With the Bride’s father unable to travel to the wedding because of health issues, the photography and videography took on an even greater importance.. and the finished results are just as stunning as the celebration itself. CLY By Matthew captured every ounce of beauty, from the grandeur of the venue to the tender moments between this beautiful Bride and Groom, and Fred Lee filmed the action live and it all came together oh so perfectly. This is a gallery not to be missed.
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From the Bride… Our wedding was bittersweet. As we were finalizing the details and readying ourselves for marriage, we were hit with the crushing and heartbreaking news that my dad had suffered a stroke just two weeks before the big day. He wouldn’t be able to travel from Korea to NY. Plans to cancel or postpone the wedding rushed through my mind. In the end, with tears and heartache, we decided to go through with the wedding at my dad’s request. I would have given anything to have had him there, but he was able to experience every detail and relive the day through the work of our talented photographer, Matthew of CLY by Matthew, and our amazing videographer, Fred Lee, who truly captured the raw emotions of that day.
If you’re not familiar, Long Island City is an industrial area across the river from Manhattan, where our view is the beautiful and towering NYC skyline. This place is special to us. After nearly seven years together, it’s where my then boyfriend and I chose to move in together for the first time. It’s where he proposed the very night we moved in. It’s where we built our home full of so much love and constant laughter. That’s why, when it came to choosing a place to get married, Long Island City was a no brainer. It was, after all, where we joined our lives together.
Our venue, The Metropolitan Building, is quite simply, a breathtaking warehouse hidden within the industrial remnants of Long Island City. Though unassuming at first glance, you’re transported to a different era once you walk in. The space is enchantingly beautiful, and its details are hauntingly captivating. With its multiple floors, each full of individual character and charm, we knew that we could bring our vision to life here in this century-old gem.
It was important to our families that in addition to our Americanized ceremony that we performed a Korean ceremony as well. With the vibrant colors of our Korean outfits contrasting against the muted colors of the warehouse’s walls, it was a special moment where two cultures met and blended beautifully.
Greens and candles flooded our reception floor, creating a warm, natural and inviting atmosphere against the unadorned warehouse aesthetic. Garlands of leaves lined the long tables while thick bundles of tall eucalyptus branches were scattered throughout the open space. As a focal point, fairy lights were suspended over our sweetheart table giving us the feeling of sitting under a canopy of stars.
It takes a village, they say. We couldn’t agree more. All of our vendors were so wonderful to work with. Special shout out to our planners, Emily and Jasmine of Events by O9, who guided us every step of the way to make sure every detail was taken care of and nothing was overlooked.
I thank my lucky stars that my dad is better now. Looking back on our big day, however, even though his absence inevitably coated a layer of sadness throughout the celebration, our vendors worked so hard to ensure that everything was perfectly executed and that all we needed to do was to enjoy the moment. Our family, friends and everyone who brought that day to life managed to make our wedding magical, and for that, we’re forever grateful.
Photography: CLY BY MATTHEW | Videography: Fred Lee | Event Planning: Events by O9 | Floral Design: Events by O9 | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Pauline Bakes | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Catering: Bassett Caterers | Hair + Makeup: VickyC5 | Lighting: Universal Light And Sound | DJ: URE Events | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Wedding Venue: Metropolitan Building | Bridal Boutique: Wedding Salon Of Manhasset | Day of Coordinator: Events by O9 | Floral Assistance: Occasion9 | Korean Ceremony: The Hanbok | Photobooth: Cly Booth