An Intimate Elegant Wedding in New York City

FROM THE BRIDE:
Soon after my first date with Andy, on a cold night in January, at the ice skating rink in Central Park, we both knew that we had met “the one”. When Andy proposed to me exactly one year later on the same ice rink, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. We decided to get married that summer, and wanted nothing more than a New York City wedding. Although Andy had just moved from his native Switzerland six years earlier, and I grew up in Pennsylvania, we both call Manhattan our home.

The ceremony took place at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I wore a long beaded Stephen Yearick gown with Jimmy Choo shoes and Andy wore a Dolce and Gabbana tuxedo. My bridal bouquet was created with lush creamy white roses, peonies, lisianthus and silver dusty miller.

My two sisters wore light grey floor length gowns, carried bouquets of pink and creamy white roses, pink peonies and silver dusty miller and served as the matron and maid of honor. My two best friends, who are male, were “bridesmen” and wore classic tuxedos. Andy’s brother served as the best man and his three closest friends from Switzerland were the groomsmen.

Wanting to enjoy the summer weather as well as give our guests the best views of New York City, Andy and I decided to hold the reception on the World Yacht. We greeted our guests with champagne flutes and cocktails on the top deck of the yacht. A Swiss flag was raised under the American flag to represent Andy’s home country. Beautiful, panoramic views of the city were enjoyed by everyone. As a gift from us, our guests received mini bottles of champagne with a label designed by Andy with a picture of us, as well as Swiss Army knives engraved with the our name and wedding date. Later, on the main deck below, we had their first dance as husband and wife to “All the Way” by Frank Sinatra (we had to confess they had taken dancing lessons). And right after dinner, in memory of my father, we played a slide show with pictures of my dad and I. Everyone was moved by it.

The ivory fondant wedding cake had four different layers of cake and was topped with a handmade cake topper of us.

Before cutting the cake, I changed into a second, shorter gown by Tara Keely and a different pair of Jimmy Choo shoes. All the guests had a blast on the dance floor, I know I did! We ended the night with toasts from family and friends, and a final toast from my now husband!

For couples who have just become engaged and are planning their wedding, remember to make your wedding personal and reflective of you as a couple. The smallest touches, such as a thoughtful welcome bag for your out of town guests, can make a big difference. Many people will give you their opinions and advice, many times unsolicited, but remember to do what you want and what makes you happy. Do the best you can to make the day exceptional for you and your guests, but on the day itself, just relax, enjoy yourselves and celebrate this special day!

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CREDITS: Photographer: Casey Fatchett Photography // Floral Designer: CITYIRIS // Etsy Designer: Clayphory // Etsy Designer: Creative Butterfly // DJ: DJ Analytic // Tuxedo and Mens Attire:Dolce & Gabbana // Etsy Designer: Georgetown Cottage Crafts // Hair Stylist: Hansen Liu // Etsy Designer: Lavender by Jurgita // Makeup Artist: Makeup Art by Bre Kali // Etsy Designer: Morrell Decor // Favors and Gifts: Personal Wine // Ceremony Location: St. Ignatius Loyola // Dress Designer: Stephen Yearick // Dress Designer: Tara Keely by Lazaro // Cake Designer: The Sweet Touch Bakery // Other Location: World Yacht // Shoes: Jimmy Choo