Photo: Josh Wong Photography
Erica, 30, and Josh, 29, were high school sweethearts, but meeting as teens didn't stop the couple from dating for more than ten years before Josh popped the question. At 7 a.m., Josh tied the ring around their dog's paw, then let her loose on the bed to wake Erica up as he got down on one knee. "We are private, simple people," says Erica. "I wouldn't have changed a thing about our proposal!" Once Erica was fully awake, they met their families for brunch to celebrate the good news.
The couple, who both have December birthdays and got engaged in February, knew they wanted an ethereal winter wonderland celebration for their wedding. "Incorporating elements of snow, pine cones, and bare branches felt right for both of us," Erica says. On December 22, 2012, they invited 200 guests to join them at Studio450 in New York. The panoramic views, as well as lots of frosty white décor, filled the room with touches of their favorite season.
Erica turned to Pinterest for inspiration. "I didn't have to fill my tiny studio apartment with stacks of magazines!" she says. How Pin-worthy is this shot of her wedding band in a tray of mouthwatering macarons?
The bride's lacy Louboutins were a serious score from an invite-only sample sale. "Leighton Meester previously wore them to the Teen Choice Awards!" says Erica. "She's the one who put the heel-cushions in. I left them there because they fit perfectly! Thanks Leighton!" Erica did make one big change to her footwear, though. She removed the oversized flowers on the toes and replaced them with shimmering brooches.
All of the bouquets featured white, ivory, and soft, dusty roses. The flower girl, in a nude tulle gown, had a moment of drama on her way down the aisle. "She dropped her basket, and was sad that the petals had spilled," says Erica. "Her brother tried to help by kicking the basket down the aisle to spread out the petals, which ended up putting the flower girl in tears. But I wouldn't change a thing!"
The winter-inspired chuppah featured handmade garlands of orchids and carnation pomanders draped over bare branches and birch poles.
Erica's father accompanied her down the aisle to the traditional Jewish ceremony. She wore a layered tulle Christos gown with a bejeweled belt that she made herself. For the ceremony, she topped her gown with a tulle jacket borrowed from her cousin. Josh wore a classic tuxedo. "The bowtie was for me!" says the bride.
Photo: Josh Wong Photography
The couple used a gorgeous oversized mirror instead of traditional escort cards. Guests' names and table numbers were written in white calligraphy.
A combination of rectangular and square tables filled the room. Floating candles, birch vases, and lush white flowers topped the tables. The couple served seasonal foods in a buffet format to keep things moving. "The sushi station was a highlight. I'm a huge fan, so we had sushi chefs rolling from cocktail hour until the end of the night!" say Erica.
Erica always wanted a dessert bar, but couldn't bring in sweet treats from around New York City because she and Josh used a Kosher caterer. Her caterer surprised her by going heavy on the desserts, serving up monogrammed macarons, cake pops, chocolates, and more.
Photo: Josh Wong Photography
The couple said "I Do" just before their birthdays and the holidays, so they spent the days after their wedding at home with family and friends. "I slept for two days straight!" says Erica. Her advice for brides-to-be is to go with your gut. "If you feel strongly about something, do it. Remember: this is your day."
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Studio450 || Wedding Planner: Danielle Bobish of Curtain Up Events || Bride's Wedding Dress: Christos || Shoes: Christian Louboutin || Jewelry: Effy Jewelry || Hair & Makeup: Jess Steinke || Wedding Bands: The Groom's Grandfather, The Bride's Mother || Florist: Anthony Brownie Flowers & Events || Invitations: Written Confections || Music: DJ Josh Sparber || Catering, Cake & Rentals: Zami Caterers || Photography: Josh Wong Photography
—Jaimie Schoen
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