Laura & Charlie: Timeless New York Glamour at Cipriani 42nd Street

 

You know you are in for an epic proposal story when it involves shutting down one of NYC’s most iconic eateries. But first, let us rewind to 2013, the year when Laura and Charlie met on Tinder. “We hit it off immediately by text and had our first date a few days later at Cienfuegos, a Cuban restaurant and bar in the East Village. It was love at first sight and we’ve been inseparable ever since!”

We are excited to introduce Laura, our Bride & Blossom Featured Bride for March! Laura and Charlie were married at Cipriani 42nd Street last July. Here, she shares the first chapter in their New York fairytale.

Part 1 Proposal & Planning

On the way to a friend’s going away party, Charlie suggested that they make a quick coffee stop at Russ & Daughters, their favorite neighborhood bagel shop. “When we walked inside, I had the feeling that everyone was staring at me,” Laura recalls. “Then I noticed the timeline of photographs from our entire relationship taped chronologically down the deli counter! At the end of the timeline was a 3-D printed stature of Charlie, down on one knee with a sign asking, ‘Will you marry me?’ When I turned around, the real Charlie was down on his knee proposing!” Just as Laura said “yes,” photographers (disguised as Russ & Daughters employees) revealed cameras to capture the special moment. And about that friend’s going away party? It was just a decoy set up by Charlie to keep his surprise under wraps. Changing plans, the couple walked to Cienfuegos, the location of their first date, where friends and family were waiting to celebrate their engagement. Laura looks back and says, “The best day ever!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to get married was never a question. “I always envisioned a glamorous New York wedding like the one my parents had,” Laura explains. “Charlie and I met and have lived in New York City throughout our entire relationship, so a wedding here felt right.” When it came time to find a venue, Laura wanted a space evoking the classic luxury that has come to define New York style. “We visited a number of venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn, but knew right away that Cipriani 42nd Street was the one.” Built in 1921, Cipriani 42nd Street is a marvel of Italian Renaissance inspired architecture marked with towering marble columns, a 65-foot ceiling, exquisite inlaid floors, and spectacular chandeliers. “We loved the grandness of the space,” Laura continues. “Deborah Mella, the events coordinator at Cipriani, was so professional and easy to work with. Since I didn’t have a planner, she coordinated with all of our vendors and oversaw the day-of management. Everything felt seamless and stress-free.”

 

 

 

The bride chose wedding flowers with a tailored garden look to compliment, rather than compete with the impressive setting. “We decided to go with an all-white palette with light greenery accents. Rachel was able to take my somewhat vague ideas and turn them into the most gorgeous arrangements,” she says.

 

 

The opportunity of truly getting to know our clients as they plan for the biggest day of their lives is never lost on us. “Laura was the loveliest bride,” our very own Rachel Trimarco remarks. “Truly happy and in love with the warmest and kindest personality. Although her venue is such a quintessential NYC landmark, she really wanted to bring the outdoors in. We focused on an organic, greenery inspired aesthetic to dress up the space.”

Look forward to next week for Part 2 when Laura talks about her beautiful Oscar de la Renta dress and personals.

Couple’s Vendor List
Venue: Cipriani 42nd Street
Photographer: Christian Oth Studio 
Bride’s Dress: Oscar de la Renta 
Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo 
Groom’s Tux: Thom Sweeney 
Groom’s Shoes: Santoni 
Hair + Makeup: Facetime Beauty 
Cake: Lulu Cake Boutique 
Invitations: Curated Confection 
Place Cards: Bella Figura
Band: Kristi Shade (ceremony) Hank Lane Music (reception)
Favors: Napkin Killa