From the moment I met E & M, our initial conversations just felt so natural. Relaxed, fun and both with wildly fascinating careers, I loved hearing their wedding plans - a Southwest meets Brooklyn theme, held at their favorite bar and venue in their neighborhood and so detailed with elements key to their love story. When they told me the story of how they met though, I just knew that they were the couple for me. I had chills - it felt like a movie!
Each brought to an outing by a friend, E & M found themselves discovering mutual interests and creating small inside jokes from the beginning. As time went on, the universe found ways to bring them together - at one point, a happenstance meeting on a corner in Crown Heights, Brooklyn - later the site of one of their wedding venues. Without hesitation I said 'Wow, it sounds like there was this invisible string tying you together' to which E immediately responded 'Oh! Taylor is definitely on the playlist!' Fellow Swift fans, what a match!
Planning their wedding with them was so much fun. I always say that no two weddings are alike, and this one was no exception, From E's vintage Priscilla Presley inspired look to their mutual love of music (and specifically Steely Dan), their day was truly a masterclass in creating a wedding that embodies the spirit and vision of your relationship. All the details were perfect and true to their creative and fun personalities: designing day-of wedding scents, matching wedding party PJs and a menu filled with all their favorite eats.
Read on for the story of their day!
Venue: Ace Hotel Brooklyn (Getting Ready)
Venue: Rialto Grande (Ceremony, Toasts & Reception)
Venue: Mayfield (Dinner)
Hair: Caitlin Boland
Makeup: Emma Strachman
Florist: Milkweed Botanical
Photographer: Emily Louick Photography
Getting Ready At The Ace Hotel Brooklyn
Clad in matching galaxy themed pajamas, E and her wedding crew toasted with mimosas while getting ready at the gorgeous new Ace Hotel in Downtown Brooklyn. Even the furniture passed the Southwestern vibe check with the theme of their wedding day - what are the odds! My favorite moment of this part of the day was when E's mom placed a special necklace on her, and suddenly she started jumping up and down - the realization they were getting married suddenly stirring up her excitement!
An Indoor Garden First Look
Nestled in The Garden Room at the Ace, it was just the two of them for their first look. The moment was a mix of elation and emotion, held in a private and quiet space in the hotel's lobby.
A Subway Trip to Crown Heights for Portraits
As can happen on a wedding day, plans may change. Since the wedding day was held on Marathon Sunday - albeit many hours post marathon - we knew that traffic and driving might be an issue. So, without hesitation we took a last minute pivot and hopped on the subway to Crown Heights to take photos near their venues. Taking the subway to your wedding venue is definitely iconic New York City, and 100% fit with E&M's relaxed vibes. Amidst well-wishes from commuters we took a few pictures on the platform and even ran into one of their guests.
A residential neighborhood and the couple's favorite in Brooklyn, Crown Heights was quiet and peaceful and the perfect spot to capture the simple and natural moments of their relationship and excitement right before the wedding.
A Modern Ceremony
What I love most about weddings now is that there are no rules - couples are free to design theirs as they see fit, and this was so true of this wedding. Held at Rialto Grande, the couple walked themselves, together, down the aisle and I could not have loved this moment more! It was so special and fun and just fit so perfectly for them. Their friend officiated in one of the most hilarious speeches I've witnessed at a wedding. I always enjoy when couples have someone who knows them officiate their wedding because it makes it so special and unique - no one could know you better than a loved one!
A Reception with a Vintage Touch
Immediately after the ceremony, the entire wedding walked a few blocks to Mayfield for dinner - a delicious restaurant with seasonal American fare from oysters and roasted chicken to a kale salad I have not stopped dreaming about in the months since. E, M and I snuck out for a little time on our own to capture a few moments of them just soaking in the day. I always like to suggest this to my couples - after dinner, but before dessert and dancing. With the wedding day sometimes being so hectic, having a moment to yourself allows you to take a deep breath and focus on each other and the fact that you are married now, ahhhh yay!
Following dinner, we all walked back as a group to Rialto Grande for toasts, cake and dancing. Spirits were high and the mood was so lovely. We did a final few portraits outside and inside the venue - Rialto Grande is so beautifully decorated with wooden panels, brick walls and streamers - giving off the vintage vibe that fits these two so well - that we had to be sure the setting was part of the photo experience. The party was still going when I left - as it should!! It was a perfect day - one I have not been able to stop reminiscing about since!
