Urban Garden Rooftop Wedding in Brooklyn

Q1: Tell us about your wedding! What was the inspiration behind your day? Did you have a specific theme, style or color palette? Did you incorporate any cultural or religious traditions in any part of your day?
A1: We’re both from and live in New York, so we wanted a wedding that reflected that. We really wanted a rooftop wedding and found the perfect option at the Box House Hotel. I’m Jewish, so we incorporated several Jewish traditions into our wedding, particularly during the ceremony. We also did the hora and had our beautiful and unique ketubah displayed.

Q2: Let’s talk wedding decor. How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? Was any part of the decor DIY?
A2: We felt that there wasn’t better decor than the Manhattan skyline, so we didn’t want to do too much to detract from that.

Q3: What were the florals like in your wedding? Did you use flowers in any of your design elements like the bridal bouquets, centerpieces or ceremony backdrop? Did they play an important part in the overall style of your wedding?
A3: Since we were mindful of our carbon footprint, it was important to us to use local flowers. Rosehip did just that and created gorgeous arrangements with flowers from upstate New York. I wanted the centerpieces to be table runners, since I have found it frustrating when you attend a wedding and the centerpiece makes it impossible to talk to the person across from you. The floral runners were adorned with candles. Rosehip also created a beautiful floral chupa for the ceremony, which then stood over our sweetheart table during the reception. They also created my bouquet and the maid of honor’s bouquet.

Q4: Did you personalize the day in any way (food trucks, guest entertainment etc.)? What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?
A4: Music was one of the most important elements of our wedding. I went to high school in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and would often go see my favorite local band, Vanilla Pop. I have always loved their energy and style–they dress up like a quirky Vegas Lounge act–and they also happen to be amazing musicians. We flew them in to play the reception. A string quartet provided the music during the ceremony and Dave’s cousin, Rob, who is a pianist, played my piece when I walked down the aisle, which was very meaningful to us.

Q5: Let’s talk fashion. How did you both choose your wedding day look? Describe the looks in detail.
A5: I have always loved capes and knew I wanted one for my wedding dress. I had several appointments in New York, but when I couldn’t find anything I googled “wedding dressed with capes” and one from my favorite bridal designer, Jenny Packham, popped up. I knew it was perfect and when it arrived it was even more ideal in person. Dave wanted a classic tux with a twist, which is exactly what he wore.

Q6: How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal.
A6: Dave and I met and a Fourth of July barbecue about 11 years before we got married. The mutual friend who brought me to the party, Zehra, was actually our wedding officiant! She was perfect for the part because she introduced us, but also because she is hilarious and warm. Dave proposed when we were on vacation in the Amalfi coast. He had a whole plan that I accidentally botched.

Q7: What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?
A7: It’s truly incredible to see friends and family from all parts of your life–high school, college, work, etc.–all come together just for you. We are so grateful that people came from near and very far to celebrate with us. Looking out at all of our guests was very touching.

Q8: Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?
A8: There is a lot of compromise that goes into planning a wedding, but ultimately it’s your day. You have to know when to give in a little but also when to draw the line.