Entries by Kate Murphy

Marisa & Josh: A Timeless White Floral + Greenery Affair at Gotham Hall

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Marisa and Josh Wedding - Bride and Groom Portrait - Gotham Hall - Emma McDonald Weddings

Marisa and Josh Wedding – Bride and Groom Portrait – Gotham Hall – Emma McDonald Weddings

Marisa and Josh began dating in high school. They decided to stay together after graduation, despite going away to different colleges. Marisa says, “We agreed that as long as our relationship makes sense to us, we will make it work. And Josh and I have been together ever since.” Being in a long-distance relationship helped the couple prepare for the challenges of planning a wedding during a global pandemic. She explains, “Of course postponing due to Covid-19 was heartbreaking because of the waiting and uncertainty. But at the same time, we had been together for ten years, so what was one more year in the grand scheme of everything?”
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Gorgeous Lucite Wedding Decor Ideas You Have To See To Believe

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Lauren & Lou Wedding - Bride Groom Ceremony Structure - Natirar - Pat Furey Photography

Lauren & Lou Wedding – Bride Groom Ceremony Structure – Natirar – Pat Furey Photography

Imagine exchanging vows under a floating arrangement of blossoms with a picturesque countryside backdrop in full view. More and more couples are embracing Lucite and acrylic decor to make wedding daydreams like the one just described come to life. What’s so remarkable about Lucite is how it allures with contradiction – bold yet invisible, modern yet timeless, edgy yet understated. Clear decorative elements make a statement, elevating a space while creating fluidity for the eye to freely gaze. Lucite works with just about any style: add soft florals for a romantic feel; sleek accents create a contemporary vibe; gilded details align with elegance. From the start of your ceremony to when dessert is served, we’ve rounded up gorgeous ideas for incorporating Lucite and acrylic decor into your big day.
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Elana & Greg’s Unforgettable, Dance-Til-You-Drop Reception

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Elana and Greg Wedding - Bride and Groom Portrait - Angel Orensanz Foundation - Dave Robbins Photography

Elana and Greg Wedding – Bride and Groom Portrait – Angel Orensanz Foundation – Dave Robbins Photography

“My wedding vision really took shape after I found my dress – a unique, asymmetrical gown by Viktor & Rolf featuring a large statement flower,” BB Featured Bride Elana says. “Using the white flower motif as a point of reference, art-inspired design and styling punctuated our reception decor, from the sculpturesque floral centerpieces to the 72 black and white framed photographs displayed for guests to view during cocktail hour.” Here, Elana shares the final chapter in her Real BB Wedding story.

Part 4: Reception, Card Table, & Centerpieces
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Elana & Greg Exchange Vows In A Deeply Personal, Spellbound Ceremony

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Elana and Greg Wedding - Ceremony Atmosphere Chuppah - Angel Orensanz Foundation - Dave Robbins Photography

Elana and Greg Wedding – Ceremony Atmosphere Chuppah – Angel Orensanz Foundation – Dave Robbins Photography

After the rehearsal dinner at Beauty & Essex the evening before, BB Featured Bride Elana spent the morning of her wedding getting ready at the Ludlow Hotel Penthouse. Then it was off to Angel Orensanz Foundation where guests arrived just as autumn twilight was beginning to descend on the Lower East Side. Here, Elana talks about her and Greg’s breathtakingly personal ceremony shared before family and friends.

Ceremony & Chuppah

In addition to its high vaulted ceiling, rich ornamentation, and spellbound atmosphere perfect for hosting an important celebration, Angel Orensanz Foundation is a symbolic landmark of Jewish history and culture in New York City. “The venue was once home to various synagogues over the years, serving waves of Jewish immigrants that once called the Lower East Side home,” Elana explains. “As an ode to the immigrant generations of our family before us, we only found it befitting to have our wedding in a venue, and in a neighborhood, that represents the cradle of the American Jewish experience.” Elana and Greg were also drawn to the fact that Angel Orensanz Foundation didn’t look like a wedding venue. “An art exhibition and event space as well as one of the oldest surviving synagogues in NYC, it felt very true to who we are as a couple,” the bride says.
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BB Featured Bride Elana On Her Fashion-Forward Wedding Dress By Viktor & Rolf

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Elana and Greg Wedding - Bridal Portrait Bouquet - Angel Orensanz Foundation - Dave Robbins Photography

Elana and Greg Wedding – Bridal Portrait Bouquet – Angel Orensanz Foundation – Dave Robbins Photography

Until you find ‘the one,’ shopping for a wedding dress can feel like you’re treading through a bottomless sea of white satin, lace, and tulle. “I probably tried on about 75 different dresses,” BB Featured Bride Elana admits. “I knew I wanted something I had never seen before, I wanted it to feel timeless, unique, and memorable.” Her eye for fashion-forward aesthetics led Elana to avant-garde designers Viktor & Rolf, whose Mariage collection offers an artistic interpretation of bridalwear. Here, she shares all the details about her ‘say yes to the dress’ moment and wedding day accessories.
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Elana & Greg: The Art of Love at Angel Orensanz Foundation

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Elana and Greg Wedding - Bride and Groom Portrait - Angel Orensanz Foundation - Dave Robbins Photography

Elana and Greg Wedding – Bride and Groom Portrait – Angel Orensanz Foundation – Dave Robbins Photography

After connecting through the dating app, The League, Elana and Greg had their first date in May 2016 at La Esquina, the trendy Mexican restaurant in Nolita. Talking to mutual friends eased any nerves before their initial meeting. Elana remembers how easy that night felt for her. “Our quirky senses of humor helped us hit it off from the beginning. I was drawn to Greg’s dedication to his family, career ambition, and generosity. And he has a great smile.” As their relationship evolved and became more serious, she was the first to say, “I love you.” The feelings were mutual with Greg admitting, “I have been waiting to say those same words for a very long time.”
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