A Look Back At The Real BB Weddings of 2020

Cara and Vince Wedding – Bride and Groom Bouquet – The Estate at Creekside – Laura Huertas Photography

This time last year, no one could have predicted what 2020 had in store for us. We rang in the New Year excited for a new chapter of Real BB Weddings. This all quickly changed in the face of a worldwide pandemic. It became clear that weddings, perhaps the most social event of them all, would be greatly affected as our new reality unfolded by the day.

If anything, 2020 has forced us to change perspective and consider what is most important and valuable in our lives. The handful of weddings we did are a testament to this new sentiment. Faced with an unprecedented list of challenges, couples shifted their focus and asked, “How can we make the most of this day given the situation and make it feel special and meaningful?” Large and lavish celebrations gave way to small, intimate gatherings where every detail was heartfelt and thoughtful (not that they weren’t before, but you get the idea). And friends and family who couldn’t be there in person joined via Zoom and FaceTime. While original wedding visions may have changed, the love, emotion, and beauty that unites two people in life remained as strong as ever.
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Nailah and Hasan Wedding - Reception Tent low centerpiece - Liberty Warehouse - Jenna Cavanaugh Photography

Weddings

Nailah & Hasan’s Enchanted Reception at The Liberty Warehouse

by Kate Murphy

Nailah and Hasan Wedding – Reception Tent low centerpiece – Liberty Warehouse – Jenna Cavanaugh Photography

Following the Muslim ceremony, the reception was the final event before guests saw Nailah and Hasan off to their new married life together. “Those who were able to join us really helped make the day so special,” Nailah recalls. “And those who weren’t able to join were there in spirit or through ZOOM!” Here, she shares the final chapter in her and Hasan’s Real BB Wedding Story.

Part 4: Reception

Post-ceremony festivities commenced with guests enjoying hors d’oeuvres of traditional Indian fare by Moghul Catering as the tented area was being prepared for dinner. Soon after, everyone was greeted to the reception space with an elegant welcome sign, which was made by Nailah’s parent’s company, Custom Creative Events (they also made the chic menus, card box, and table numbers).
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Nailah and Hasan Wedding - Bride and Groom Bouquet - Liberty Warehouse - Jenna Cavanaugh Photography

Weddings

Nailah & Hasan’s Intimate Muslim Ceremony

by Kate Murphy

Nailah and Hasan Wedding – Bride and Groom Bouquet – Liberty Warehouse – Jenna Cavanaugh Photography

Guests gathered under an open tent on the Liberty Warehouse’s promenade with a collective feeling that what they were about to experience would be extraordinary for many reasons. They were not only about to witness two people that they care about get married, but do so under the most extreme of circumstances brought on by Covid-19. Nailah expresses the elation she still feels when thinking about how everything worked out in the end. “We are incredibly grateful for being able to have closest friends and family join us in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. There were so many moments when it seemed so far out of reach… something that we never imagined would be possible.” Here, she talks about her and Hasan’s intimate Muslim ceremony.
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Weddings

BB Featured Bride Nailah on Her Breathtaking Chana Marelus Wedding Dress

by Kate Murphy

Like many, BB Featured Bride Nailah used Instagram to begin her search for a wedding dress. Unlike many, Nailah had to face the challenge of looking for the most important item of clothing she would ever wear just as most of the world was entering lockdown because of Covid-19. This meant bridal shops would be closing, restricting availability for appointments and fittings. An afternoon of trying on bridal looks with best friends on hand to offer support and honest feedback would never happen. While the experience was not what she had originally envisioned, Nailah managed to find her dream wedding gown.

Part 2: Wedding Dress & Personals
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Cari and AnShih Wedding - Peony Garden Rose Quicksand Spray Rose Bridal Bouquet - Lotte New York Palace NYC - by Kelly Kollar Photography

Planning & Inspiration

How To Personalize Your Bridal Bouquet: Ideas For Adding Sentimental Beauty To Big Day Blooms

by Kate Murphy

Cari and AnShih Wedding – Peony Garden Rose Quicksand Spray Rose Bridal Bouquet – Lotte New York Palace NYC – by Kelly Kollar Photography

The bridal bouquet can be traced back to ancient Rome when women carried or wore flower garlands, believing that the blooms represented new beginnings, fidelity, and fertility. Things have changed a bit since then. For the modern bride, the bouquet is her ultimate accessory. Flowers are chosen not only for their symbolic nature, but also for their color, texture, and shape, complementing personal style, taste, and the overall wedding day look. Once they find their perfect floral aesthetic, many of our brides have added deeper sentiment by incorporating a special element into the arrangement. From keepsake jewelry to photos of loved ones, here are inspiring ideas from the Real BB Weddings archives for adding a heartfelt and personal touch to your bridal bouquet.
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Fanta and Darwin Wedding - Bride and Groom Portrait - Stonebridge Country Club - Belluci Films

Weddings

Fanta & Darwin Dance The Night Away In A Beautiful, Culturally-Rich Reception

by Kate Murphy

Fanta and Darwin Wedding – Bride and Groom Portrait – Stonebridge Country Club – Belluci Films

Fanta and Darwin decided early on that they were not going to have a wedding planner. They had been together since high school after all. If anyone knew how to best express the nuances of their love, relationship, and personalities over the course of a wedding day, it was them. Fanta is African and Darwin is Haitian. Ending their once-in-a-lifetime event in a joyous celebration that united their cultural heritages was very important to the couple. Fanta looks back and says, “It was just a big party the whole night!” Here, she shares the details about their unforgettable, fun-filled reception.
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Weddings