August 31, 2012
THE THEME
An elegant outdoor event, this wedding fused elements of Manhattan (where the couple now lives) with the serenity of Riverdale Manor. The soft palette played out well in the venue’s pavilion, patio, porches, ballroom and outdoor gardens, presenting a fresh lemony look with grays and whites adding a subtle contrast. Sunlight dappled the outdoor ceremony with a photogenic glow.
THE RELATIONSHIP
Mike jokes that their first dates were “movie dates”—a spontaneous tram ride out to Roosevelt Island, a trip to the top of the Empire State Building. Their love language? Definitely giving. Susanne combined a trio of pennies with Mike’s birth year, her birth year, and their wedding year, topped with a coin stamped “Lucky us.” Saving two gifts for later, sealed love letters await the couple on their first anniversary, and a honeymoon in Thailand promises “a day with the elephants and a night in the jungle.” Meanwhile, the couple enjoyed a “mini moon” at Mohonk Mountain in upstate New York.
THE THREADS
Susanne traded an ivory sash for a dramatic charcoal version that set off her strapless, textured A-line. The bridesmaids wore lemon Bill Levkoffs with ruched bodices, and the flower girls’ snowy party frocks, with their yellow sashes, almost stole the show. The groomsmen’s tapered tuxes and satin vests lent a contemporary note alongside a whimsical pairing: the groom’s argyles and the bride’s ’20s Tiffany-blue kitten heels.
THE DETAILS
A graphic designer at Town & Country, Susanne designed the printed materials. Mike happily cut and glued until there were stacks of everything, from elegant save-the-dates and invites to a handmade “Bride” pennant. Antique drawers and grape crates offered seating cards and programs set in moss and wheat grass, while a sweet bar—a beautiful sea of yellow and white—beckoned with classic favorites. Lemon drop martinis were passed, and a phenom tiered lemon cake featured blueberry white mousse and citrusy blooms. Mustaches and boas made their way onto the dance floor, along with a rogue sax player, and an original take on a family tree was signed by all guests. The couple exited amid the glow of sparklers.
THE BLOOMS
Luxurious callas, tuberoses, Asiatic lilies, snapdragons, ranunculus, and phalaenopsis orchids were interspersed with maidenhair ferns and flowing ruscus lily grass. A delicate spray of freesias decorated each place setting, and shepherds’ hooks filled with summery blooms lined the outdoor aisle.
Vendors
THE THREADS
Bride: Augusta Jones gown (augustajones.com); Bridesmaids: Bill Levkoff cocktail dresses (billlevkoff.com); Groom: Vera Wang suits by Men’s Wearhouse (menswearhouse.com)
THE BLING
Hair by Luxe, Lancaster (luxelancaster.com); Bridal party jewelry by Sorrelli (sorrelli.com)
THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION
Riverdale Manor, Lancaster (riverdalemanor.com); Catering: Thyme & Seasons Catering, Lancaster (thymeseasons.com)
THE TUNES
Groove Place, Philadelphia (grooveplace.net)
THE REHEARSAL DINNER
Fenz, Lancaster (fenzrestaurant.com)
THE STATIONERY
Custom designed by bride, a graphic designer for Town & Country. Paper from Paper Presentation (paperpresentation.com), letterpress invitation by Studio on Fire (studioonfire.com)
THE BLOOMS
Petals with Style, Lancaster (petalswithstyle.com)
THE IMAGES
Jeremy Hess Photographers, Lancaster (jeremyhessphotographers.com)
THE WHEELS
Expressions Limosine, Ephrata (expressionslimo.com)
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