Heavenly Rooftop
Mary and Galen’s heavenly rooftop wedding was straight out of a fairytale. The west coast couple embraced the spring season with a gorgeous pink and green color palette and a stunning ceremony with a magical canopy of hanging flowers.
As told to BRIDES, Mary and Galen’s romance was straight out of a fairytale. In fact, the couple was watching Frozen when Galen proposed! He told Mary a story about a boy’s love for a girl, and by the end she realized he was talking about their relationship!
The couple took their time over two years to plan an intimate ceremony and reception for 50 guests with help from wedding planner Kate Werkin at Chancey Charm. The rooftop of the Hudson Hotel was the perfect venue for their intimate wedding and the perfect mix of a traditional Chinese and a Western wedding. Mary and Galen initially considered getting married in California’s redwood forest, but since they were moving to New York after the wedding, they decided to host their wedding in their new city. They settled on a beautiful verdant palette of light green, peach, pink and white, and carried those colors throughout their invitation suite, florals, decor and even their wedding cake!
The day started with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony with both of their parents, who traveled from China to celebrate the wedding of their children. Mary and Galen then had a Western ceremony on the rooftop terrace of the Hudson Hotel. They mentioned to BRIDES that instead of reciting their wedding vows in front of their guests, they privately shared their vows with each other before the ceremony. We thought that intimate moment was such a beautiful decision! Mary walked down the aisle in a stunning Vera Wang gown and gold and pink crystal Christian Louboutin pumps that Galen had given her as a gift. We also couldn’t help but notice her cheeky rainbow rolling stone tattoo!
Mary chose to carry a bouquet of white and blush peonies wrapped in silk ribbon, which were absolutely gorgeous and in season in May. There were so many gorgeous elements to Mary and Galen’s ceremony, it is hard for us to pick a favorite! The end of the aisle was decorated with a stunning wedding arch made of eucalyptus, fern, Italian ruscus and lemon leaf and accented with beautiful pops of white blooms, including hydrangea, peonies, Tibet roses, vendela roses, and spray roses. The whimsical and natural design of the arch was perfect for their intimate ceremony. Over 2000 blooms made a breathtaking canopy over the top of the ceremony terrace. We suspended 600 blush stock flowers and 1800 blush carnations with Italian ruscus from the ceiling, creating a magical and enchanting floralscape that guests could enjoy on the beautiful spring evening.
At the reception, the guests were greeted by a beautiful manzanita tree adorned with lush cream and blush roses, white peonies, cascading greenery and hanging terrarium bubble votives. The base of the card table arrangement was decorated with a lush mixture of white hydrangea, blush and cream roses, blush dahlias, green moss, seeded eucalyptus and fern accents.
Guests were all able to see each other by configuring the reception tables into a U shape, with the dance floor in the center. We love lush greenery garlands for rectangular table decor, because it allows the guests to really see each other and the happy couple. Using Italian ruscus, seeded and silver dollar eucalyptus ivy and asparagus fern, we created the greenery garland base. We then weaved in peonies, quicksand and vendela roses to bring color and lightness to the tables. The long tables were illuminated with simple glass votives and stemmed floating candles. Mary and Galen’s chairs were decorated with a sweetheart garland made from Italian ruscus, seeded eucalyptus, ivy, white spray roses, cream vendela roses and blush Cafe Au Lait dahlias.
During the reception, Mary changed into a gorgeous white lace dress embroidered with florals and greenery, that perfectly matched her wedding decor and her delicious floral wedding cake from A White Cake and A Simple Cake. It was the perfect sweet ending to a magical spring wedding!
Vendors
Venue: Hudson Hotel
Planner: Chancey Charm
Photographer: Jacquelyne Pierson Weddings
Gown: Vera Wang
Bride and Groom’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Music: Highline String Quartet
Invitations: Yao Cheng Design
Cake: A White Cake and A Simple Cake
Hair and Makeup: Vicky C5
Rentals: Broadway Party Rentals