Marisa & Josh Celebrate With A Luminous, Candlelit Reception

After saying ‘I Do,’ newlyweds Marisa and Josh led their guests up to Gotham Hall’s balcony where hors d’oeuvres and drinks were waiting. Marisa remembers how cocktail hour ended up being an unexpected highlight of the evening. “Watching the drama of the room flip from the ceremony to reception from above was so breathtaking. Everyone commented on how exciting it was to see the transformation happen right before their eyes.” Here, she shares the final chapter in her Real BB Wedding story.

Part 4: Reception and Centerpieces

Once the dining space was ready, guests headed back downstairs where they were welcomed by an eye-catching card table display featuring crisp blooms and floating candles. Marisa’s vision of elevated white floral décor continued through the dynamic tablescape, which featured four unique centerpieces. The first style showcased an expressive spray of white Thailand dendrobium orchids set atop a tall crystal stand with lustrous cascading accents. Some tables were decorated with a grouped arrangement composed of three pilsner vases of varying height holding elegant roses, hydrangeas, Phalaenopsis orchids, tulips, and long-stemmed calla lilies. Another grouped arrangement design used the same floral recipe, but displayed the blooms in five low vessels placed on a sleek mirror box. The presentation culminated in long rectangular tables adorned with a series of cluster vases filled with chic white blossoms. The play between classic and contemporary style, and height and texture combined with the rich candlelight and glittering linen created a radiant luminosity, giving the impression that the room was glowing from within.

 

 

 

After the long day, Marisa and Josh were finally able to sit down, relax, and enjoy the highly anticipated Kosher fare served by Ram Caterers. Quiet moments were shared while the couple listened to speeches prepared by their closest friends and family. Fueled by Hank Lane Music, entertainment included the bride and groom being lifted in chairs for the hora.

 

As much as Marisa loved her Mira Zwillinger dress, she made the choice to slip into a second number by Ramy Brook towards the end of the night. “I wanted to be able to dance,” she says. “In addition, Josh and I had a long debate about whether to have an after-party. Ultimately, we decided to have the mood at the end of our wedding finish on a high note and not make any guests feel like they had to go to another location and keep going. I changed right after the cake cutting, so my second dress also worked as a discreet way of saying ‘Alright, we have an hour and half left. Now it’s time to really cut loose and have fun!’”

 

Congratulations, Marisa & Josh! Thank you for sharing your Real BB Wedding story with us!

Couple’s Vendor List
Venue: Gotham Hall
Photographer: Emma McDonald Weddings
Videographer: Nathaniel David Wedding Videography
Planner: Stillwell Events
Bride’s Dress: Mira Zwillinger+ Ramy Brook (Reception)
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