A New York City Wedding Extraveganza

Most of you know that I just returned from attending a wedding in New York City. This was my cousin Stephanie's wedding and all I can say is she ROCKED IT!

Yes, it was cool being in lower Manhattan and seeing the sights with my family, but as a wedding planner, I was anxious to see how this wedding was planned. Actually, I was more like a kid in a candy store - soaking up all the delicious ideas and beautiful decor.

The wedding was on Sunday night but the festivities started Saturday morning with a family brunch at the couples' apartment in upper Manhattan. The view was stunning from the "Sun Deck" a.k.a the roof, which was furnished with tables, chairs and beautiful plants and flowers. We were greeted with cute gift bags that had maps, itineraries, coupons, candy, cookies and an "I Love New York" t-shirt. My daughter quickly pronounced the shirt hers. They had a great spread, but what I remember was the strawberry cheesecake - enough said.

We then did a little sight seeing and rested at our hotel (which was the size of my pantry) and got dressed for the rehearsal dinner at Uptown Lounge. Stephanie and John are very laid back and easy going people. They chose to skip the rehearsal and just do the dinner. This alone would throw most Brides into a tizzy, but Stephanie was just relaxed and enjoying herself. That's the way it is supposed to be.



After dinner we went to Times Square and back to our itty bitty hotel room and crashed for the evening. The next morning we got up for breakfast, took a very short walk and found ourselves at Ground Zero. Words cannot describe the feelings you experience standing in such a monumental area. We could feel the presence of the people lost and awed at the sheer size of the destruction. Now it is a large construction zone - constructing the Freedom Tower and 2 reflecting ponds on the site where each tower stood. May we never forget the heroic actions so many performed that day.

After Ground Zero we hopped on a boat and took a 2 hour tour around Manhattan. We saw Lady Liberty standing in all her glory. Pictures just don't do her justice. And after that, back to the hotel to change for the wedding.

Both the ceremony and reception were held at the Bridgewaters in lower Manhattan (Seaport). It was a very unique space - a loft-like area that fit the style well. Stephanie did an EXCELLENT job of branding her wedding with the Two Love Birds logo. It was on everything and really pulled it together.

The flowers were primarily Gladiolas and Hydrangeas - very classy and not over-done. Unfortunately, I only have one picture of Stephanie & it is blurry at that - but you can still see how absolutely gorgeous she is! After the ceremony, we were invited into another section of the room for cocktails. You could get full on just this! The food was wonderful and the flow was very relaxed.

Dinner was a choice of Fillet or Sea Bass. Uh...Fillet please! and the whole night was filled with a flowing bar and ever-present desserts that seemed to appear out of nowhere. The cake was red velvet with chocolate and Carmel sauce. Yummy! This is where my diet was truly shot - but what the heck right?

After we were danced and talked out, we dragged ourselves to the front door where we were each presented with favors of a ceramic breakfast bowl, spoon, morning blend coffee and cookies. Sparklers were handed to us as we left to send the Bride and Groom off in a fire of light. Too cool.
Unfortunately, we had to leave very early the next morning. I felt similar to what I imagine Cinderella felt after she left the ball. Weddings are a chance to escape the everyday and CELEBRATE the commitment that two people make to each other, their families and God.

Thank you Stephanie & John for allowing us to be a part of such a very special day. We love you both and wish you a lifetime of happiness!