Describe your wedding day in 3 words.
fun, romantic, surreal
Describe your wedding day in more detail.
My wedding day happened in a flash! Everyone said it would go by so fast and it sure did, but that is why I had planned a whole weekend in New York City with my close family and friends. That morning my bridesmaids and I got ready in the nearby Sheraton hotel across the marina where our yacht called the Festiva was docked. It was actually a calm morning as that is my general temperament. I knew these girls would keep me grounded and cater to my every need. I felt joy and anxiety interchanging throughout the day as neither my husband and I like to be the center of attention. All I knew is that I wanted everyone to have a good time and for the evening to be memorable.
Our ceremony was short and sweet including a classical trio of musicians that played my favorite Beatles songs, ode to one of my mother's favorite bands. Our officiant was a friend of ours that we both met while living in NYC and he knew our relationship from it's very beginning. I didn't want my guests to be sitting for a long time and zoning out, I wanted a real party on a yacht! Our vows were so kind and genuine towards each other. It was so special and romantic to declare our love for one another in front of all the people we love.
Afterwards, we cruised down the Hudson River, around Battery Park, up the East River under the bridges, to the Statue of Liberty and back. Some of my guests have never been on a boat before around NYC and saw the magical New York skyline including the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and South Street Seaport. The highlight of our cruise was the Statue of Liberty, one of the most celebrated landmarks in the world as my guests were sightseeing, dancing, drinking, and mingling to celebrate our wedding! After dinner on the bottom deck, we had our first dance to "Best Part" by Daniel Caesar under an open sky on top of the Hudson River in my favorite city in the world.
Tell us about something your wedding just HAD TO have.
I absolutely had to have a taxicab on top of my wedding cake! We been in a few together before Uber and Lyft gained it's popularity, sometimes taking it home to my apartment on date nights when I wore heels in the city. And it definitely had to be in New York City in the place where we met, where we fell in love.
My married bridesmaid and my wedding coordinator highly suggested I get a videographer after not getting one for theirs and regretting it. I was so happy I did and loved watching footage of my wedding that I was not aware of happening.
Lastly, I had to have a remembrance photo of my cousin who died from cancer the year we got engaged with a sign saying "we know you'd be here today if heaven wasn't far away". She would have been my maid of honor and I did not have a maid of honor because I wanted to keep that role for her even though she was in heaven now. All these details were so special to me.
Tell us about your bridal style.
I would say my bridal style was modern day glamorous, elegant, and romantic. I loved how my dress hugged my curves. It was a fit n' flare dress of pearly mikado and tulle fabric.
What's your advice for future brides?
My advice to future brides is "do you" meaning make it yours. For example, I skipped some traditions on my wedding day (like i.e. awkward garter toss mentioned above) and as a compromise to my highly religious (Catholic) family members, I had 2 other separate ceremonies including a church ceremony.
Also, take care of yourself during the weeks leading to the big day. Be realistic and remind yourself that not everything will go perfectly but it was still be a magical moment in your life. Rest well the night before because it will be high energy and an out-of-body experience with all the emotions and ugly crying going around!
Vendors:
Venue: The Festiva Yacht, via Festival Boat Charter
Florist: FDK Florals
Photographer/Videographer: Le Image Inc
DJ: Que Entertainment
JustMarriedJacketNYC: Designs by Ellen