This wedding was special for so many reasons but especially because not only did I help plan the wedding, I was in the wedding! Doing double duty for this one was nothing but a joy and I couldn't have been happier to have played the parts the I did in the celebration for this couple. Samantha and Joe have such a special place in my heart because I was there from the very beginning of their love story and watched it all unfold in the crazy, romantic, dramatic and heartwarming way that all good college relationships do. These two are truly meant to be and compliment each other in ways that most people only dream of finding in a partner. I could go on and on about this couple (and people sure did in amazing speeches and toasts throughout the weekend) but let's get to the details of this September city wedding.
I think they got everything they asked for in terms of a quintessential New York City wedding. Chic but classic decor, an amazing band and a dance party that just wouldn't quit (seriously, we were sweaty before we even sat down to eat). And best of all they had 200 of their closest friends and family (not an exaggeration, they really just have that many good friends) there with them to witness and celebrate this milestone after ten years together.
When I look at the gallery from their amazing photographer, Asher Gardner, I see a sea of white and gold which is exactly what we were going for. Samantha has always been our most stylish friend so it was no surprise that all of her accessories were completely on point for her wedding day.
I love wedding days where everything just seems to fall into place. These two had their first look in Central Park, which is where they got engaged, and then on the way home got caught on a shut down 5th ave because of an upcoming parade. As fate would have it, they have a running joke that whenever they have somewhere to be a parade shuts down the route they need to take, so it was so fitting that it happened on this day of all days - and made for some pretty epic wedding portraits.
After their first look they made their way across the city to Battery Park for wedding party photos before their ceremony and reception at the beautiful Battery Gardens Restaurant. The park was the perfect place for photos with plenty of greenery and the most idealistic street lamps. After a lengthy search, Sammi found the most perfect beaded champagne gowns for us to wear in individual styles and we happened upon ribbon for the bouquets in the exact same shade. She gifted us our choice of earrings from Olive & Piper and our hair and make up was done by Beautini, an amazing company founded and run by our fellow bridesmaid, Brittany. I also loved the fresh and feminine look of our florals by Rachel Cho.
Fate struck again when it started raining just before the ceremony. At first it was just a light mist that we all thought would stop but it actually picked up just as we made our way down the aisle. However these two have a special history with rain (and snow) and so really it wouldn't have made sense to happen any other way. They read their vows to each other during a beautiful interfaith ceremony looking out over the water with the Statue of Liberty on the horizon and no one felt the rain. I just love the photo of the mother and father of the bride shared below.
We made our way inside Battery Gardens for cocktail hour and the party was immediately in full swing. Champagne with a view, a killer band, delicious food and constant dancing (including the Horah) all night long. There were so many amazing moments throughout the reception and I never take it for granted when I get to be a part of the party having managed so many weddings from the sidelines. For the tables we kept it simple with white linens, glassware and flatware but we added a pop of black with napkins which were the perfect backdrop to gold foil menu cards. Glowing candles and greenery on gold trays made for elegant centerpieces that added ambience to the room. I'm also obsessed with the laser cut sign on their sweetheart table. It looks effortless but a lot of engineering went into the display.
This one was one for the books from the planner, bridesmaid and guest perspective. It was nonstop celebration all weekend long and the only thing I wish is that we got to do it again and again. Cheers to the Nixons!
And as always, lots of love for the amazing vendor team:
Venue & Catering - http://www.batterygardens.com/
Planning & Design - https://www.backbaybride.com/
Photography - https://www.ashergardner.com/
Florals - https://rachelchoflowers.com/
Wedding Dress - https://www.maggiesottero.com/
Bridesmaid Dresses - https://www.adriannapapell.com
Tux - https://theblacktux.com/
Hair & Make Up - http://www.beautinibyblo.com/
Invitations - https://www.minted.com/
Videography - https://www.wellspunweddings.com/
Cake - https://www.facebook.com/jbcouturecakes
Band - http://www.hanklane.com/