STOP EVERYTHING! Have you stopped? Are you paying attention? Good. Because that chuppah deserves to have ALL eyes on it!
That’s right, folks, get your finest pinning fingers ready, because you are not going to be able to stop yourself from saving all of this wedding pretty to boards with titles like “dream wedding, yes please” and “I’ll be having some of that, thanks.”
In fact, it was your epic reaction to a picture of this big day on our Instagram that made us feel we just HAD to blog the whole thing.
The couple’s son and total cutie, three-year-old Cayden, totally stole the show with his smashing-the-glass and chair-dancing adventures. The day was all about family, with emotional moments during the ceremony and a surprise speech by the bride’s mom.
The dà©cor was so cohesive, without a detail out of place, that the big day looked like absolute heaven. From the cake to the stationery, provided by much-loved Recommended Vendor, Bella Figura, everything looked picture perfect and totally fashion forward.
Jeremy and Alese’s chic Jewish wedding took place in New York City, and was the epitome of old-meets-new Hollywood glamor. Alese looked totally red carpet ready in her sensational, sparkling Julie Vino gown and soft side waves – just look at Jeremy’s face in that first-look moment, which can be seen in the stunning video provided by supremely talented photographer and videographer Susan Shek.
We’ll let Alese take center stage now with her wonderful writeup – prepare yourself for an avalanche of wedding gorgeousness that’ll make you want to totally emulate or, if you’re already married, do it all over again (don’t say we didn’t warn you).
How we met
Alese, the bride: We met at a Mexican restaurant in NYC! It was downstairs from my apartment at the time and across the street from Jeremy’s. My bridesmaids threw me a Mexican bridal shower, since that’s where we met!
A local, contemporary venue
Our venue was Current at Chelsea Piers in NYC. We loved the modern sleekness of this venue and how it was right on the water. The floor-to-ceiling windows captured a gorgeous sunset, and the natural light created the perfect setting. With only five months to plan, having a venue that was close by was definitely a plus. Current is only a 10-minute drive from our apartment. We were able to go there several times to decide what we wanted to do with the space, and were able to see a few other weddings being set up!
We had our first look and wedding party pictures done in Tribeca, by the Staple Street Bridge. It’s a historic landmark in NYC and also right around the corner from our apartment. I loved that we had a little bit of history, but it also felt like home.
A modern vintage theme
I actually didn’t like when people asked what my color scheme was, because I didn’t have one. My theme was modern vintage, mixing old with new styles.
I loved the Hollywood-glam look, but also wanted something trendy without trying too hard. I went for a greenery theme when it came to my flowers. It felt fresh and fun for an August wedding. I did not use a wedding planner and found all my vendors just from doing research and using social media.
Timeless invitations
I used a letterpress invitation from Bella Figura. Letterpress is the oldest form of printing, and gives such a unique look. I went with the Serendipity suite, which had a vintage and timeless feel. I thought it was soft and pretty, and didn’t want too much pattern or design.
Hollywood-style hair and makeup
For my hair, I wanted a side-part vintage wave, and my makeup was pretty and natural with a pink lip! Rouge was responsible for my beautiful makeup and StylesonB for hair. They both were simply amazing!
A glamorous two-piece dress
My dress is from Lovely Bride and the designer is Julie Vino.
Lovely Bride is actually across the street from my apartment. I ended up trying on two dresses by Julie Vino, and knew right away this was the perfect one. It was sleek and sexy with a fitted silhouette, but also the high neck with shimmer gave it a classic, fun feel. I loved wearing it! Little secret, it was actually a two piece!
Understated accessories
I wore a cathedral-length veil from Lovely Bride. My diamond earrings and bracelet were from a local jeweler we go to in New Jersey. I wanted something small and dainty that wouldn’t take away from my hair or dress.
The dress had a lot of sparkle and shine on the top, so I wanted to keep the jewelry simple and pretty.
These shoes were made for walking
I actually bought stiletto Jimmy Choo heels, and walked around my apartment with them for five minutes and knew they would kill my feet if I had to wear them all day!
I ended up going for a silver sparkly Stuart Weitzman block heel and I’m SO happy that I did! They were not only gorgeous, but the most comfortable shoe!
The handsome groom
Jeremy wore a black Hugo Boss custom tux with a black bowtie. Traditional with a modern look. He went with a white pocket square and kept it classy.
Bridesmaids in steel blue
I had four bridesmaids. I worked with them to choose a color that I thought was nice and went well with everyone. I thought the steel blue color we choose was perfect for an August wedding. It was elegant and also worked well with the color of our flowers.
I let them choose whatever style they wanted. I felt that it was important for them to not only look great, but be comfortable too.
The chuppah to end all chuppahs
I worked with Jeannie Fortunto of Atlas Floral Decorator who is the absolute best! The whole greenery concept was really her idea.
I didn’t know what color or what kind of flowers I wanted for the chuppah, and she showed me a picture with white roses hanging from a green canopy and I thought it was insanely gorgeous! The rest is history.
A ceremony filled with wonderful moments
I have so many favorite parts of our ceremony, it’s hard to narrow it down!
I’d have to say the first look, our first kiss and when Cayden (our son) was up in the chair during the hora! I literally smiled all night because I had so much fun.
An emotional ketubah signing
For the ketubah, we gathered our wedding party and immediate family into a room for it to be read and signed. It was definitely a highlight of our night.
Jeremy worked with his Rabbi to pick out the wording, and when it was read, I started crying. The wording was so beautiful and emotional and really signified what a marriage meant.
Contemporary music choices
We had a mix of old and new music. We played Rihanna for Cayden, because he loves This Is What You Came For. We were announced in as husband and wife to Pitbull Give Me Everything.
Our first dance was to James Arthur Say You Won’t Let Go. The lyrics were meaningful and it was a newer song. I danced with my dad to Rod Stewart’s Have I Told You Lately. He’s always been a huge fan and it seemed fitting for the occasion.
Fabulous floristry
Jeannie picked everything out when it came to the flowers! White roses for accents all over. My bouquet had white roses with flat eucalyptus.
Our centerpieces were tall arrangements of fresh laurel branches with green foliage and white dendrobium orchids and hanging candles.
It worked so well with the high ceilings, and really made the venue come to life. The flowers made the space feel so magical.
Our fabulous photographer and videographer
Susan Shek was our photographer and videographer. I actually found her through The Knot and read nothing but great reviews. I started following her on Instagram and really liked her style of photography.
Not only is she super talented, but she’s down to earth and so easy to work with! Every time I had a question, she was quick to respond, and made the whole wedding planning process easier for me.
Mouth-watering cake
Our cake was provided by Abigail Kirsch through the venue. It was vanilla with buttercream frosting! It had a chocolate/caramel filling. Very delicious!
A packed dance floor
Our band was Winston’s Crew Collective through On The Move Entertainment. They had a very young and cool vibe, but could also play a classic throwback. They had a great energy to them and our dance floor was constantly packed.
We also did a surprise “crazy hour” with LED drummers, glow sticks and confetti! Only a couple of people knew we were doing this, so it was a nice way to get the party going and have more fun.
A surprise speech by mum
As for speeches, I didn’t know my mom was making a speech. She surprised me at the wedding because she said I would drive her crazy about it beforehand if I knew. She’s probably right!
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Make sure you get lots of rest the week before, and especially the night before. Make sure to take it all in, because the night flies by and before you know it, it’s over. Don’t stress and just have fun. It is YOUR day and everyone is there to celebrate with you.
Alese & Jeremy’s little white book
Photographer and videographer – Susan Shek
Venue – Current at Chelsea Piers
Bride’s dress – Julie Vino purchased at Lovely Bride
Bride’s shoes – Stuart Weitzman
Groom’s attire – Hugo Boss
Hair + Makeup – StylesonB and Rouge
Flowers – Atlas Floral Decorator
Band – Winston’s Crew Collective
Catering – Abigail Kirsch
Invitation – Bella Figura
