Samara + Keshar: Magical Simplicity at Tribeca 360

Growing up in Edgemont, NY, Samara was always close with her best friend’s older sister Amy. Hanging out after school or on weekends, she always admired Amy’s boyfriend’s best friend Keshar from a distance, but at the time seven years was much too wide an age gap for her to think of acting on her crush.  Little did she know their paths would cross again years later, when Amy and her boyfriend got married.  This time, the seven year age difference didn’t make things seem so out of the question.

A few months later, after completing a medical rotation in London and Florida, Keshar called Samara and asked her out on their first date. The following Saturday, he picked her up at 10 AM for a delicious brunch at Norma’s followed by an entire day in Central Park.  It was the longest first date either of them had ever been on, and they’ve been together ever since…

 

The two were married this past June in impeccable style at Tribeca Three Sixty in Downtown Manhattan.

Samara’s vision added a touch of sparkle to an elegant, modern, all-white design.  “It’s funny, as an art major in college and one who is internally charged by design, one would think I loved color – but I don’t!” Samara explains, “I love white; so I chose to do all white flowers to keep in line with my modern and simple take on wedding floral.  It was also summer, so white felt clean and fresh. I just loved it.”

 

 

Samara carried a beautiful rounded bouquet of all-white peonies and sweetheart roses in full bloom tied in ivory satin, while her bridesmaids each held a different type of all-white flower, from dahlias to peony tulips to mini callas.

The couple said their vows beneath an enchanting chuppah of curly willow branches adorned at their meeting with a spray of white dendrobium Orchids.  Samara remembers seeing the chuppah for the first time, set and ready for the ceremony.  “It made everything feel real. I was still in my robe. This was when I shed my first, but not final, tear of the night.”

 

 

Their guests were welcomed by a stunning, textured card table featuring a quintet of white arrangements, accompanied by hydrangeas, roses, and peonies with floating votive candles at various heights.  Tribeca 360 has a sweeping loft feel, with an open ceiling, exposed ductwork, and huge windows that open to a 360-degree view of the city. “I did not want to distract from our beautiful views, so low table arrangements were key – while also eliciting table conversation!”

 

 

Vases of peony tulips, tibet roses, mini calla lillies, dahlias and peonies stood illuminated by soft, dreamy candlelight,  creating an ambiance of pure romance.

“The night was perfect,” writes Samara, “Beautiful, magical and filled with the love and support from all our friends and family. I couldn’t have imagined a better night.”

 

We asked Samara if she had any advice for brides-to-be, from the planning process to letting go and enjoying the day.  She says she found it beneficial to plan early, do plenty of research, and to keep her plans private. “I didn’t wait to be told what I could and couldn’t do. I knew what I wanted and I made the decisions. Don’t let other people influence you. Go with your gut and do what you want – it’s your day!

I chose to keep everything very private leading up to the wedding. My now husband, our parents and our vendors were the only people clued into anything! Not even my maids of honor, which I know bothered the hell out of them!

This was key because it allowed people to enter our wedding with an open mind, and a certain element of surprise! No one knew what to expect – and if and when something had gone “wrong” or unplanned – no one would know but me.”

 

“A family friend of mine gave me one piece of advice. I took it – and I’m so glad that I did. She said to stop and take a pause before walking down the aisle. Look at everyone here for you, take in all the love. Look down at your groom and start walking. Just seeing everyone’s faces is overwhelming, and it can cause this moment to become a blur. Taking a minute allowed me to truly be in the moment. I’ll remember that feeling forever.”

 

Congratulations Samara and Keshar!

 

Venue: Three Sixty
Planner: Jason Mitchell Kahn
Photographer: Alison Conklin
Videographer: Ray Estrada – North Island Photography and Films
Cake: Audrey’s Fine Baked Goods
Wedding Gown: Romona Keveza
Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Groom’s Tuxedo: Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Groom’s Shoes: Tom Ford
Bridesmaids Dresses: Twobirds and Adrianna Papell
Rings: Josh Allen at Fabrikant
Music: Hank Lane Luxe Band
Invitations: Lead Graffiti
Placecards/Ceremony Cards: Shiraz
Officiant: Steve Klein