This has got to be the ultimate NYC foodie dream Jewish wedding! Rachel and Dan got married at Weylin, an iconic 19th-century former bank space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. As New Yorkers, it was important to the couple to wed in their home city — and to showcase some of its finest food offerings.
For starters, there was the cake: supercool bakery Momofuku’s rainbow layered birthday cake. Then, for the afterparty, a late-night snack from NYC pizza joint Lil Frankies. And guests even got a little taste of the city to take home with them at the end of the night, in the form of cookie favors from beloved bakery Levain, a neighborhood favorite for the Upper West Side couple. These are truly some of the most delicious cookies NYC has to offer — good going, guys!
But that’s not even the coolest thing about this wedding. What is? The tequila tasting room (!). Rachel and Dan are both tequila fans, and they figured their wedding was the perfect time to share their passion for the drink with their family and friends. They report that it was a massive hit, and I believe it! What a fun way to personalize your wedding, if you and your beloved happen to be connoisseurs of a particular drink — it’s like signature cocktails on steroids!
Photographer Maya Myers took the most elegant shots of the couple’s chic day, and Rachel looked classically elegant in sublime Vera Wang. Take it away Rachel!
How we met
Rachel, the bride: Dan and I met through jSwipe.
An NYC Wedding
We got married at Weylin. We wanted to have our wedding in NYC since we are both from New York. We wanted a unique venue that no one else we knew had used. It also was the only venue we looked at that really blew us away upon entering… super romantic, breathtaking and sophisticated. Plus, it was very close to Peter Luger‘s.
A Romantic Day
We tried to incorporate elements of the two of us and our personalities throughout the entire event. Everything from our favorite foods – Lil Frankies delivery for the afterparty – to special IPA beer selections and our favorite songs played by our band across many genres.
We didn’t have a theme, but the event was very romantic. We wanted the party to be representative of who we are. We used an amazing wedding planner – Lindsay Landman Events.
Elegant Invitations
Our invitations were very traditional and with a modern twist – simple and elegant.
Hair + Makeup
Ryan Cotton from Village Parlor did my hair (I’ve been seeing him since my senior prom) and Landy Dean from Marie Robinson did my makeup (I’ve been seeing him for brows since 1997)!
A Vera Wang Dress
I wore Vera Wang‘s Leda gown. It fit like a glove from day one, and I felt unbelievably comfortable in it from the moment I put it on.
Something Old, Something New
I wore Dan’s grandma’s tennis bracelet, and new diamond drop earrings that were a gift from my parents. I fell in love with my Vera Wang veil; it’s the most delicate, beautiful, feminine thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.
Jimmy Choos
I wore sky-scraperish Jimmy Choo silver sparkleys – peep toe pumps.
The handsome groom
Dan bought a navy tuxedo from a boutique store in his hometown, Roslyn (Victor Talbots), as it meant a lot to him to buy something from a store where he grew up. He also wore very unique tuxedo shoes made by Victor Talbots, which were great, as well as cufflinks from his great-grandfather. The tallit he wore was also from his grandfather’s bar mitzvah as well as his dad’s.
Bridesmaids in Black
I had 9 bridesmaids – a mixture of my closest friends and family. I did them a solid and asked them to just wear a black gown of their choice – it paid off because they all looked like goddesses.
A Floral Chuppah
Our brilliant wedding planner/floral designer envisioned it based on the feedback I gave her that I wanted an all-floral chuppah with deep reds, purple, and white. What she came up with exceeded my wildest expectations; it was STUNNING.
Personal Vows
We used a kiddush cup from my husband’s family that is 100 years old. Our vows were our favorite part of the ceremony. They were very touching and personal.
Our music choice
We spent A LOT of time talking to our band before the event – between talking to them on the phone, going to their showcase, and even going for drinks with our lead singer. We put a lot of time and thought into the songs that would be played at the wedding. The band learned several of our favorite songs.
For the processional prior to us entering, the song Daniel by Elton John was played (my husband’s named is Daniel) and also Uptown Girl by Billy Joel, since I grew up on the Upper West Side. My husband then walked down the aisle to High Tide Or Low Tide by Bob Marley (Jack Johnson’s version) with vocals. Our bridal parties walked down the aisle to Blackbird by the Beatles and I walked down the aisle to Angel by Jack Johnson.
For the recessional we had Ray Charles’s Hallelujah I Love Her So, which is another song we love. Our first dance was Thinking Out Loud/I’m Not the Only One by Sam Tsui and Casey Breves. We took a lot of dancing lessons to try and get our routine down.
Anemone Bouquets
My bridesmaids and I held anemone bouquets. Our fabulous florist was our wedding planner, Lindsay Landman designs.
Our Fabulous Photographer
Maya Myers is incredibly talented. She has great references – including a few family friends – AND her work speaks for herself. She also has the most fantastic personality, and way about her, that makes her an absolute delight and an instrumental person to have by your side on your big day.
She is a total professional and doesn’t let the stress of your big day affect any of the photos she takes. Working with her on our engagement shoot also made us really comfortable with her.
Cake from Momofuku
This one was easy: Momofuku birthday cake. Mic drop! We have this at all of our special occasions so it was only fitting. Overall catering was done by Abigail Kirsch, whose food is amazing. Most brides and grooms do not eat at their weddings (due to being so overwhelmed); however, we were exceptions to that rule!
A Tequila Tasting Room
We had our fabulous band, The Hudson Project, and then we turned an old bank vault into a tequila tasting room, as we are both lovers of tequila. This was a real treat to be able share some of the most coveted and special bottles of tequila with our guests.
This was a massive hit, and the room was constantly packed with friends and family. It was for sure a highlight of the wedding. When they asked my husband what he wanted to put in the vault – maybe a photo booth – he instantly responded – tequila room.
Favors from Levain Bakery
We live on the Upper West Side, so obviously we love Levain cookies. So our favor was Levain cookies!
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Trust your gut but also be open minded during the planning process. Eat a big breakfast and a healthy sized lunch. Don’t forget to take it all in.
Rachel & Dan’s little white book
Photography – Maya Myers Photography
Videography – 15 Minutes of Frame
Wedding planner, invitation and flowers – Lindsay Landman Events
Venue – Weylin
Bride’s dress – Vera Wang
Bride’s shoes – Jimmy Choo
Groom’s attire – Victor Talbots
Hair + Makeup – Ryan Cotton from Village Parlor and Landy Dean from Marie Robinson
Band – The Hudson Project
Cake – Momofuku Milk Bar
Catering – Abigail Kirsch
Afterparty food – Lil Frankies
Rentals – Party Rental and Luxe Event Rentals
Lighting – Bestek
Favour – Levain
Rings – Lusso Jewelry
A really beautiful wedding and a beautiful couple. Thanks for sharing this story with us.
Rachel and Daniel – Thank you for sharing memories of the most SPECTACULAR wedding I’ve witnessed. And yes, your vows were my favorite part, too. Mazel tov. XOXO Annie