ocation: New York City, USA
Setting: Union League Club
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: 200
How long did the couple plan the event: 1,5 years
Wedding theme/style: Classic, timeless, romantic.
Elise and Richard crossed a year and a half after graduating from Washington & Lee University, despite being in the same class and moving to New York City. They finally connected at an alum event at One World Observatory in October 2017. Three years later, on the day after his birthday, Richard proposed on his fishing boat in New York Harbor, with One World Trade Center as a backdrop. It was a joyful weekend of celebration with the couple’s family and friends, cruising around Manhattan and raising a toast with champagne.
The lovebirds opted for a traditional Catholic ceremony at St. Francis Xavier and a European-style reception at The Union League Club. Their theme was “wedding,” and they shared a deep respect for tradition while gravitating towards a classic and clean aesthetic.
From the bride: “We worked with Bella Figura for our invitation suite. I fell madly in love with their deckle-edged paper; as they say, the rest was history. Not really – it was a true labor of love. I poured over hundreds of script fonts. None of them felt “right.” It finally occurred to me to search Jackie + JFK’s wedding invitation, and that’s when it clicked that an all-caps font in a charcoal letterpress was what the paper needed. “Adorn Engraved” was the one.”
Elise loved dozens of dresses, but not one came close to the Reem Acra “Flock of Angels” gown she found at Jessica Haley Bridal in Rye, NY. It was a masterpiece, featuring a classic design with a modern twist, an all-over floral print, and a tasteful slit. She paired it with René Caovilla‘s “Beaded Hive” pumps and kid leather gloves from her grandmother. The pearl and diamond brooch, a family tradition, adorned her hair. Aside from the bride’s engagement ring, the only jewelry she wore was a pair of mother-of-pearl flower drop earrings – an allusion to the florals of her gown.
The bride’s mother also chose a Reem Acra gown. It was a coincidence that it was the same fabric as the bridal dress, a Mikado pique. Her gown was a lovely navy, complemented by a matching bolero.
Elise’s makeup and hairstyle, crafted by the talented artists Jan Murphy and Andria Tobey, accentuated her refined beauty. The makeup, designed with soft, delicate shades emphasizing the eyes, radiated sophistication. Elise’s chosen hairstyle, expertly created by Andria Tobey, featured her hair elegantly gathered into a low bun with a loose lock, creating a romantic look.
On the morning of her wedding day, Elise presented her mother with a sweet and memorable gift – a tambourine adorned with bright blue ribbons that perfectly matched her mother’s dress. “My mother is known to my friends as the Tambourine Queen, and I’ve been known to steal her party trick myself! My friend and bridesmaid created the chicest instrument as a surprise for my bachelorette party, and she made two more: one for my mom and one for Richard’s mom, all the same except the chiffon ribbons to match our gowns!” told Elise.
From the bride: “As for inspiration, I often turn to Jacqueline Kennedy, Grace Kelly, and Nancy Meyers, so those three women and their renowned styles acted as what I’d call “guideposts” throughout the planning process. Our paper goods are perhaps the one place where I drew direct inspiration.”
Richard’s custom tuxedo from Victor Talbots was a midnight blue stunner, setting him apart from his groomsmen. The groom kept it traditional with a white pique shirt, black suspenders, black batwing bowtie, and black velvet smoking slippers. The mother-of-pearl cufflinks and stud set were a special gift from Elise’s parents.
Before the wedding ceremony, Elise and Richard gathered with their family and friends to capture memorable moments. The couple made a stylish choice by having the bridesmaids wear elegant black dresses, and the groomsmen donned sharp black tuxedos. Their decision proved to be a brilliant one, as the black attire added a touch of elegance and sophistication, making the group look stunning!
Flowers played a central role in the overall style of the wedding. The bridal bouquet featured ranunculus, dendrobium orchids, and freesia, while the bridesmaids carried bouquets of white roses and Italian ruscus. Both mothers and grandmothers wore white flowers and greenery fastened to gold cuffs. The groomsmen sported dendrobium orchids, while Richard’s boutonniere featured freesia. The fathers wore ranunculus on their lapels.
Flowers played a central role in the overall style of the wedding. The bridal bouquet featured ranunculus, dendrobium orchids, and freesia, while the bridesmaids carried bouquets of white roses and Italian ruscus. Both mothers and grandmothers wore white flowers and greenery fastened to gold cuffs. The groomsmen sported dendrobium orchids, while Richard’s boutonniere featured freesia. The fathers wore ranunculus on their lapels.
One of the most touching moments was when Elise’s father saw his daughter in her wedding gown for the first time. It was a moment of pure love, and the photos clearly show the depth of emotion in the eyes of the parents.
Elise and Richard chose to keep the decor at St. Francis Xavier and The Union League Club minimal, as both venues were naturally beautiful. For the ceremony, they used two altarpieces with white dendrobium orchids, ranunculus, lilies, orchids, hydrangea, freesia, and greenery like Italian ruscus and lemon leaves.
The couple incorporated several personal touches and family heirlooms into their wedding. They decorated the back of Elise’s parents’ 1969 Mercedes Benz 280 SL with a beautiful garland, a sentimental choice as her parents had used the car for their honeymoon in 1983. The bride and her father’s drive to the Church in that car created a special bonding moment reminiscent of their Sunday drives during her childhood.
The couple incorporated several personal touches and family heirlooms into their wedding. They decorated the back of Elise’s parents’ 1969 Mercedes Benz 280 SL with a beautiful garland, a sentimental choice as her parents had used the car for their honeymoon in 1983. The bride and her father’s drive to the Church in that car created a special bonding moment reminiscent of their Sunday drives during her childhood.
At the wedding ceremony, Elise walked down the aisle with her father towards her beloved Richard. The magnificent church witnessed their union under its arches, where they began a new chapter in their lives together.
The most eagerly awaited moment of the wedding was the exchange of vows, which held extraordinary significance for the couple. Beethoven’s “Für Elise” provided a moment of reflection after the vows, and it was every bit as special as they had hoped it would be.
As the newlyweds finally left the church, all the guests stood with white ribbons in their hands. It was a touching moment when friends and family bid farewell and sent off the young couple, wishing them happiness and prosperity in their new life together.
However, the most vivid memory was when they pulled away from the Church in their getaway car. As they drove away, Elise waved to their cheering family and friends, feeling the overwhelming love and support of those who meant the world to them.
The couple’s wedding was beautifully captured by the talented photographer Berit Bizjak. She expertly preserved every aspect of the day – the full spectrum of emotions, significant and fleeting moments, and all the intricate details one never wants to slip from one’s memories. Thanks to her creative vision and artistic approach, she created timeless photographs that can be endlessly admired.
The reception featured a mix of high and low centerpieces with similar flowers as the altarpieces, complemented by a light blue delphinium to match the Club’s Main Dining Room. A blue damask tablecloth added to the elegant atmosphere. Candles were used throughout to enhance the old-world charm of the spaces.
The evening was filled with delightful moments, and one of the highlights was the wedding congratulations and speeches delivered by Elise and Richard’s loved ones and friends. These heartfelt and touching words will undoubtedly remain etched in the newlyweds’ hearts forever.
The cake topper originated from Eliza’s paternal grandparents’ wedding, and the cake knife was a cherished relic from their 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Both Richard and Eliza drew inspiration from their parents’ and grandparents’ successful marriages, considering them as excellent role models. This is a significant aspect of their lives that they frequently contemplate and sincerely appreciate.
The most anticipated moments for the lovebirds were their vows during the ceremony and their first dance to Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E.” Their first dance was lively and fun, featuring a lift, and their band, Carnivále, added energy and excitement to the reception.
What can be more touching than the dance of a mother with her son and a daughter with her father at a wedding? It is the most heartfelt and soul-stirring moment of unity, love, and genuine happiness. Elise and Richard’s wedding was no exception, and their dances with their parents left not a single guest indifferent.
And, of course, the party. Dancing, dancing, and more dancing! The bride and groom prepared mini glowing tambourines for the guests, and everyone had a fantastic time on the dance floor!
Advice from the couple:
• Enjoy every second! There are times in the planning process that may feel frustrating, daunting, and overwhelming. Don’t let those moments make you lose sight of what matters: you’re marrying the love of your life! Ever.
PHOTOGRAPHER Berit Bizjak Photography | PLANNER Dream Makers | FLORAL Cress Flowers | VENUE Union League club | MUSIC BAND Carnivále | MUA Jan Murphy | HAIR Andria Tobey | BRIDAL DRESS Reem Acra | BRIDAL SHOES Rene Caovilla | MENSWEAR Victor Talbots | CAKE Everything Lulu | WEDDING INVITATIONS Bella Figura
