Tell us a little about yourselves!
We met in 2012 at Anthropologie on 5th Avenue - where we both worked. Neither us of us have the same story as to how or when we met but we both recall the instant chemistry and connection we had with one another. Ryan was born and raised in NYC, Lauren grew up in Seattle and was 9 months into living in NewYork having moved here from Los Angeles when she met him. What started as coworkers, organically grew into a friendship and soon a committed relationship. In no time we were living together in a studio in Bushwick navigating and building a life together. Eventually we moved out of that tiny apartment and eventually got engaged in 2019 atop the Wonder Wheel on Coney Island. Ryan proposed with a custom made engagement ring with Lauren’s grandmothers diamonds. We now live on Staten Island with our first furry child (cat), Mable Jones, and our first child on the way due in June.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
We had no intention of getting married in 2020, we were initially planning for 2021, but with all life threw at us this past year we decided to not wait any longer and make it happen during a pandemic or not. We had planned to get married on the back of the Staten Island Ferry with just a few family and friends in attendance but then an opportunity came about for us to marry on Long Beach Island, NJ at a private residence that we couldn’t pass up - and it just so happened to be available on the exact date we wanted, which was Halloween. Everything fell into place so effortlessly that we knew it was meant to be. We had 23 guests with others in attendance on Zoom. With us choosing to get married during the pandemic we had many loved ones unable to travel, especially from the west coast.
Tell us about your outfits.
My outfit came about very organically. In fact I didn’t have the quintessential or typical dress shopping experience and instead stumbled upon this Stella McCartney gown on The Outnet while shopping online and got the intuitive feeling that ‘this was it.’ I quickly ordered and then turned to Cult Gaia to find the perfect shoes. When the dress and shoes arrived I FaceTimed my Mom and she agreed it all felt entirely me, which is exactly how I felt. Ryan turned to Indochino to get himself a custom navy suit, finished off with a special touch of pinstripes on the inside of the jacket. "I paired the suit with a pair of black Nike sneakers, my dad’s red tie, and a navy beanie that I made sure to add a personal touch with a customized patch with our wedding details."
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
It came down to two aspects - finding the perfect photographer - Sylvie Rosokoff - was at the top of our list quickly followed by ensuring we could have two of our best friends marry us. With us choosing to get married without many of our friends and family in attendance, due to COVID, we wanted to find someone who could capture all of our special moments to see we could share with them for years to come on top of seeing we had the right individuals guiding us and leading our nuptials.
From there it came down to having florals made from a dear friend East Olivia that would last beyond our day, a custom carrot cake from Keay.k, and a near perfect Zoom set up to make sure everyone could feel as though they were right there with us on our special day.
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
The other elements that were important to us — having music that felt special to us and our story, having our cousins read poems we each picked out, writing and sharing personal vows, gifting custom beanies and bouquets to thank our guests for being a part of our special day.
Any tips for couples getting married, particularly during the pandemic?
At the end of the day do what it is important to you as a couple and as individuals — it's easy to get wrapped up in it all whether you are eloping with just a few people or throwing a bigger party - but at the end of the day make sure you are putting yourselves first with what is going to make this day memorable, enjoyable and most of all a representative of you as a couple, your love and commitment for each other.
Ceremony and Reception Location : Private Residence in Long Beach Island, NJ | Photographer : Sylvie Rosokoff @sylviethecamera | Celebrants : Mike + Amy Levay @mrmikelevay @amy_levay | Entertainment : Mike Levay (vinyl records + playlists) | Flora : East Olivia @eastolivia | Catering + Beverages : Denino’s Pizza @deninospizza | Cake : Keay.k Custom Carrot Cake @keayk.cake | Bride's Dress : Stella McCartney @stellamccartney| Groom's Suit : Custom Indochino @indochino | Rings : Bride : Tarin Thomas @tarin_thomas / Groom : Father's | Shoes : Bride : Cult Gaia @cultgaia / Groom : Nike @nike | Bride's Jewellery + Accessories : BHLDN earrings @bhldn ,grandmothers pearl necklace, Ryan’s aunts sapphire ring + Cult Gaia bag @cultgaia | Bride's Makeup : Christopher Cianci @chriscianciartistry