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