Tell us a little about yourselves!
We met in college during the spring of 2016. I was going to frat parties and Donato was in post-punk bands. We met at a local coffee shop - the right place at the right time for two people in very different scenes. We were so enthralled by each other. Since then, we’ve lived in five different apartments, adopted a pit bull, moved across the country, and now live happily in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
Donato is Italian so an authentic Italian meal was a must. We also knew we wanted a venue that didn’t feel like a venue. When we toured Frankies Spuntino, we were smitten with the warm and inviting neighborhood energy. Then we tried the food, and it was a no brainer.
How many guests did you have?
100.
What was your budget?
$45k.
Tell us about your outfits.
I went with my mom and two sisters to try on dresses all over NYC. I found my dress at The One Bridal, the last shop we went to. I’ve always admired my mom’s sheer mesh wedding dress from the 90s. It was so chic and looked like the dress in the Parent Trap. When I tried on the Paola gown from Lola Varma with the high-neck overlay, it immediately felt so right.
Donato got his suit from Suit Supply. He knew he wanted to break from tradition ever so slightly and wear a color other than black. He opted for a dark green and it worked so well with the early autumn season and our florals.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
We are both highly sentimental. We wanted our wedding to feel like a community experience as much as a celebration of our union. Since we met in early college, we have so many of the same friends that have stuck with us through every chapter. Our families are also very similar and even friends with each other independently from us! Every aspect of our wedding, from the venue to the music to the ceremony to our photographer, was chosen with that genuine, interconnected love in mind.
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
It was important for us to honor our grandparents, who have beautiful love stories of their own that we admire so much. I wore my paternal grandmother’s veil from 1963, almost 60 years to the day from when she wore it. I also opted to have a first look with both my grandmothers, instead of one with Donato. We really wanted our first moments as bride and groom to be during the aisle walk.
Donato’s wedding band is his paternal grandfather’s, who sadly passed away in 2019. During the ceremony, we honored him with a memorial chair, adorned with one of his favorite hats and a single yellow rose.
Any tips for couples getting married?
Trust your gut! It’s easy to get swept up in trends and other people’s opinions. If you want a timeless wedding, let it be an honest reflection of you and what you value as a couple. That being said, don’t be afraid to kill your darlings. A lot goes into a wedding – way more than what meets the eye. Let the universe take the wheel on a few things.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Our planner, Justine of Avalinda, was amazing. She answered our late-night texts, swooped in for every emergency, and made us feel completely at ease every step of the way.
Our photographer, Harper Pictures, felt like an old friend. We could trust her from the very beginning, knowing she was going to masterfully capture the essence of our day and our love. She’s a “no notes” type of artist that truly cares about her subject.
Our harpist, Kirsten Agresta Copely, made our ceremony feel like the inside of a dream. There are a few songs which define our relationship, and she was able to learn and perform them so beautifully. Not every harpist can play Avril 14th by Aphex Twin and Birthday by The Sugarcubes!
Photographer + Videographer : Harper Pictures @harperpix | Ceremony + Reception Location : Frankies Spuntino @frankiesspuntino | Celebrant : Avi Kolbrener, Friend | Entertainment : Kirsten Agresta Copely @kcopelymusic | Planner : Avalinda @avalindaco | Flora : Rosehip Floral @rosehipfloral | HMUA : Meagan Adele @meaganadelemakeup | Cake : Pelah Kitchen @pelahkitchen | Stationery : Designed by the Groom | Bride's Dress : Lola Varma @lola.varma from The One Bridal @theonebridalny | Groom's Suit : Suit Supply | Wedding Rings : Goldpoint (Bride) @goldpointbk + Family heirloom (Groom) | Bride's Shoes : Badgley Mischka | Veil : Grandmother’s from the 60s | Necklaces: By Liv Handmade @bylivhandmade
תגובות