After eleven months of bliss Marc and I decided to go on vacation to my favorite vacation spot growing up – Hawaii. On the second day of our trip Marc told me he had booked a photographer to take professional photos to satisfy my mom who was always complaining that she didn’t have any (I hate taking pictures!). We went down to the beach to meet with the photographer and had a blast being silly and posing for forty five minutes. When we were done the photographer said goodbye and Marc escorted me to a private hut on the beach. There were yellow rose petals on the sand leading to the dinner table set for two. There were menus with our names on them with all of my favorite foods listed. As soon as we were fully in the hut Marc got down on one knee and tried to recite something he had written earlier but ended up getting out the words “will you marry me.” We both were crying with joy and embraced for what felt like a few hours but in reality was only a few minutes. The photographer returned to our watery faces for some shots after the monumental moment. We then enjoyed a delicious private feast on the beach in Kauai! At the end of the evening we returned to our hotel room covered in roses and on the bed roses in the shape of a huge heart.

Marc and I immediately bonded over our love of food. Marc graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and owns and runs his own catering company. Marc spends his time planning and executing other people’s parties. He was so excited to finally be able to plan his own!

We had a vision of getting married by the water – we find the water to have a very calming and romantic presence. I have lived on the upper west side of Manhattan for the last five years and loved sunny days eating and drinking at the boat basin on 79th Street. After ruling out a few places due to number constraints and overall feel I walked Marc over to the Boat Basin thinking it could be a great venue for us if his company would be allowed to cater there. As luck would have it they allowed him to cater and the date they had available was perfect for us!

In five months we were able to put it all together and our reality wedding was better than all of my dreams. It was an amazingly sunny, 62 degree day in the midst of fall in NYC. Marc and I didn’t do the big wedding party – as it was too much of a hassle and we didn’t want to tell our most loved ones what they could and couldn’t wear. His brother was his best man and my best friend was by my side all day and night. Our attire on the invitations read “Cocktail wear with a nautical flare” Our vision was since this was a boat basin it should have a nautical feel. My maid of honor wore red, while my mother wore navy. We had a life ring made with our names and the date for people to pose with as they entered the ceremony to give it a feel of a forced cruise entrance photo.

The food was really at the heart of the party. We were very focused on having fun delicious food that everyone could enjoy. Our cocktail hour included a raw bar as well as passed micro lobster rolls, kobe beef sliders, mini fish tacos, tuna ceviche, pecking duck crepes, Panko chicken frites, and Vietnamese summer rolls. We had two signature drinks passed which were the drinks we enjoyed on our first date – dark and stormy and mojitos. Our meal at dinner was served family style since we really wanted everyone to be able to try everything and experience an interactive dining experience. Each table was served two different salads as an appetizer. For the main course we chose braised beef short ribs with macaroni and cheese and glazed heirloom carrots as well as seared ahi tuna with Himalayan red rice over a roasted wild mushrooms and endamame.

Dessert was very important to me – as my sweet tooth is very well known by everyone who has ever met me! My favorite cookies were layered rainbow cookies. I asked Marc if we could make a cake out of these cookies and before I knew it we had ordered two sheet trays of the cake, then cut them into cookie bites, layered them to resemble a cake and vwhala! Our cake cutting was so fun! Marc took a cookie off the pile and we shared our first one. Immediately following was a free for all of everyone just taking a cookie off the pile that resembled a cake. They were so moist and delicious – the best rainbow cookies I have ever tasted! We had a dessert table filled with all of my other favorites: micro ice cream sandwiches, banana pudding, lemon glazed cake doughnuts, peanut butter mouse pretzel cups, pistachio, chocolate orange, and almond biscotti’s, and assorted fruit.

The ceremony took place under a Chuppah that has been in Marc’s family for over 100 years. It was from Marc’s Great, Great Grandmother who started her own temple in Montreal. Music was very important to us as well. The song we exited the ceremony to was hakuna matata from the lion king. Our first dance was to our favorite song “give into me” sung as a duet.

The wedding day as a whole was point blank the best day of our lives. A very vivid memory is Marc and I getting ready. We both got ready in our apartment with Dori, the maid of honor. Dori had the job of keeping us separated so that we would not see each other before the grand reveal for the cameras. While Dori was helping Marc with his bowtie in the other room I was standing nervously alone in the dining room. All of a sudden Marc screamed “Erica” to which I replied “Yes?” – then he said “I love you.” In that moment my anxiety and fear disappeared and I became overwhelmed with joy with the reminder of what this day was about; committing to spend the rest of our lives as best friends together forever.

Photographer: Jonathan Hanson, ReadyLuck / Videographer: Bruce Cullen / Floral Designer: Banchet Jaigla of Banchet Flowers / Event Design & Planning: On The Marc Events & The Spark Group / Makeup: Jackie Gomez / Caterer: On The Marc Events / Cake & Desserts: On The Marc Events / Wedding Gown Designer: Monique Lhuillier / Band: Marianne Bennett / Venue: The West 79th Street Boat Basin Café

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Post tags: Banchet Flowers, Bowties, Bruce Cullen, Calla Lilies, Chuppah, Fall Weddings, Food, Jackie Gomez, Jewish Weddings, Manhattan, Marianne Bennett, Monique Lhuillier, Nautical, New York, New York Weddings, On The Marc Events, Outdoor Ceremony, Readyluck, The Spark Group, The West 79th Street Boat Basin Cafe, Traditional Elegance, tulips, Water, Waterside, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

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From Jen of Jen Huang Photography… Lauren and Brandon’s wedding was held in the beautiful ballroom at the historic Pierre hotel in New York City. The whole night glittered with glam, from Lauren’s beautiful Bergdorf Goodman dress to her Manolo Blahnik shoes. Lauren’s understated elegance matched her down-to-earth, smiley personality wonderfully, and Brandon looked handsome next to her in his Paul Smith suit. Portraits were taken nearby in New York’s Central Park, which was full of autumn foliage. Guests mingled during a cocktail hour outside the Pierre’s ballroom and were escorted inside the stunning room for dinner. Rose-colored lights shone on gorgeously appointed tables dripping with romantic flowers. The only word to describe the night would be magnificent!

Wedding Photography: Jen Huang Photography / Wedding Venue + Catering: The Pierre in New York City, New York / Flowers: Designs by Sam Davis / Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Fillmore via Bergdorf Goodman / Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Bridesmaids’s Dresses: twobirds / Groom’s Suit: Paul Smith / Band: Charles St. Paul Band / Invites: Judy Palen Designs via Bloomingdale’s

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Post tags: Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Charles St. Paul Band, Designs by Sam Davis, Elizabeth Fillmore, Gold, Jen Huang Photography, Judy Palen Designs, Manolo Blahnik, New York, New York City, Paul Smith, Pink, The Pierre, twobirds, White
Post categories: New York City Weddings, New York Weddings

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From Robert and Kathleen of Robert & Kathleen Photographers… A glamorous New York City wedding set in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods: Gramercy Park. Neighborhood residents Becky and Dave selected the Gramercy Park Hotel for their wedding ceremony and reception not only because it was local but because it also happens to be a stunning location in its own right. Dave even managed to secure access to Gramercy Park itself (one of the few private parks in the city that can only be accessed with a key) for their first look and formal photos.

Wedding Photography: Robert & Kathleen Photographers / Wedding Venue: Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City, New York / Flowers: Celadon & Celery / Wedding Cake + Groom’s Cake: Sugar Couture / Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier / Bride’s Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti / Hair: Jeff Chastain / Make-up: Nam Vo / Bride’s Jewelry: Borrowed from the Bride’s Mother / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dessy / Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss / Groom’s Shoes: Calvin Klein / DJ: Scott Melker

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Post tags: Calvin Klein, Celadon & Celery, Dessy, Giuseppe Zanotti, Gramercy Park, gramercy park hotel, Hot Pink, Hugo Boss, Jeff Chastain, Monique Lhuillier, Nam Vo, New York, New York City, Orange, Red, Robert & Kathleen Photographers, Scott Melker, Sugar Couture
Post categories: New York City Weddings, New York Weddings, Traditional Elegance

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From Jenifour of Go Get It Events and Proposals… Kevin came to Go Get It Events and Proposals with a dream proposal in his mind. He wanted to propose to Stefanie, the love of his life, on a rooftop in New York City on the night of her birthday. He was very specific with his request — it could not be a terrace, it had to be a rooftop with 360-degree views of the city. He also wanted to have a full gourmet dining experience on the rooftop. On top of this, the forecast was for rain! With only 2 1/2 days to scout every available NYC rooftop, book a large clear tent, an available caterer, a photographer, a horse carriage and get all of the floral and decor items in place, Go Get Events worked on overdrive to make Kevin’s dream come true. After many site visits, the Prince Street Loft rooftop was booked as the site for his romantic proposal.

On the day of Stefanie’s birthday, it started to pour! The staff set up the rooftop in the rain and high winds and prayed it would stop by 7 p.m. Then, as night rolled around, the rain subsided, and Kevin casually asked Stefanie if she wanted to take a horse carriage ride near their apartment on Central Park West. Inside the carriage, Stefanie found her first birthday presents of the evening: new cashmere gloves and a love note written by Kevin. After a romantic 40-minute horse ride, they were dropped off in front of the Plaza Hotel and Stefanie was shocked to find a chauffeur waiting for them. They hopped into the awaiting limousine and were driven to Tribeca, where they were let out at a cute neighborhood bar, The Dutch. Once inside this cozy bar, Kevin excused himself to go to the “bathroom.” While Stefanie waited for his return, Kevin slipped out of the bar and headed over to Prince Street Lofts, which had been turned into a beautiful and private proposal location.

It was then that a Go Get It Events coordinator approached Stefanie, handed her a note and walked away. Stephanie opened it up and was floored! It was Kevin’s writing, telling her to meet her at a mysterious address. She quickly got up, left the bar and walked over to Prince Street. Following notes and signs, she took the elevator to the top to find Kevin waiting for her! She honestly thought he was taking her to a “pop-up” restaurant. They walked up the final candlelit stairs to the rooftop to find a beautifully decorated rooftop and dinner set up just for them. After they dined on 4 courses with view of Manhattan as their scenery, Stefanie was presented with one last letter. As she read it, Kevin got down on one knee and proposed! Stefanie burst into tears and could hardly contain her shock when she saw the ring. It was the same ring she had admired while on vacation years ago. Kevin had skillfully managed to locate the ring and have it shipped to the US. The two of them finished their romantic dinner on top of Manhattan before heading out for a fun engagement photography session. Now, how is that for engagement photos — within hours of your actual engagement!

Proposal Photographer: Sean Kim of Sean Gallery Photography / Proposal Planning, Design, Flowers, Decor + Production: Jenifour Jones of Go Get It Events and Proposals / Loft Space: The Loft at Prince / Catering: Mimi’s Fusion of Flavors / Transportation: Skyline Ride / Tent Company + Rentals: Atlas Party Rentals

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Post tags: Atlas Party Rentals, Go Get It Events and Proposals, Jenifour Jones, Mimi's Fusion of Flavors, New York, New York City, Prince Street Lofts, Proposal, Sean Gallery Photography, Sean Kim, Skyline Ride, Surprise Proposal
Post categories: engagement session, New York City Weddings, New York Weddings

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From the bride… Our wedding was so much fun! So wonderful! It was definitely a New York “moment” for me, and I think our guests felt that way as well.  I am originally from Oklahoma, so I had friends who had never been to the city, as well as family from Colorado, Texas, Wisconsin and California. We really wanted our guests to experience the city and also one of our favorite things to do — eating — so we decided to have the reception in a restaurant, The Harrison. We had the wedding on a Friday night so that guests could enjoy the remainder of the weekend in NYC. The wedding was held at Grace Church Cathedral. It is a very old church in New York with beautiful details. It was under construction at the time but we really wanted to host the wedding there as it was special to us. Kind of funny side note… After the honeymoon, we attended service there, and the renovations were complete and scaffolding was down. I shed a tear and Dan said, “I know why you are crying — it wasn’t perfect like this for the wedding?” He was right, but we decided scaffolding and all, it was a wonderful ceremony. We had the reception at one of our favorite restaurants, The Harrison. We filled the entire restaurant including their private room downstairs. 

Guests stayed in various hotels in the city. Two days before the wedding, we had a driver that drove my friends and I all around the city to drop off the “welcome” bags. I was set on making sure we had welcome bags although there were 12 different hotels to stop at. It ended up being a really fun day and I think everyone was surprised. The bags included small New York treasures and a note that had ideas for things to do “up and down New York.”  (We used the children’s book Up and Down New York as our guest book and guests signed the pages. It’s now a coffee table book for us!)

One of my favorite moments was when the girls were all ready and stepped out of the Greenwich Hotel where we stayed and people stopped and clapped. And then they wanted to see our shoes. At the ceremony, my dad stepped on my dress as he stepped back to sit down. Everyone laughed. During the planning process, I became nicknamed ‘High Octane’ because I was always doing something, never sitting down. And “Keep Calm and Carry On” became our regular tag line.  I included KCACO band-aids in the bridesmaids’ kits the day of.

Wedding Photography: Jenny Ebert Photography / Event Design: Jillian Clark Designs / Ceremony: Grace Church / Reception: The Harrison / Wedding Reception Flowers: Rountree Flowers / Calligraphy: Love, Jenna / Wedding Invitations: Bird & Banner / Wedding Cake: Duane Park Patisserie / Wedding Gown: Oscar de la Renta / Bride’s Sparkly Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Marc by Marc Jacobs / Junior Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew Wedding / Bridesmaids’ + Junior Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Nina / Bridesmaids’ Bracelets: Lee Angel “Henna Silk Ribbon Cuff” via Anthropologie / Hair + Makeup: Face Time / Frank Sinatra Music: Steve Maglio / Wedding After-Party: The Bubble Lounge / Rehearsal Dinner: Gradisca / Rehearsal Dinner Invitations: Patricia Voto / Rehearsal Dinner Place Card Paintings: The Bride’s Father /

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Post tags: Angel Lee, Anthropologie, Bird & Banner, Black, Duane Park Patisserie, Face Time, Grac Church, Gradisca, Gray, J. Crew, Jenny Ebert, Jillian Clark Designs, Jimmy Choo, Lee Angel, Light Green, Love Jenna, Marc by Marc Jacobs, New York, New York City, Nina, Oscar De La Renta, Patricia Voto, Rountree Flowers, Steve Maglio, The Bubble Lounge, The Harrison, White
Post categories: New York City Weddings, New York Weddings

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From Melina of DM Events… When you have a bride who loves succulents as much as hydrangeas and burlap as much as silk, the first design hurdle is to find a space as eccentric, stylish, and unique as the duo saying “I do.” When we first brought Amanda and Mike to the Metropolitan Building, it was a perfect pairing! Every nook and cranny of this amazing warehouse is filled with antiques and memorabilia of a glamorous age gone by. The next challenge was to create a wedding so beautiful it could outshine this one-of-a-kind locale. The floor plan is vast and open, so we opted for both square and rectangular tables to give the eye variety as guests entered the room. The long tables were mismatched barn tables paired with a linen runner in a natural hue and square tables were covered in matching linen. Amanda did not want a lot of flowers so we used a combination of florals and casual objects in the centerpieces including lanterns, wooden boxes of lush green hydrangeas and succulents, buds vases of white flowers on wooden slabs, and tons of romantic candlelight.   

The table décor was all about subtle details: The napkins we chose were actually kitchen towels, complemented by rattan chairs to incorporate natural elements.  Bryn, the amazing gal behind Paperfinger, created menu cards printed on birch! The table numbers we selected were glass bottles affixed with metal numbers, which could double as bud vases for the centerpieces. One of our favorite (and tastiest!) design elements was the dessert bar. We teamed with the fabulous Emily of Lael Cake who whipped up three gluten-free confectionery creations, including a large apple spice cake with caramel icing and two smaller, complementary vanilla bean cakes with lavender/rosemary icing.  Can we just say … yum!!!  Around the three cakes, we used antique trays and cake stands to display a variety of macarons. Our goal was to create an atmosphere where the bride and groom would feel as if they were celebrating in their own private vintage mansion for the night.

Wedding Photography: Ryan Jensen Photography / Event Planing, Design + Flowers: DM Events / Wedding Venue + Catering: Metropolitan Building / Wedding Gown: J.Crew / Rentals: Party Rental Ltd. / Wedding Stationery: Paperfinger / Wedding Cakes: Lael Cakes / Macarons: Macaron Cafe / Hair & Makeup: Facetime Beauty

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Post tags: Brown, DM Events, Green, J. Crew, Lael Cakes, Macaron Cafe, Metropolitan Building, New York, New York City, Paperfinger, Party Rental Ltd., Queens, Ryan Jensen Photography
Post categories: New York City Weddings, New York Weddings, Vintage Chic

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From Kristin of Bellafare… During a recent site visit to Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, we were inspired to create a modern yet timeless shoot with a black and white color palette. After enlisting the help of the fabulous Jen Huang, our goal was simple — create beautiful images with a touch of fashion, going back in time to a classic New York wedding inspiration with a contemporary twist. With the space’s floor-to-ceiling windows, clean white walls, high ceilings and access to Lincoln Center’s campus and Central Park, we knew this unique, landmark venue would be the perfect backdrop for our winter “wedding.” Our bride and groom sipped on champagne from retro glassware and looked city-chic as they walked hand-in-hand through the Upper West Side. The gorgeous florals were provided by Quatre Coeur and added a bit of softness to the otherwise glitzy and modern décor. After seeing the recent Spring 2012 line of one of our favorite bridal designers, Vera Wang, we were insistent on having our bride wear a black wedding gown to add a bit of high fashion — echoing Fashion Week’s new home at Lincoln Center. This shoot is all that a New York City wedding is about – classic elements, a touch of glitz, unparalleled cityscapes and an iconic venue.

Planning + Design: Bellafare / Photography: Jen Huang Photography / Florist: Quatre Coeur / Rentals: Party Rental Ltd. / Linens + Napkins Rings: Nuage Designs / Makeup: Kerry Makeup / Hair: Once Upon a Bride / Wedding Dress: Angel Sanchez via Gabriella New York / Bride’s Accessories + Shoes: Gabriella New York / Venue: Lincoln Center in New York City, New York / Stationery: East Six / Wedding Cake: Gail Watson of A Simple Cake

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Post tags: A Simple Cake, Angel Sanchez, Bellafare, Black, East Six, Gabriella New York, Gail Watson, Jen Huang Photography, Kerry Makeup, Lincoln Center, New York, New York City, Nuage Designs, Once Upon a Bride, Party Rental Ltd., Quatre Coeur, White
Post categories: Photo Shoot, The Blog, Wedding Style

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From the bride… Growing up on Centre Island and spending my summers sailing at Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht club, I never took the beauty of Centre Island, NY for granted. When my now-husband came to visit me one summer when we first started dating, I drove him by SCYC and jokingly mentioned that is where we would be getting married. I never in my wildest dreams imagined that would come true eight and a half years later. It meant so much to get married where I spent my childhood and for our family and friends to help us celebrate. However, Peter and I both studied abroad in Florence, Italy; Italian language, culture, wine and food are huge influences in our daily lives. Though set on Centre Island, we tried to bring a little bit of Italy home to share with our loved ones through various special elements. Our escort cards were tried to sprigs of rosemary, the guestbook was a wine bottle, our favors were hand-bottled olive oil and balsamic vinegar, we had a Bellini bar at cocktail hour, most of the food was Italian -inspired, and we included a glossary of fun Italian wedding terms on the back of our menu (Cent’anni!), along with tasting notes and special stories about the wine served at the wedding. In fact, much of the wedding was inspired by a particular paper pattern on a scrapbook I have from my travels in Florence, Italy. It has such vivid and beautiful colors — perfect for the celebration of our marriage! This pattern really inspired the feel of our whole wedding.

Based on this pattern, I designed nearly all of the paper elements with the help of talented printers at Village Invites and Spark Letterpress. When the paper company didn’t have the perfect liner, I found it from an Italian specialty store online, and shipped the paper company the pattern to custom line our invites with this print.  The extra paper was used to make candles by the Etsy vendor Crafty Clementines. We even had runners made from this stunning Fiorentina pattern. Two of my bridesmaids hand-made a beautiful pennant banner from this paper as well! Because the pattern is so vibrant, I wanted to keep the florals simple, mostly cream colored, a few pops of color, with lots of lush greenery and olive branch accents to evoke a Tuscan feel. The blues of the bridesmaid dresses were selected to compliment the beautiful blue hues in the Fiorentina pattern.

One of my favorite elements was our RSVP cards. We invited guests to design a wine label on the reverse side, and we were blown away by the designs our talented guests mailed back. I scanned in all of the labels we received, and created wine labels that were displayed on wine bottles next to a corkboard display of the original designs. In addition to the personal touches we tried to incorporate throughout the design and feel of our wedding, it was important to us to personalize the ceremony as well. Peter and I sat down together and came up with a special element, which we called, “Kisses and Wishes.” With the program, our guests received a little pouch filled with a candy and a penny. The candy was a “Bacio,” which means “Kiss” in Italian. Baci are our favorite candy, not just because of the flavor (chocolate & hazelnut) but it has sentimental value to us – and each has a little love note in the wrapper! Everyone got to have a little snack mid-ceremony — Grandma Bea seemed particularly happy about this treat! The penny was for each guest to make a wish on and place into a little lantern. Peter and I saved the pennies, and all the “wishes” are displayed lovingly in our home. Everything about the day was wonderful. Grazie mille a tutti!

Wedding Photography: R Wagner Photography / Wedding Coordinator: Melissa Bauer of Chandelier Events / Floral Design: Main Street Florist / Venue: Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club / Wedding Dress: Ivy & Aster with Customization by Sew Elegant + Ellen’s Couture (Sleeves + Sash Assembly) / Veil: Peter Langer via Kleinfeld Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Endless / Bride’s Belt Ribbon: Hyman, Hendler & Son / Bride’s Belt Applique: M.J. Trimming / Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid + Amsale / Groom’s Suit: Custom by La Sartoria / Groom’s Tie: Zegna “Quindici” via Saks / Paper Goods: Designed by the Bride with Village Invites / Save-the-Dates + Wedding Invitations: Village Invites + Spark Letterpress / Menus: Village Invites + William Arthur / Wedding Cake: Baked / Earrings: Bloomingdales / Bride’s Hair + Makeup: Hair by Kiss (631-923-0990) / Candles: Crafty Clementines

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Post tags: Amsale, Baked, Bella Bridesmaid, Blue, Chandelier Events, Crafty Clementines, Ellen's Couture, Endles, Green, Hair by Kiss, Hendler & Son, Hyman, Ivy & Aster, Kleinfeld Bridal, La Sartoria, M.J. Trimming, Main Street Florist, Melissa Bauer, New York, Oyster Bay, Peter Langer, R Wagner Photography, Saks, Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, Sew Elegant, Spark Letterpress, Village Invites, William Arthur, Zegna
Post categories: New York Weddings