When going for a modern, urban feel for your wedding, take a page out of this stunning bride’s book and go with NYC all the way. Not only does Manhattan produce some of the most lovely weddings, but it holds some of the best wedding vendors in the world – like Brian Dorsey Photography, who captured every moment of this beautiful soiree!
From the stunning bride… Josh and I met Halloween 2009. Our mutual friend, Sara, invited us to a typical post-college Halloween party at a bar. I was dressed as a cave girl (complete with a bone in my hair) and Josh was dressed as Elmo. When one of my friends, Jim , also dressed as Elmo, drunkenly teased Josh – I stepped in to say hello and the rest is history!
A few years later, us moving in together and Josh proposed. We were planning a trip to Hawaii for the end of the summer and I thought maybe he would propose there, but he caught me off guard the night before we left. He first handed me a “gift” he picked up for me that day. It was stationery that read “Mr. and Mrs. Green”. Confused, I said it was wrong but once I figured out what was going on he was down on one knee. The best part was going to Hawaii the next day to celebrate!
Once we returned, wedding planning began full-speed ahead. Originally wanting a smaller wedding, our guest list crept up rather quickly and I quickly realized I would be planning a much larger wedding than I ever intended. Luckily, this made it easy to pick Abigail Kirsch and Steiner Studios. We already were thinking of getting married in October, and with that the idea of a beach or garden wedding was a little risky, especially in New York. Besides that, I always loved the idea of an urban wedding. Steiner Studios was the perfect venue for us. It was basically a raw space with a great view of Manhattan, able to hold all our guests (which ended up at 302!) and was easily accessible for us in Brooklyn. Moreover, Abigail Kirsch, the in-house caterer, had a first-class reputation as one of the best caterers in the area. From there the planning was easy, our florist- Jeannie at Atlas Floral – was more than accommodating when it came helping my ever-changing vision come to life. Josh, knowing that I had compromised with a bigger than originally planned wedding, let me go wild with my ultra girly vision of soft pink and white flowers, white draped ceilings and a white dance floor. I thought it was a nice contrast to the utilitarian concrete area. The other biggest decision- the dress – was found in Long Island at The Bridal Salon of Manhasset. With my love of flowers, it was a perfect pick…a Romona Keveza Collection dress with silk netting and hand appliquéd flowers.
As everyone told me it would, the year went quickly and the big day arrived. At 7AM my dad called me to tell me he couldn’t sleep so he walked over to Steiner Studios at 6AM to make sure the venue was still standing and the wedding could still go on, hah! My 9 bridesmaids, mother and mother in law and I spent the day at the venue, goofing off, drinking champagne and getting ready with Once Upon a Bride hair and makeup team. Before I knew it, my parents were walking me up the aisle and Josh was breaking the glass. The band, which Josh chose, rocked…one of my favorite parts of the evening was watching Josh and his fraternity brothers jump around to their favorite song Living on a Prayer. The pictures that Ron and his assistant at Brian Dorsey Studios perfectly capture the day – it was so fun to see everyone enjoying the party as much as we did!
My advice to other couples? There are bound to be a few hiccups during wedding planning…whatever it is, make sure to enjoy your day – I ripped off my garter before going down the aisle since it was so itchy, danced until I was sweaty, definitely didn’t get a chance to say hello to all 302 guests and still had the best night of my life.
Photography: Brian Dorsey Studios | Floral Design: Atlas Floral Decorators | Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza | Cake: Abigail Kirsch | Stationery: Jessica Leigh Paperie | Reception Venue: Stage 6 At Steiner Studios | Hair + Makeup: Once Upon A Bride | Lighting: Stage 6 At Steiner Studios | Band: Carnegie Hill For Element Music | Ceremony Music: Carnegie Hill For Element Music | Photo Booth: Sweet Booths