Anna + Matt: Romantic Elegance at The Pierre

Anna and Matt were married last September in a beautiful ceremony and reception at The Pierre in Manhattan.

 

 

For most, a Phish show is not the first place that comes to mind for meeting your future husband. But a Phish show in Saratoga Springs, NY was exactly where Anna met Matt. She recalls, “We stood next to each other on the lawn during the first evening of a three night show. There were around 30,000 fans there!”

Anna and Matt hit it off immediately that first night, kept in touch, and began dating. They soon learned that in addition to Phish, they both share a love of travel. When asked which of their trips together was her favorite, Anna replied, “Our trip to Thailand, because that was where we got engaged!” She remembers, “We were staying at the Four Seasons in Chiang Mai. I had a sense that Matt was going to ask. One evening, he planned a private dinner for just the two of us in a gazebo overlooking a gorgeous lake that’s on the property. There was a musician and bonfire as well. Matt really went the whole nine yards with everything and was so nervous leading up to it. But then he finally proposed. It was perfect!”

Anna had some idea about the kind of wedding she wanted. But her vision really started to take shape during the planning process, specifically once she had chosen a venue. The Pierre is one of the city’s most iconic symbols of refined elegance. Anna said, “I love The Pierre’s classic charm. It’s such a New York staple. I remember walking by the Hotel as a child and admiring Central Park and the classic New York architecture surrounding it.”

 

 

The ceremony took place in the stylish Cotillion Room. An entry lit with a beautiful display of candles welcomed guests as they took their seats. Anna and Matt exchanged their vows under a chuppah draped with ivory fabric, adorned with white Phalaenopsis orchids and a mix of ivory, white, and cream roses. A dusting of white and ivory rose petals lined the aisle. The exotic floral design created an atmosphere that was opulent, yet romantic.

 

 

Anna wore a stunning custom dress by designer Ines Di Santo. She recalls, “The dress was the second of around a hundred dresses that I tried on. I should have just pulled the trigger on the spot!” The exquisite lace detailing and fishtail design of the dress captured Anna’s eye. “I just loved how romantic the dress felt with the lace and the flare.” A dramatic veil, also by Ines Di Santo, flowed behind her as she walked down the aisle. Her blooms complemented the bridal ensemble perfectly. Radiating romance, the teardrop-shaped bouquet mixed white, cream, and pale lavender roses with a dramatic cascade of orchids.

The groom and groomsmen looked dapper in handsome tuxedos by ISAIA.

 

 

After the ceremony, guests were led to the reception in the Grand Ballroom, a space famous for its timeless beauty. They were greeted with an enchanting tablescape bedecked with gorgeous centerpieces illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight. Breathtaking floral arrangements of lavender and white and cream tones swelled from tall crystal and gold vessels. Together, the décor and Grand Ballroom’s luxurious design cast an ambiance of grace and style.

 

 

We asked Anna if she had any favorite moments from the day. “My ketubah was really special. We were in a gorgeous, almost hidden room in the basement of The Pierre. It was as ornate as the rest of the Hotel, but intimately small and without any windows. My closest family and friends were there.” She continues, “Another favorite moment was when Matt sang to me. It was a total surprise.”

The couple made sure that celebrations were fun and a true reflection of their love and personality. “Let’s not forget when our band encored with a Phish song,” Anna said, “and all our friends were on the stage!” It just goes to show that you can take the girl out of the Phish show, but you can’t take the Phish show out of the girl.

 

 

Congratulations, Anna and Matt!

 

Venue: The Pierre
Photography: Brett Matthews Photography
Videography: Fred Marcus
Caterer + Cake: Newman & Leventhal
Bride’s Gown: Ines Di Santo
Groom’s Tuxedo: Isaia
Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Beauty: Stacie Ford Weddings/Christopher Marrero
Music: Element Music, Radio Underground
Invitations: Gina by Design