Alexandra & Robert: Sunset Romance at The Stone Mill

Alexandra met Robert at a mutual friend’s birthday during the summer of 2009. “I instantly noticed his bright, green eyes,” she remembers. “They had energy and showed that he had a kind soul.” Keeping in touch over the next couple of months, Alexandra learned they had a lot in common. “He comes from a nice, close-knit family and grew up by the water.” When she left to study abroad in London and Robert travelled to see her, she realized that he was going to be someone very special in her life.

We are excited to introduce Alexandra, our BB Featured Bride for April. Alexandra and Robert married on a picture-perfect September day at The Stone Mill at New York Botanical Garden. Here, she shares the first chapter in their Real BB Wedding story.

Part 1: Proposal & Planning

After London, Alexandra and Robert continued to build memories together, taking trips to Nantucket during the summer and Vermont during the winter. Though they share many of the same interests, she is quick to point out that the notion ‘opposites attract’ factored into their connection. “Robert is a Gemini and I’m a Sagittarius. He’s more practical while I’m a bit of a dreamer – we balance each other out.”

After eleven years – and attending countless friends’ weddings – the topic of marriage came up. “Honestly, we already felt married,” Alexandra says. “Still, I wanted to look back on our engagement as a special moment, an adventure together, so I booked a weekend in Saint Moritz at the magnificent Badrutt Palace.” Packed and ready for a European getaway, they headed to JFK only to be told at baggage that because Alexandra’s passport was about to expire, she may not be permitted entrance into Switzerland. “Thankfully, it ended up being within the allowable timeframe and my panic was finally able to subside! After a scenic three-hour train ride, we finally arrived at our hotel, and it was just like a winter wonderland.”

The couple checked in and decided to rest up after the long travel. “Robert’s nerves were showing by this point,” Alexandra jokingly says. “I thought he was going to propose in our room. I’m thinking to myself, ‘Not yet… let it be at dinner at Da Vittorio or on the mountain.’”  Revived, they headed out to enjoy a long, romantic meal. As the champagne was being poured, Robert presented Alexandra with a ring. “He did such an amazing job with the design. I always wanted a canary diamond like the diamond on my mother’s ring, which I had lost. It was perfect. I’ll never forget how special I felt in that moment.”

Alexandra and Robert originally wanted to get married in Montreal. But as Covid-19 was becoming more serious, Canada closed its borders. With the future uncertain, they began looking at local venues in New York City. “I loved visiting the New York Botanical Gardens as a child,” Alexandra says. “Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition ‘Cosmic Nature’ was going on at the time. Robert and I described our love as ‘cosmic.’ We saw it as a sign and knew this is where we should have our wedding, finally settling on The Stone Mill.”

 

Nestled within the NYBG’s 250 acres, The Stone Mill is surrounded by lush forest greenery, which gives the sense that you are hundreds of miles away from the city’s hustle and noise. Blending rustic charm with modern comforts, the venue accommodates weddings with a seamless flow of outdoor and indoor spaces. Original brick walls, exposed wooden beams, and a beautiful terrace overlooking the Bronx River make The Stone Mill a magical place to get married.

 

 

 

The natural beauty at The Stone Mill was an ideal match with Alexandra’s vision for floral decor. “When I met with Bride & Blossom, I explained that I wanted to complement the already beautiful space, with an elevated, wildflower theme,” she says. “Flowers that felt romantic, whimsical, and chic, but not overly edited. And the colors to capture the impression of a golden sunlight with pops of yellow, orange and pink highlights.”

Stay tuned next week for when Alexandra shares all the details about her dreamy Pronovias Privee wedding gown and personals.

Couple’s Vendor List
Venue: The Stone Mill at New York Botanical Garden
Photographer: A Day of Bliss
Bride’s Dress: Pronovias
Bride’s Shoes: Rene Caovilla
Groom’s Tux: San Marko
Makeup: Makeup By Rada
Hair: Daniel Kline
Caterer: Constellation
Cake: Lulu Cake Boutique
Invitations: Moontree Letterpress
Music: Hal Prince Entertainment
Favors: Tealeaves