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

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?”

We are excited to introduce Marisa, our BB Featured Bride for March. She and Josh married on a beautiful day in late autumn at Gotham Hall. Here, she shares the first chapter in the couple’s Real BB Wedding story.

Part 1: Proposal & Planning

While the proposal wasn’t a complete surprise, Josh managed to put a creative, heartfelt spin on how the event played out. “I knew it was coming. We designed the ring together. Josh said there was no way he was going spend that much money on something so important without my input,” Marisa says with a laugh. When Josh came back to their apartment on a Saturday morning and handed Marisa the mail with a parking ticket on top, she knew immediately what was about to happen. “In high school, he asked me to prom with a parking ticket – this was his special way of asking me to marry him.”

Marisa did have one stipulation about their engagement. “I didn’t want to be on FaceTime for hours on end sharing the big news,” she says. After having dinner with their parents that evening, the couple headed to a bar where all their friends were waiting for them to celebrate. “Josh knew how much I wanted everyone we cared about to be there. He did an amazing job at making the day feel perfect and unforgettable.”

 

When asked what about Gotham Hall appealed to the couple as a place to get married, Marisa replied, “It’s a funny story. My parents live in Chicago and flew in for our engagement weekend. Unbeknownst to me, they arrived a few days early and toured venues. During our engagement party, my Mom turned to me and said, ‘I just want you to know that we looked at venues for you.’ A couple of hours later she mentions that she and my Dad had narrowed down their selection to a favorite. Finally, she says, ‘Actually, we put a date on hold at one of venues for you.’ And that ended up being our original wedding date at Gotham Hall.”

Built in 1924, Gotham Hall originally served as The Greenwich Savings Bank. Drawing from ancient Roman architecture, the landmark building’s defining features include a soaring dome, coffered ceiling, and Corinthian columns. For special events, the venue’s highlights include a 9,000 square-foot ballroom with 70-foot ceiling that opens up to a stunning stained-glass skylight. “The drama and history of Gotham Hall is just breathtaking. It’s so different compared to the spaces we had been to before.” Marisa adds, “Food was also very important to us. We were excited to have the esteemed Kosher catering company, Ram, which works with Gotham Hall create the menu for us.”

The bride’s understated everyday style influenced her wedding flowers and décor. “I’m not someone who has been dreaming about her wedding since she was a little girl. If you look in my closet, it’s mostly neutral colors. Admittedly, pink is my least favorite color. When I first started looking at inspiration, it seemed pink was the most ‘bridal.’” Not wanting to commit to a vibrant palette, Marisa veered in the complete opposite direction. “I loved the idea of crisp white flowers with some greenery. I wanted everything to feel classic and timeless. And because Gotham Hall’s atmosphere is dark and dramatic, white florals would help illuminate and soften the space.”

 

Stay tuned for next week when Marisa shares all the details about her beautiful Mira Zwillinger dress and personals.

Couple’s Vendor List
Venue: Gotham Hall
Photographer: Emma McDonald Weddings
Videographer: Nathaniel David Wedding Videography
Planner: Stillwell Events
Bride’s Dress: Mira Zwillinger
Bride’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Groom’s Tux: Zegna
Groom’s Shoes: Magnanni
Rings: Verstolo
Hair & Makeup: Once Upon a Bride
Caterer: Ram Caterers
Invitations: Noteworthy Notes
Music: Hank Lane Music