It is with great pleasure that I share Wendy and Steven’s recent wedding at the New York Public Library. Planned in only three months, there were so many thoughtful details. Thanks to Heather Waraksa for the beautiful photos. Storybook letterpress invitation below by Minted.com. Library stamp from Zazzle. Calligraphy by Carol Daniel. Flowers by the ever talented Lewis Miller of LMD Floral One of my favorite moments during every wedding; the anticipation leading up to a bride and groom seeing each other for the first time…. Since the New York Library only allows civil ceremonies, theirs was held in the historic Villard Mansion, part of the iconic Palace Hotel. No pre-wedding portrait session would be complete for Wendy and Steven without their dog, Twiggy, who flew in with them from California for the occasion. And then on to the library for the reception. Food and Staff by the incomparable Olivier Cheng Catering. Lighting by Luminous Design. Below, the evolution of a Sushi Bar; Himalayan Salt blocks cure fish right in front of guests eyes. As guests entered Astor Hall, the naturally looked up, and were greeted with gently rolling clouds projected on the dome to create the illusion of open sky.
To continue the theme, escort cards were assorted customized book plates with whimsical illustrations and hand calligraphy. The Hallway leading from Astor Hall to Bartos Forum was lined with assorted Edison Bulbs to evoke the feeling of vintage romance and create a warm, welcoming light. Just had to bring in Maggie Austin Cakes from Washington DC. Her fondant ruffles are so delicate! Every party should have a custom dance floor! It has a way of sneaking into so many photos. This one, inspired by a Deco brooch, was designed by LMD Floral. Booklet menus doubled as place cards, with an assortment of alternating literary quotes I selected based on their relationship to food, family, love and celebration. Inside, the menu was organized as a book; Prologue, The Plot, Footnote and Sweet Endings. Handmade marbled paper by Studio Robert Wu on Etsy. Thank you, Invitations by Ana, for the wonderful collaboration. Table Numbers were made by folding back the pages of classic books, then hand tinted for prominence on the table. Hand pouring the mushroom bisque soup ensured it stayed hot for each guest, and was such a theatrical touch for the dinner service. Thanks to Charles St. Paul Band and Star Talent for keeping the dance floor packed.Below, “Footnote”; the cheese course was served before dessert. The cheese course (above) preceded a decadent dessert display (below) as well as an assortment of passed sweets. Below, chocolate “mugs” with espresso mousse As guests left the reception, they were invited to select from 21 classic love stories, ranging from Great Expectations to Wuthering Heights. When I first suggested it, Wendy said “Does anyone actually read real books anymore?”. So glad she trusted me, because they were such a big hit and there wasn’t even one left over! Each book had a letterpressed keepsake bookplate affixed to the inside cover.And they really did live happily ever after…. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your story. xx