the girl with the smile”. After a few casual run-ins, the name stuck and they began to see more of each other. They finally began dating in January 2008 and knew they had something special. While watching football at Katie’s college house that winter, Tim told her she would have to kick him out or he would never leave… turns out he never will!

The Proposal. A few weeks before the proposal, Tim ventured down to Katie’s hometown of Corning, NY. Assuming he was away that day for business, she suspected nothing out of the ordinary. Tim pulled up to a large black building and asked to see Charlie Darcangelo, not knowing he wasn’t at the correct Corning Incorporated location. Keeping tight security procedures in place, the receptionist gave him a hard time in locating her father. To gain the information he was seeking, he let many employees in on his intentions. As a result, he was finally able to travel to her father’s correct building and asked for him at the front desk. To his dismay, Katie’s father was in a meeting that would last a few hours. With determination (and sweaty palms) Tim waited anxiously. Finally, Charlie came down from his meeting to greet an impatient young man. Tim showed her father the ring he had purchased and received the wonderful blessing to marry his daughter!

On Katie’s last day of grad school on December 12, 2011, she simply wanted to celebrate the end of all her hard work… Tim had other plans. After beautiful flowers and a celebratory dinner, Katie found out Tim wasn’t playing in his broomball game that night. She insisted that he had already done enough for her celebration and forced him out the door.

Upon his return late that evening, he brought Katie out in front of their lighted Christmas tree. He distracted her by asking a silly question about one of their ornaments at the top of the tree. After answering his question, she turned to look back at Tim who was down on one knee! She ended up answering TWO questions that night.

Photography: Leo Timoshuk Photography / Planning: Kate Darcangelo, bride / Hair: Kate Darcangelo / Make-Up: Syracuse Makeup Artistry / Dress: Zara / Fruits: Wegmans / Picnic basket: Home Goods / Mason Jars: Hobby Lobby / Chevron Blanket: Home Goods / Hat: Urban Outfitters / Plates: MacKenzie-Childs / Foam Letters: Hobby Lobby / Jewelry: Stella & Dot / Shoes: Aldo / She said Yes Ring Buoy: Ebay / Save the Date Banner: DIY with supplies from Hobby Lobby

Nothing sets wedding planning in motion faster than securing your reception location. And that’s exactly how it went down with this adorable couple. As soon as they walked into The Grandview, they just knew. Lucky for us Captured Photography by Jenny caught each and every fabulous moment of their big day from the gorgeous getting ready pics to the romantic moment for two on the dock. See it all unfold right here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… When we started planning, we knew we wanted a simple wedding that reflected who we were as a couple and what was important to us. We knew we wanted a church wedding and vows that spoke to who we were and what we wanted out of marriage. Planning our wedding was a process that taught us that God is in control and that everything is perfect by His design. We are high school sweethearts who met on the bus in middle school. (Yes, middle school!) For that reason, we opted out of using a limo and instead wanted to incorporate our unique story by using a school bus for transportation. Plus, we thought “When else are we going to be able to rent a bus? We can get a limo any time.” It was FUN! We actually chose our photographer before any other vendor, even the ceremony location! Luckily she was available and willing to make the trip from Florida to New York. We have loved and followed her work for years and knew, even before our engagement, that we wanted her to be our photographer. 

We don’t actually live near Poughkeepsie, New York, but we found ourselves there after a long hunt of searching for venues that we loved that got that “feeling” from. We had visited about 15 venues in the Hudson Valley and were about to cancel going to the Grandview because it was an hour and a half from our home town. Since we were in the area we chose to just stop by, and we knew from the minute we walked in and saw the incredible view of the Hudson River that this was where we were going to get married.  They were amazing to work with and took care of EVERYTHING. Now that the reception was going to be an hour and a half away from our home town, we had to find a church to get married at close to the venue. We had our ceremony at Faith Assembly of God church in Poughkeepsie, New York. Our grandparents had either passed away or were unable to attend for health reasons.  In order to honor them and have them be part of our day, we set up a table with pictures including photos of them and their wedding pictures, as well as our parent’s wedding photos. It was emotional to see the table when it was set up, and it made the day more special for us. We chose our DJ, MC Fish, after speaking to him at a bridal expo, and he turned out to be the PERFECT choice. He answered all of our questions and gave us tips that made our day run so much more smoothly. We would recommend him to anyone! I got my Master’s degree at Marist College and have always loved the campus. As an alumnus, we were able to take photos on campus. That is where the photos with the stone buildings are taken.

Our day was a day that we will never forget. It flew by SO fast, but we have so many special memories. We had my family fly in from south Wales, and looking over to see how far they had come to celebrate us is a feeling that I will never forget. We had waited for our wedding day for so long, and we were so happy with the final result. We are so thankful for all of the hard work that our vendors put into making our day what we imagined and for our family who provided us with endless love and support.   

Wedding Photography: Captured Photography by Jenny / Ceremony: Faith Assembly of God in Poughkeepsie, New York / Reception: The Grandview in Poughkeepsie, New York / Other Photo Location: Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York / Floral Design: J & L Heavenly Florist / DJ: M.C. Fish Entertainment, Inc. / Wedding Dress + Veil: David’s Bridal / Seamstress: Style des Reves / Bride’s Shoes: Michelangelo / Hair: Rachael’s Hair on the Horizon / Makeup: Hair and Makeup by Nicole / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Ann Taylor / Groom’s Tuxedo: K’s Wedding Center

After getting engaged in the city of lights, this adorable Brooklyn couple decided to infuse a little touch of Paris into their big day. And so with tons of help from friends and family they created the most beautiful and personal DIY wedding ever with a Paris meets Brooklyn vibe. Agaton Strom Photography captured all the pretty, little details and there’s so much more to see right here in the full gallery!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Michael and I met, fell in love, and currently live in Brooklyn. After we got engaged, we talked a lot about where we would like to get married. Ultimately we decided that the most meaningful location would be the borough where our love was established and developed. After an extensive search, I finally walked into MyMoon Restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and immediately knew it was the place. Aside from the fact that it is a naturally beautiful, calming, and interesting space — which meant we didn’t have to do much to it and just add our own personal touches — it also happens to be just blocks away from the tree under which Michael and I shared our first kiss. We knew we wanted Brooklyn to be a big theme in our wedding, and the other huge element we wanted to incorporate was Paris, the city where we got engaged. Getting engaged in Paris in front of the Eiffel Tower is such a cliche right? But when he proposed, in front of those blinking lights and the beautiful night sky, it was one of the most magical moments of our lives. And so, our theme became Brooklyn Meets Paris. My mom drew a picture for us of the Brooklyn Bridge leading to the Paris skyline, and this pretty much encapsulated our day.

We decided not to hire a florist, as I wasn’t really interested in big flower centerpieces, so we created our own centerpieces. The evening we got engaged, we drank an E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone wine, and we were lucky enough to find a liquor store in Greenpoint that sells the same wine! So we bought several bottles, and over several months we drank it all and used the bottles as our centerpieces. I came across some cool battery-operated pussy willow branch lights that reminded me of the lights of the Eiffel Tower, so we put these in the wine bottles with some fabric and voila! I dyed an old tapestry dark purple and cut it into table runners for the outside tables. Instead of escort cards, we found a great old door with window panes at a thrift store called Junk in Williamsburg. Michael spent days sanding it to perfection, and I painted a note on the top and bottom and added the guest names to each window pane. I liked the idea of having small flower arrangements scattered throughout the space for color, so the day before the wedding, Michael’s stepfather, Patric, helped me pick out a bunch of beautiful flowers at the wholesale flower market in Manhattan, and he created about 40 mini arrangements that afternoon. I created my and my bridesmaids bouquets from these same flowers, and Michael’s mom, Jane, made the boutonnieres and corsages. I couldn’t find a dress I liked and was overwhelmed with the dress-finding process, so I found a designer, Kathryn Conover, who created my dream wedding dress based on a picture of a non-wedding dress I had cut out of a magazine. Michael was dead set on having his ring made out of meteorite (a rock from outer space!), so he found an online jeweler specializing in meteorite and designed it himself. My ring was custom made to match my beautiful vintage engagement ring that belonged to Michael’s great-great aunt. Michael works for Converse, so of course he and his groomsmen rocked Converse high tops, and he had each pair embellished with a unique, custom design. Our designer friend Anna made my beautiful headpiece and veil, and I made the belt that I wore during the reception. I also designed and made our programs and menus. Our ceremony was put together piece by piece, including our own vows and a soil ceremony in which our families brought dirt from our respective home states that we incorporated with some Brooklyn dirt and a cherry blossom seed to represent our lives before and the combining of our lives together. Our processional music was from “Amelie,” a nod to Paris and also one of our favorite movies as a couple. And Michael’s best friend Chris was our officiant.

This wedding could not have happened without the love, support and help of our family and friends. My mom saved my life in the days before by helping me make so many of the decorations (and doing a better job, actually!), and our wonderful friends were there to step in and help throughout the process. My biggest advice to other DIY couples is to be extremely organized from the very beginning and plan your time wisely. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Even if you think you can do it all yourself, you just can’t, and you shouldn’t. You want to enjoy the big day and breathe it all in, because that’s what it’s all about. Even though it was stressful at times, I was converted from an anti-bride dreading the wedding planning process to a blushing bride falling in love with all the little details. Our wedding was a magical day, and as I sat there with my soul mate looking out at all of the people we love in one room together, it really felt like us.

Wedding Photography: Agaton Strom Photography / Wedding Venue + Catering: MyMoon Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York / Wedding Cake + Cupcakes by Baked NYC / Doughnuts: Doughnut Plant / Other Desserts: MyMoon Restaurant / Wedding Stationery: Minted, Paper Presentation + MOO / Photo Booth: Luckystar Photobooth / Wedding Dress: Custom by Kathryn Conover Couture / Bride’s Shoes: Seychelles / Bride’s Head Piece + Veil: Handmade by Anna Bechtol, A Friend of the Bride / Bride’s Belt: Handmade by the Bride / Bride’s Necklace + Bracelets: Family Heirlooms / Bride’s Earrings: A SoHo Street Vendor / Bride’s Ring: Custom by DVVS Jewelry / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dessy / Men’s Suits: Men’s Wearhouse / Men’s Shoes: Converse / Groom’s Ring: Custom by Boone Rings

If we were giving out awards for the most adorable duo of all time, these two sweethearts would most definitely be in the running.  Their First Look alone is enough to cause some serious heart palpitations… and the fact that the beautiful bride just so happens to be the ever-so-talented Laura from Laura Remmert Events (see here and here)?  Well, that’s just the icing on an already FABULOUS cake.  Add in bundles of vibrant colored blooms from Fleurtacious Designs and an entire gallery of gorgeous images by Joe Elario Photography and we’re calling this THE perfect Friday morning.  See it all right here.

From Laura of Laura Remmert Events (The Bride)… As a wedding planner and wedding designer, I’ve been thinking about what I would do for my wedding for many years! Of course, throughout the years, I have changed my mind many many times in regards to the color scheme, time of year, type of location, etc. With a January engagement, I decided to go with a slightly longer engagement and wait for a spring wedding the following year (so that peonies would be in season!).  We had decided to host the wedding in Upstate New York, Saratoga Springs to be specific, near my hometown (Joe and I have been living in New York City for many years at this point).

After years of working for a wedding venue with dark wood walls, high ceilings and a very “Old New York” look, I always thought I would want a clean, open, modern space, but I quickly changed my mind when viewing venues. I had worked on weddings at the Canfield Casino before moving to New York, but I never really pictured it for my own wedding until I walked into it as a potential bride. The design scheme didn’t all come to me at once, but at midnight after viewing the venue, everything clicked! Joe and I are not super formal; we wanted something fun, modern and whimsical, yet classic and beautiful at the same time. I had already set my mind to using gray as my base neutral color and knew that I wanted my bridesmaids to be in short, dark grey dresses. I have always loved using bright and/or deep colors for weddings. With a spring wedding date, I decided to go with bright, fun, saturated color!  It was the perfect season for this color scheme with the abundance of pink and coral peonies available locally as well as lilac, tulips, roses and we managed to bring in a few ranunculus towards the end of their season.  I wanted to keep the bright colors a little bit of a surprise, obviously not a total surprise due to the beautiful bouquets my bridesmaids carried at the ceremony, so I kept the cocktail reception more bridal using white, ivory and blush tones, including one of my favorite flowers, the Juliet garden rose. The result was absolutely stunning and totally unexpected when the guests walked into the room!  The bright colors made the formal space feel a little more whimsical and modern, and the grey rattan linens gave the tables a more casual feel. 

We had absolutely perfect weather that weekend. After ten years of planning other people’s weddings, I know that you can’t expect perfect weather and that it’s better to plan for the worst and hope for the best, but we certainly lucked out with the best weather I could possibly ask for! We had an amazing wedding weekend with friends and family coming into town a couple of days before the wedding and really taking advantage of all that Saratoga Springs has to offer. It was so nice to have everyone in one place celebrating with us for the entire weekend. We could not have asked for anything more!

Wedding Photography: JP + Joe of Joe Elario Photography / Ceremony: St. Mary’s Church in Ballston Spa, New York / Reception: The Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs, New York / Event Design: Kris Ann Elario of Fleurtacious Designs + Laura Remmert Events / Event Planning: Laura Remmert Events + Katie O’ Weddings & Events / Floral Design: Kris Ann Elario of Fleurtacious Designs / Catering: Brian Palazzolo of Classe Catering / Wedding Invitations: William Arthur / Entertainment: Naked Soul via Perrone Bros. Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet via Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed) / Shoes: Jimmy Choo + Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew

I love Brooklyn. Like, LOVE. It’s the quirky vibe, the charming neighborhoods and the crazy-good style everywhere you look that makes my heart beat a little faster for the trendy burrough. And this Green Building wedding sent to us by the uber-talented Colette Kulig Photography is no exception. It’s one-half industrial chic, one-half DIY-ers dream and entirely gorgeous. Click here to see the rest!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… When Ian and I met, almost five years ago, we immediately clicked. Not only because we were both trying to pursue music as our careers, but also because we shared a similar life aesthetic. When we moved to Brooklyn three years ago, it became clear that the aesthetic we’d always loved was everywhere, and we think that’s why it immediately felt like home. One night, two summers ago, after walking home from Red Hook (which we crazily do even though it’s more or less an hour walk to out apartment), we happened to walk by The Green Building with its front gate wide open, fully lit and full of people. We hadn’t even gotten engaged yet, but it was at that moment that I think we both realized what kind of wedding we would want to have.

Once we got engaged, we weren’t sure about a date for the wedding (my husband’s a touring musician with a very full travel schedule), but we knew it was going to be in Brooklyn and at the Green Building. Overall, the wedding and preparations were all very much DIY, with a rustic yet sophisticated feel that we hoped would still feel pretty simple. We made our own invitations by ordering custom stamps from a lady in Illinois, and I stamped each invitation as Ian strung string and glued the two parts of the invite together. We dyed fabric and cut it up to create a backdrop for our photo booth, we used old windows to write up our menu and other information, and we custom-ordered a tree trunk cake stand for our lovely Baked cake and cupcakes. We kept the Italian tradition of giving what we call “bomboniera” in Italy (essentially a favor) and filled each of the 100 muslin bags we’d ordered with five almonds each. We had another custom stamp created that explained the reason for the five almonds and stamped 100 kraft cards to attach to the bags. To assign tables to guests, we hand-stamped numbers and wrote our guests’ names on smaller kraft cards, which had string around them that could be tied to the prosecco glass each guest was given upon arrival. Most of the small details of the wedding were either made by both my husband and me or purchased from flea markets or Etsy.

At the same time, we wanted beautiful flowers to really represent what early spring is like, and our amazing friend and florist, Brittany, at Brrch Flowers was able to convey exactly what we wanted. The food, which was catered by Roberta’s in Brooklyn, was absolutely spectacular, and people to this day talk about how good it was. Not to mention The Green Building itself, which is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The staff and the space are so marvelous that they alone made the day special. Plus they had some great props that we got to use as well as being extremely helpful (especially in installing the hanging lights amongst all the planning!). A few of the things that we loved the most about the day: the “hiding game” my husband and I played as we were both at The Green Building but didn’t want to see each other until the ceremony; our first dance to Prince’s “Let’s Go Grazy”; seeing our very different families (his American, mine 100% Italian) come together in one room and their speeches; and the shameless dancing that carried on into the night. We are still so incredibly happy and marveled by how beautiful of a day our wedding was. Our photographer and good friend, Colette of Colette Kulig Photography, did an amazing job capturing the beauty of the day, and every time we look through our photos from her, or from the ten disposable cameras we let guests take photos with (such fun results), we are reminded by how much love and happiness there was in the room that day!

Wedding Photography: Colette of Colette Kulig Photography / Wedding Venue: The Green Building in Brooklyn, New York / Venue Contacts: Quinn + Brooke / Floral Design: Brittany of Brrch / Catering: Cherie of Roberta’s / Wedding Cake + Cupcakes: Jordan of Baked / Rentals: Broadway Party Rentals / Photo Booth Props: Maro Designs / Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven via Lovely Bridal Shop NYC / Bride’s Shoes: Miu Miu / Bride’s Hair Accessory: Twigs & Honey / Hair: Lacey of Mousey Brown Salon /Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Groom’s Suit + Shirt: Burberry / Groom’s Tie: Pierrepont Hicks

It’s no secret that the Green Building in Brooklyn is one of our favorite venues ever, so when we saw this pretty little gem sent into us by Sarah Hoppes Photography, we jumped for joy! It’s one part vintage, two parts elegant, and all sorts of DIY pretty! Yup everything from the guest book to the yummy granola favors were all made with love by the bride and groom and their families. Talk about love. Click here for more.

And don’t miss this adorable film by Sarah Hoppes Photography, edited by Christopher Rizzo.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride & Groom… Four years ago, we met on a subway heading to Brooklyn and have lived in Brooklyn for the last three years, so getting married here only seemed natural. We chose the Green Building because of its charm and warm lighting, and we chose our band, Roosevelt Dime, because we knew that they would be able to get everyone out of their seats (as a side note, Roosevelt Dime plays on subway platforms throughout New York and we first heard them playing at a wine bar in Williamsburg). The wedding was largely designed and organized by us. Some of our favorite little touches were the chalkboard seating chart drawn by the bride’s sister, the homemade granola baked by the groom’s mother that was offered as treats as the guests left, and the guest book made by us that asked our guests to leave us a message or wish and seal it in an envelope for us to open in either one month or one year (the guests could circle one of the two options). We had a wonderful time at our wedding and really appreciate all of the hard work that our friends and vendors put into it to help make it so great, so we are happy to have this opportunity to share it with the world.

Wedding Photography: Sarah Hoppes Photography / Wedding Venue: The Green Building in Brooklyn, New York / Wedding Invitations: Joyce Chan / Band: Roosevelt Dime / Wedding Dress: Saja / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Groom’s Suit: Tommy Hilfiger / Groom’s Shoes: Florsheim / Rings: Itay Malkin (The Groom’s Cousin)

There are few spaces that I love as much as The Foundry on Long Island. It’s modern but soulful. It’s city but a touch country. It’s girl, but boy too. It’s all together perfect and I’ve yet to see a single wedding there that I didn’t fall head over heals for. BUT. When you add in a touch of Isabelle Selby Photography, florals by Saipua and a black tie meets Anthropology vibe…well love doesn’t even do it justice. Click here to see the whole stunning celebration.

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From the Bride… Alex and I knew the second we got engaged that we wanted to get married at the Foundry — we had been to a fundraiser there earlier in the year and fell in love with the intimacy of the space. We both come from large families, and it was important to us to create a family environment, with family-style food and a ceremony that all of our friends and family would be involved in. We were so lucky to find vendors who were willing to work with us to creating the celebration we dreamed of — the dress maker was even kind enough to make me the dress I loved in the non-traditional rose color I was looking for. We wanted everyone to know how much it meant to us to have them there, so we made many of the elements — including the invitations, candle holders and gifts — ourselves, with one of our best friends making all of the deserts. All in all, we were lucky enough to be married by a good friend, surrounded by our loved ones, and dance and celebrate the night away like we had always wanted.

Wedding Photography: Isabelle Selby Photography / Second Shooter: Lauren Slusher Photography / Wedding Venue: The Foundry / Floral Design: Saipua / Catering: NY Bite Club / Desserts: DIY by a Friend / Wedding Invitations + Save-the-Dates: Courtney Gertler (The Bride) / Letterpress Printing: Colleen Elise of Letter & Lark / Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah / Bride’s Short Dress: BHLDN / Bride’s Shoes: See by Chloe / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew

Trent Bailey always sends us stunners. That’s a given. But this woodland fête set the lovely bar a bit higher today, and there are a million reasons why. Maybe a million and one. The lush, Hudson Valley backdrop at the Onteora Mountain House might be my favorite reason –  second only to this sweet duo saying I do. Whatever you decide you love the most (and it’s not easy), the gallery is full of so much lovely you can’t help but smile. See so much more here.

And before you head into that gorgeous gallery, you will most certainly want to see this day unfold in film form by Kiss the Bride Films…

From the Bride… Our most important goals were making sure the ceremony was the focus and having the the whole wedding be a cohesive reflection of us. I wanted it to be refined but very connected to nature and spirituality —  simple and easy. Our reception was at Onteora Mountain House. The view was breathtaking, the pavilion made it feel like you were inside and out at the same time, and the grounds are gorgeous and provided for so many options for people to have their own experiences. We favorite parts of the day were our ceremony, as well as seeing our family and friends come together and continue the traditions of celebration in the hora.

Wedding Photography: Trent + Dara of Trent Bailey Photography / Wedding Venue: Onteora Mountain House in Boiceville, New York / Event Design: Graceful Gardens + Bob of Onteora Mountain House / Floral Design: Graceful Gardens / Wedding Cinematography: Kiss the Bride Films / Catering: Blue Mountain Bistro-to-Go / Wedding Cake + Desserts: Blue Mountain Bistro-to-Go / Entertainment: The Dexter Lake Club Band / Lighting: Onteora Mountain House / Wedding Dress: Marchesa via Gabriella New York Bridal Salon / Bride’s Shoes: Belle by Sigerson Morrison / Hair + Makeup: Pretty Bird Bridal / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Groom’s Attire, Tie + Shoes: John Varvatos / Groom’s Cufflinks: Paul Smith / Rings: Designed by Groom via Solomon Jewelers

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Kiss The Bride Films

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As a self proclaimed book junkie I have to admit that when I saw this wedding, I nearly fell out of my chair. We’re talking floor to ceiling books with pretty cafe lights strung between the cases. Sigh. I could live in this wedding and be totally happy forever. Planned to perfection by none other than EMILYevents and captured by the super talented STAK Photographer Duo, this wedding will have you dreaming of the old classics in no time. Click here for the whole story!

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From the Bride… Austin and I met at work, where we both work in book publishing! We became friends once we discovered our mutual love of the Boston Red Sox and were good friends for two years before we took the daring step to start dating a co-worker – glad we did! Our engagement was interrupted (unbeknownst to me) by a dead cockroach in my bathroom. It was a low key Tuesday night, and I was making his favorite dinner, fajitas. He came in with a bottle of champagne, and before I could even question why he bought champagne for fajitas, I made him kill a roach in my tub! Then I asked about the champagne, and he pulled out the ring! We celebrated and called some family, but then we ate the food while it was still hot. I love that it was low key and just another “normal” night made unforgettable.

My inspiration for our wedding came from my 1920s antique engagement ring – I wanted simple elegance with an antique flair. I knew I wanted to be in lace, but simple lace without a lot of beadwork. I kept my other accessories simple – flowers in my hair, no necklace, and I wore my hair down and curled. I wanted to look like myself! We met at work at a book publisher, so the bookstore seemed like the perfect venue for us. The old SoHo building with high ceilings, spiral staircases and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in dark wood only added to the antique feeling! My sisters wore cobalt blue, and I chose my favorite shades of lilac, yellow and magenta to complement their dresses. I carried a white bouquet featuring gardenia, my favorite flower, and the scent I’ve worn for years!

We had two “extras” that I loved – one was the 1930s Rolls Royce that my husband and I rode in. It was so fun and we captured everyone’s attention as we drove around SoHo! The other “only in New York” element that I added was to have a food truck pull up to the reception just as it was letting out, treating our guests to late-night grilled cheese and tater tots as they left the wedding! It worked out perfectly as a fun surprise and kept the party moving to the after party we had planned!

My three favorite memories of our wedding are, first, at the end of our ceremony, our priest had us face our guests and they all put their hands in the air to pray over us as the priest said the final blessing. Seeing everyone you love in a physical expression of their faith and love for you – it was so much more moving than I ever expected and really emotional for Austin and me. The second memory was during a tribute that I had for my mother, who passed away last year. Bruce Springsteen is her all-time favorite, and I had our DJ play a medley of his songs. Having all of my family and my friends and my new husband by my side as we danced and honored her in a really fun way meant so much to me and to my Dad and siblings. It would have been a highlight of her night! The last favorite memory was our last dance – we chose “Good Life” by One Republic, and our friends created a giant circle around Austin and me as we danced. Being physically sounded by everyone as they sang and cheered for us was a magical feeling that I hope I’ll carry with me forever!

Wedding Photography: STAK Photographer Duo / Ceremony: Saint Anthony of Padua Church in New York, New York / Reception: Housing Works Bookstore Cafe in New York, New York / Wedding Planning: EMILYevents / Floral Design: City Iris / DJ: DJ Alias of Scratch Weddings / Transportation: John Peters Limo / Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel via Gabriella New York Bridal Salon / Bride’s Jewelry: Kate Spade / Bride’s Shoes: Anthropologie / Hair: Savannah Bentz / Makeup: Nam Vo / Groom’s Suit: J.Crew

We’re kicking off another gorgeous week here at SMP NY with the prettiest, chic beach fete we ever did see. Photographed to perfection by Marianna Jamadi Photography + Armando Rafael Photography, this wedding will have you dreaming of sandy shores and elegant, modern design in no time! See each and every fabulous detail right here!

Don’t miss this pretty, pretty film by Kiss the Bride Films!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… When my knight in shining armor, Brian, got down on one knee, our wedding journey began. My knight is no ordinary knight — the force is strong with him. He LOVES all things Star Wars! I’m NO Princess Leia — I’m more of a Carrie Bradshaw who happens to have been born in Venezuela to Chinese parents. We wanted our wedding to be a reflection on who we are both as a couple and individual people, as well as what makes us smile. We both love the beach. I LOVE the color pink, Hollywood regency style, anything vintage, and I am just addicted to a good bargain. His love of the Republic knows no bound. How could I combine what he loves with what I love in a classy, understated manner, incorporate my unique background AND pay homage to our shared love of lobster rolls!? This was harder than crossing Manhattan in 4-inch heels without a cab! I treated our wedding as a party. A great party has good food, a piñata, music and sangria! For Brian, anything Star Wars-related makes for a an awesome time.

I had a specific vision in my head on not only how I wanted the space to look but how how I wanted the whole wedding to feel — beach chic romance meets Han Solo in a galaxy far far away! I started an inspiration board of things I loved and spaces that made me happy. Brian was great and didn’t really ask for much except a Bobba Fett groom’s cake. I showed my inspiration board to my florist, Victoria, who was AMAZING! She worked with our budget and helped find alternatives when my ideas were too big for our pockets. She allowed me to source most of my decor items: driftwood, mercury candle holders, seashells, glass globes to hang from the ceiling, lanterns, etc.). Beach chic theme, check! I also wanted to surprise Brian. I organized a Chewbacca butter sculpture, a Darth Vader pinata filled with Star Wars goodies, a Chewbacca cut-out with lightsabers as props at the DIY photobooth and Star Wars-themed guest tote bags. Brian had the brilliant idea of making a signature cocktail, a Tatooine Caucasian…another nod to Star Wars. Star Wars theme, check! Our invitations, favors and menu played into our love of lobster rolls. Our printer created a beautiful heart lobster monogram, which to stamp our favor bags. Each had a red enamel lobster cracker, a lobster bib and a lobster-shaped cookie cutter. The bag was tied with a two sided recipe card. On one side, it had the a lobster boil recipe to use with the lobster bib and cracker. On the second side, we had a cookie recipe to use the lobster cookie cutter with. We also served lobster rolls at the reception. We even had a lobster cage as our card holder! Lobster roll theme, check!

In order to represent my Chinese heritage, we decided to have the tea ceremony before the wedding. It was amazing to have both of our families participate in this cultural ritual. For my family, it was a sign of respect and something a parent looks forward to. For Brian’s family, it was a sign that they embraced and celebrated our differences. Lastly, at Chinese weddings, the bride and groom have a large photo of themselves at the entrance of the reception. We did a take on this tradition and had a love map of all our milestones together. Unique background honored, check! Our family and friends still talk about how much they loved our wedding because it was so us. I want brides everywhere to know that a wedding should be whatever they want it to be. No theme is too impossible to mix together. For us it was about incorporating all the different elements that we love and things make us who we are … even Star Wars can be classy! 

Wedding Photography: Marianna Jamadi Photography + Armando Rafael Photography / Wedding Venue: The Allegria Hotel in Long Beach, New York / Floral Design: Designs by Ahn / Wedding Cinematography: Kiss the Bride Films / Wedding Cake: The Hudson Cakery / Wedding Invitations: By Invitation Only / Star Wars Tote Bags: MisNopalesArt / Photo Booth Props: MisterMustache / Chinese Tea Ceremony Dress: Calypso / Bride’s Ceremony Dress: Anne Barge via The Wedding Salon of Manhasset / Bride’s Reception Dress: Jenny Packham via Designer Loft NYC / Bride’s Shoes: Miu Miu / Groom’s Suit + Tie: Brooks Brothers

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Designer Loft

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The perfect way to kick off the weekend.  That’s what we’re calling this breathtaking Old Westbury wedding, because, well… it sooo is.  An elegant ode to all things Great Gatsby, it’s sparkly gold touches meets the fab stylings of Tinsel & Twine meets one seriously cool venue – and it’s all wrapped up in a stop-you-in-your-tracks gallery filled with one dazzling moment after another captured by Tara Welch Photography.  Happy, happy Friday, indeed.  Click here for more.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

And one seriously amazing film from Kiss the Bride Films for even more pretty, pretty inspiration. Enjoy!

From Tinsel & Twine… The bride and groom, Natasha Uspensky and Jonathan Parkhideh, had such a wonderful vision for their big day: a gorgeous, glamorous “Great Gatsby” theme. (They had started planning this glamorous lawn party, in fact, before they were officially engaged!) Their summertime ceremony and reception took place at the NYIT de Seversky Mansion in Old Westbury, New York. Its marble and mosaic foyer and sweeping landscape offered the perfect backdrop to their sophisticated soiree. My team at Tinsel & Twine was responsible for all aspects of the event’s decor — bouquets, florals, custom paper goods, lighting and props. Key floral design elements included lush garden roses, white lithianthus, succulents, speckled feathers and ostrich plumes, all held in textured, mercury glass vessels. Long tables and fireplace mantles were further adorned with tapered and pillared candles. Paper goods were all designed in gray and blush tones with classic art deco elements such as scalloped patterns and strong typography. The long tables with varying heights and textures created an opulent, yet accessible look and feel.

Wedding Photography: Tara Welch Photography / Wedding Venue: NYIT de Seversky Mansion in Old Westbury, New York / Planning, Floral + Event Design: Tinsel & Twine / Wedding Cinematography: Kiss the Bride Films / Gluten-Free Wedding Cake: Lael Cakes / Ceremony + Reception Music: The Two Man Gentleman Band / Dance Music: DJ Rob Kelley of 74 Events / Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Fillmore / Makeup:  Anni Bruno NYC Faces

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

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Kiss The Bride Films

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We’re all huge fans of nautical weddings here at SMP. There’s just something so fun and flirty about them and this next little nautical number is no exception! The contrasting navy blazers and gorgeous coral colored bridesmaid dresses make for one amazing eye candy session and Turn Loose The Art captured it all in their fabulously lovely way. Oh, and the flowers? Beyond beautiful. See it all right here.

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From Turn Loose The Art… The couple lives in Manhattan but grew up on Long Island, so they set out to find a unique Long Island venue. Katherine’s cousin is a member of the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, and thus the perfect venue — and theme — was born. With the gentleman in navy blazers and khakis and the women in punchy coral dresses, it was a visual feast. The bride had flyaway straps added to her dress covered in a beautiful, old-fashioned lace. The bridal party enjoyed a trolley from church to venue, while the bride and groom chose Mike’s father’s vintage Bel Air.  It was an incredibly pretty wedding.

Wedding Photography: Turn Loose The Art / Wedding Venue: Seawanhaka Yacht Club in Center Island, Oyster Bay, New York / Floral Design: Verbena Designs Inc. / Wedding Invitations: Laura Hooper Calligraphy / Entertainment: Drop Dead Sexy / Wedding Dress: Rivini (Alyne) + Modified with flyaway straps / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Thread

In my humble opinion, the sunflower is the flower that says you are about to have an absolute blast at a wedding with a whole bunch of absolutely chic style. No other flower can say that. I’m judging this on hundreds of weddings that just so happen to be gorgeous – but none as gorgeous as this charmer from Janelle Brooke Photography. It’s put a smile on your face stunning and it’s all right here!

Click here to see the full image gallery!

Tyler and I planned a fabulous day in NYC filled with shopping and eating at our favorite resturant DaNicos in Little Italy. Little did I know that this day was going to be one of the most romantic of my life. After a great day of shopping around, Tyler took me to Battery Park. We always walked around there so I didn’t think anything of the romantic setting. As the sun set Tyler walked me up the outside staircase that over looks the Hudson River. Before I knew it, he was down on one knee holding the most gorgeous ring that I have ever seen. He said, “Will you make me the happiest man in the world, and marry me?” Of course I said YES! 

Photography: Janelle Brooke Photography / Flowers: Bethpage Flowers (Ceremony) + Mattituck Flowers (Venue) / Ceremony Location: Bethpage, NY / Ceremony Officiant: Pastor Jerry Stewart / Ceremony Musicians: Diane Dybus (pianist) + Robert Lisi (Saxaphone) / Reception Location: Raphael Vineyards / DJ: BigHits Entertainment / Invitations: Papyrus / Shoes: MJM Shoes / Dress: Bridal Extraordinaire / Veil: Village Bridal / Bridesmaid Dresses: Nordstrom / Dress Accessories: Felicita Studios / Hair: Dominic Ricci Salon / Makeup: A Woman’s Way Medi Spa / Rings: Turfan Jewelers, The Diamond District NYC / Transportation: Allstar Limo

Fact.  Garden ceremonies are totally awesome.  Like jaw-droppingly gorgeous, seriously amazing, can never get enough awesome.  And when they are followed by a knock-your-socks off reception held at Gary’s Loft in NYC?  Well, that’s what we call awesome to the extreme.  Add in a to-die-for gown from Anne Barge, the fab stylings of HWR Events and an entire gallery overflowing with ah.mazing images captured Lauren Gabrielle Photography and, well.  Saying “I Do” has never been so pretty.  Click here for more.

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From the Bride… Jem and I met in 2006 when we worked together. Neither of us was single at the time, so we just got to know each other as co-workers. I quickly realized that Jem was the funniest person I’d ever met — no matter how stressed out or grumpy I was, he always knew how to make me laugh. After working together a little more than one year, we both moved onto other jobs and didn’t keep in touch. A couple of years later, I was single and had an extra ticket to see Radiohead (my favorite!). I sent Jem a text invitation, even though I had no idea where in the world he was. To my surprise, he accepted. We had an amazing time at the concert, although we still argue about whether we went as friends (I think so) or on a date (he thinks so). Turns out he was single too, and we began dating.

For our wedding, we wanted venues that would reflect our interests and our NY lives. We chose the Conservatory Garden of Central Park because we spend lots of time outdoors and because Central Park is quintessentially NY, not to mention it is the most beautiful park in Manhattan (we know — we visited them all). For the reception, we found Gary’s Loft, which included shabby chic, mismatched furniture and decor and a roof deck with breathtaking views of the Empire State Building. We knew this would impress both our local and out-of-town guests. We wanted more of a swanky cocktail party vibe than a typical seated dinner, and the loft was perfect for this! Our caterer, Tristin Your Kitchen, made countless guests remark “This is the best food we’ve ever had at a wedding!” It was very important to us that the food be exquisite because we’ve both worked in some of NYC’s finest restaurants, as have many of our guests. Our cake was made by our dear friend, Tiffany MacIsaac of Buzz Bakery and Birch & Barley in Washington, D.C. It was both stunning and delicious. We used HWR Events for our planning and day-of-coordination and couldn’t be happier. She understood our (somewhat quirky) vision and helped us to have the wedding that we wanted!

As for my dress, I was the luckiest bride in the world. Shortly after becoming engaged and over a year before the wedding, I went to Filene’s Running of the Brides. It was everything they say and more. Within five minutes of the doors being opened, every single dress had been snatched off the racks. Girls had teams of 10 or more bridesmaids and family members, carried huge signs describing their dream dress (e.g. A-line, strapless, size 8-10, etc.), and people are ruthless in trying to get their hands on everything. After a few minutes of utter chaos, my bridesmaid and I decided to leave. As we were about to walk out the front door, I saw a woman near the checkout with a stunning dress. I said to her, “That is beautiful!” To my surprise, she replied, “Do you want it?” I mumbled “Aren’t you buying it??” Turns out she worked there, so she wasn’t. After trying it on twice and having my (very patient) bridesmaid try it on twice for me so I could see how it looked on someone, I decided to buy it.  At the time, I wasn’t sure if it was just an adrenaline purchase since it was 95% off — but I never looked at another gown again. Like Jem, I know it was the one for me!

Finally, perhaps the most important decision of all was choosing Lauren Gabrielle Photography to capture everything. The moment I saw her work (on SMP!) I was enamored. Her blog and portfolio confirmed that ALL her work is stunning. She is remarkably talented yet humble and was incredibly easy to work with. We love every single image she captured and know that generations who come after us will treasure them as well.

Photography: Lauren Gabrielle Photography / Ceremony: Conservatory Garden at Central Park in New York, New York / Reception: Gary’s Loft in New York, New York / Planning + Wedding Day Coordination: Heather Rice of HWR Events / Bouquets: Sprout Home / Reception Décor: HWR Events + Gary’s Loft / Officiants: The Bride’s Brother + The Groom’s Brother / Catering: Tristin Your Kitchen / Wedding Cake: Tiffany MacIsaac of Buttercream Bakeshop / Vow Books: Morgann Hill Designs / Wedding Dress: Anne Barge via Filene’s Basement (Now Closed) / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Engagement Ring: Little King Jewelry / Bride’s Jewelry: From Her Grandmother + Groom’s Grandmother / Hair: Drybar / Makeup: Kimara Ahnert / Groom’s Suit: Indochino / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: twobirds Bridesmaid

Donna Morgan dresses are a long standing favorite of ours so we of course jumped at the chance to share the newest Spring 2013 collection. Mixed with styling by Merci New York, pretty florals by Fleurs NYC and images by Trent Bailey Photography, this is a shoot that will leave you inspired for the big day as well as knowing who to call when it comes time to outfit those besties of yours. That’s a win win if you ask us. See even more from the latest Donna Morgan collection here.

From Donna Morgan… Donna Morgan, known for its fashion forward silhouettes and incredible price point, is excited to announce its new bridesmaids’ collection for Spring 2013. The line will capture the same style, craftsmanship and affordability as the daywear. Making its debut at Bridal Market Week in New York City, October 13 -15, the new collection is ideal for the bride who wants stylish, fashion-forward dresses at prices her friends will appreciate.

For Spring 2013, Donna Morgan offers a collection of 40 styles in a variety of silhouettes and fabrications. Keeping with tradition, the core of the Donna Morgan collection is created each season in silk chiffon. In addition to the timeless fabrications, this collection marks the debut of new fabrics such as tulle, silk georgette and organza. For the fashion-forward bridesmaid, the collection includes peplum, fit-and-flair and sheath silhouettes. These new shapes transform the classic wedding into a chic affair that displays the bride’s personal sense of style. A vast variety of color and texture are offered to match and compliment every bride’s vision. Dusky shades such as “amethyst,” “midnight” and “grey” pair well with the evening city wedding while lighter, airy shades such as “hint of mint,” “blush” and “peach fuzz” are offered for a casual day time affair. Classic silhouettes in silk chiffon fall at the practical price point of $158, while fashion-forward styles range from $178-$198 — affordable without compromising style. The Donna Morgan styles work well as guests-of dresses, an added benefit to both the bride and her maids.

To launch the new Spring 2013 collection, Donna Morgan collaborated with chic wedding stylist Jackie Weppner from Merci New York and New York photographer Trent Bailey for campaign images that have a real wedding feel. The campaign was shot at the iconic Surrey Hotel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and captured six unique bridal party stories.

Photography: Trent Bailey Photography / Photo Shoot Venue: The Surrey Hotel in New York, New York / Flowers: Fleurs NYC / Styling: Jackie Weppner of Merci New York / Dresses: Donna Morgan / Hair + Makeup: Facetime Beauty Concierge

Some days I just crave a gorgeous black tie affair in New York City. And because today just so happens to be one of those days, I am super giddy to share this Hudson Hotel wedding filled to the brim with so much style, happiness, and love. Captured by 4Eyes Photography, it’s the kind of soiree that will put a smile on your face for days. Go on, check out the full image gallery for more – including a phenomenal floral design from Hatch Creative Studio!

Click here to see the full image gallery!

Our wedding was inspired by the fact that we are from different parts of the world. Sebastian is from Paraguay and Ryan is from Michigan. All of our paper products (invitation, menu, ceremony program, escort cards) included a Paraguayan immigration stamp, a Michigan stamp and a custom Sebastian & Ryan passport stamp with the date of the wedding. We also used Spanish for certain key words or phrases and portions of the ceremony were spoken in Spanish as well. In lieu of a candle lighting ceremony we did a sand blending ceremony where Sebastian poured red sand (representing the color of the earth in Paraguay) and Ryan poured tan sand (representing the color of the beaches along lake Michigan) into one vase — symbolizing the blending of our lives, families and cultures.

Because we are both men, it was important to us that the flowers and decor be masculine and rustic yet modern and stylish. Hatch Creative Studio and the Hudson Hotel really captured this balance perfectly. There were a few special touches such as including the Passion Flower which is the national flower of Paraguay and the ceremony arch was made of aspen trees which was a reference to the aspen forest in Colorado where Ryan proposed to Sebastian during a beautiful horseback ride. We also selected the Hudson Hotel as the venue not only because it had the masculine chic vibe we were going for but because it was where we had one of our first dates.

Photographer: Kellie & Rupert from 4eyes Photography / Floral Designer: Hatch Creative Studio / Stationery: Amy Turner Design / Cake: Baked NYC / Custom Tuxedos: Alton Lane / Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Alvina Valenta / Our wedding rings + wedding party jewelry: Darien Jewelers / Venue: Hudson Hotel, NYC