In the bustling heart of New York City, where the skyline stretches endlessly, a vision of modern, understated urban elegance came to life. This editorial blended contemporary sophistication with timeless charm, offering fresh inspiration for couples who dreamed of celebrating their love in the city. Thanks to the photographer Kate Roberge’s incredible eye, every moment was transformed into a unforgettable story, capturing New York’s magic with creativity and style. From the rooftop views to those effortlessly chic details, this was what a dream city wedding looks like.
Vision Behind the Shoot
The vision stemmed from a desire to redefine the idea of an urban wedding with a modern and thoughtful approach. The planner Carol Guedes of Flying Little Birds and the photographer Kate Roberge joined forces to create an editorial that exuded quiet sophistication and an authentic connection to the city. With a sleek monochromatic palette, innovative design details, and organic textures, the concept highlighted the beauty of simplicity without sacrificing style. Rather than focusing on luxury, the goal was to design a setting that felt personal, refined, and effortlessly chic.
"The inspiration behind their editorial is to showcase ideas for couples who value authenticity and self-expression for their values and style.”
Location
Set above the city that never sleeps, Tribeca Rooftop was the perfect choice for the editorial’s concept. Known for its modern architecture and stunning views, the venue’s clean lines and open-air setting offered a flawless backdrop. The Manhattan skyline framed the scene beautifully, adding just the right mix of grandeur and intimacy. It’s an urban oasis where the city’s energy meets calm sophistication.
Style & Fashion
The bride’s look was the perfect example of classic-meets-modern glamour. For the ceremony, she wore a Katherine Tash silk duchess satin gown. The structured bodice, draped neckline, and striking overskirt gave the dress a timeless appeal, while the sweeping train added just the right amount of drama. Her bouquet by Designs by Ahn with white anthuriums and hydrangeas, brought a sculptural touch that perfectly matched the clean lines of her gown.
For the evening, the bride slipped into something a little more fun: a glass-beaded fringe dress that sparkled with every move. The deep-plunging backline gave it a sultry edge, perfect for a night of rooftop dancing under the stars. Jackie Avrumson, a bridal fashion expert based in NYC, styled both outfits with dresses from the iconic Lovely Bride boutique.
To complete the look, Liza Ray from Beauty Icon NY crafted a sleek, polished low bun and paired it with soft, natural makeup, letting the bride’s glow take center stage.
The groom wasn’t just a background player here. He wore a custom Michael Andrews tuxedo, one of New York City’s premier custom clothiers. And the onyx-studded shirt added a sophisticated flair.
The accessories tied everything together: Verstolo’s fine jewelry for the bride and Bella Belle shoes for that final touch of elegance. The styling struck a balance that felt equal parts refined and approachable, making the couple look like the ultimate New York power duo.
Ceremony
The ceremony setup offered a fresh take on the tradition by replacing the usual rows of chairs and aisle runners with a circular layout that invited intimacy and sense of connection. Floral arrangements by Design by Ahn elevated the scene with monochromatic white blooms, including hydrangeas, anthuriums, roses, and accents of baby’s breath. Arranged to resemble floating clouds, the textures brought depth and a modern edge, creating a visual that was both serene and striking.
In a thoughtful touch, the florals were later repurposed for the cake-cutting moment, showcasing how intentional design can be as functional as beautiful.
Kate Roberge’s photography brought this vision to life, capturing the elegance of the ceremony with an editorial flair. Drone shots highlighted the intricate lines and unique layouts, offering a perspective rarely seen in NYC venues and elevating the visual narrative of the day.
Decor & Florals
The reception decor reimagined tradition with a modern approach. Instead of the usual long banquet tables, the planner chose rounded tables arranged in rows, creating a sense of movement and rhythm that perfectly echoed the sleek lines of the skyline. Nuage Designs provided textured white linens, offering a neutral backdrop for the unexpected centerpieces: green vegetables and fruits.
These fresh, organic elements added a cozy, grounded vibe to the urban setting — a clever nod to sustainability that proved beauty can come from the simplest things. Green water goblets, clear glass chargers, and minimalist candle holders added a crisp, modern contrast, keeping the overall aesthetic clean and refined.
The little touches made it even more special. Flying Little Birds crafted lavender pouches that doubled as name cards and favors, pairing perfectly with handwritten menus and vow booklets. It all came together to show how thoughtful design can feel luxurious without being overly complicated.
Sweet Final
As the golden hour bathed the city in its warm glow, the couple gathered for a chic cake-cutting moment. Karen from Petite Fleur Cake designed a stunning four-tiered masterpiece inspired by delicate fabric textures. Decorated with opaque rice paper, the cake was a natural extension of the editorial’s refined aesthetic.
At the center of this shoot was Kate Roberge’s incredible talent for storytelling through photography. She captured not just the setup but the energy and emotion woven into the day.
This editorial was a dream collaboration, with every professional bringing their expertise and passion. Together, Carol and Kate created a concept that turned the Manhattan skyline into the perfect backdrop for the ceremony, reception, and those golden-hour cake photos. Even as the afternoon breeze picked up, the team worked seamlessly to bring the vision to life, proving that creative magic happens when passion meets purpose.
PHOTOGRAPHER Kate Roberge Photography | PLANNER & DESIGN Flying Little Birds | STYLIST Jackie Avrumson | VENUE Tribeca Rooftop | FLORALS Designs by Ahn NYC | MUAH Beauty Icon NY | DRESS Katherine Tash | HILLS Bella Belle Shoes | JEWERLY Verstolo | SHOP Lovely Bride NYC | SUIT Michael Andrews Bespoke | CAKE Petite Fleur Cake | STATIONERY Flying Little Birds | RENTALS Broadway Party Rentals, Nuage Designs | MODELS Elaine Ruiva, Lucas Silvestre
