When we find out that a wedding THIS beautiful was planned in just two months, you just know we have to lead with that tiny little detail. So many questions, no? Luckily, our bride Jenna gave us the full scoop on how they pulled off a wedding with 65 guests (in NYC, gasp!) while planning an international move—but more on that later—and managed to make it exactly what they wanted in that short timeframe. BTW, the photos by Rachel Rowland are pretty spectacular, too!
Okay, first, the dress. Jenna tells it, I was originally excited to have the “try on” experience, bring my girlfriends, drink champagne… I made an appointment at a designer boutique in SoHo (to remain nameless) and honestly had a horrible time. The sales reps were rude, gave me grief about the turnaround on the dress, told me I should have gone somewhere else… it felt very Pretty Woman. I left thinking, I don’t need this. I went home that night, poured a glass of wine, found a dress online and ordered it. Done and done!
The dress was by Catherine Deane, and needed just a few alterations to be a perfect fit. I found a bridal alterations specialist near my apartment—Diana Deane—no relation to Catherine!—who not only was lovely to work with, but ended up helping me customize the dress even further into a two-piece with a removable skirt and designed a custom veil.
Adam proposed a few weeks shy of their 1-year dating anniversary. They knew they’d get married in the future, but an opportunity to move from New York to Hong Kong forced them to think about it a bit earlier than planned. When the thought of getting married and moving overseas together felt romantic and whimsical and exciting, they knew it was right! Shortly after, Adam *officially* popped the Q on the Brooklyn Bridge, and they got straight to planning!
One of the groom’s fave moments was right here… running around the city taking photos with his lady.
We saw only ONE venue—the one we booked! I had sent word to my friends that I was looking to get married within the next few months and wanted recommendations for cozy restaurants or bars in the city. One of my best girlfriends and her mom went to brunch at Palma, and immediately thought of me and sent photos. A few days later, Adam and I visited and met the events manager. Booked!
Palma is known for their fresh florals, but the night before the wedding we stopped by to check-in with the events manager, and the space was decorated head to toe with pure white flowers. As it turns out, American Eagle had held a showcase there the night before and wanted an all-white look. Palma said they could remove the flowers and replace them, but we said no—the white was perfect! I LOVE how it looked that day.
Jenna also had ordered a lot of decor for the wedding online that never made it in the short timeframe, but when the day came, the minimal, floral-filled design looked perfect.
And would you believe their wedding was in January? This time of year wasn’t the most ideal for their vision, but the spring vibe turned out to be a little oasis from a wintery city.
Jenna’s advice? Don’t get hung up on the details! She kicked planning off by gathering inspiration, but after awhile, she knew it was time to narrow the focus down to what they really wanted their wedding to be like, and only spend time on what mattered to them.
Oh, and did we mention the amazing reception over at GoldBar NYC? Looks so fun!
Film by Rodger Obley for Rachel Rowland.
There’s a quote that I read in a book that has always stayed with me: “True love is when you find someone who has the same moral compass and same humor as you.” I think that when you find the person you want to marry, it’s because the life you want to build and how you want to build it lines up. You find a partner to build that life with.
A few nights before the wedding, I wasn’t sleeping very well, thinking of all the things that still needed to be done. Adam could tell that I was tossing and turning, and asked what was wrong. I told him there was just too much on my mind. He said, “Well tell me the list, and I’ll think of half of those things for you so you don’t have to worry about it anymore”. That’s marriage.
So sweet. Best wishes on your new adventure, you two!
Photography: Rachel Rowland / Videography: Rodger Obley for Rachel Rowland / Ceremony Venue & Catering: Palma NYC / Reception Venue & Entertainment: GoldBar NYC / Hair: Janais Lopez / Makeup: Jessica Feintisch / Florist: Tin Can Studios / Décor: Bride & Groom / Crowns: The Happy Ginger Co / Celebrant: Childhood Friend / Bridal Gown: Catherine Deane / Veil: Diana Deane / Shoes: Kelly & Katie / Bride’s Wedding Band & Engagement Ring: Catbird / Groom’s Wedding Band: Naturalezanica / Groom’s Attire: Combatant Gentlemen / Bowtie & Pocket Square: I D Menswear / Flower Girl Outfits: Old Navy
