Photo: Petruzzo Photography
A trip to office hours may not sound like an important occasion, but for Christina, now 28, her decision to chat with a friend on her way was. As the two women talked, a handsome man named Rashid (a friend of Christina's friend) stopped to join them. "I tried to play it cool and not stare at him too much–he had the nicest smile," says Christina. After ten minutes, Rashid, now 29, got up to leave. "It was only supposed to be a five minute break!" he says. Christina felt awful for keeping him, but his response melted her heart–and ours. "He said 'It was worth it, I got to meet you!'" Christina gushes. A few days later, they met for dinner, and that's when it all began.
For Christina's 26th birthday, Rashid planned a trip for the two of them to New York City. He booked a room at her favorite hotel, Ink48, and, after they were settled in, asked Christina if she wanted to go up to the roof to take some pictures. The rooftop was deserted, leaving Rashid and Christina alone with the panoramic city views. It was at that moment that he got down on one knee and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him.
The classically romantic couple headed to the New York town of Southampton on May 18, 2013, for their vineyard ceremony, then moved to a restaurant in nearby Hampton Bays for their 100-person reception. The seaside ambiance inspired their loosely nautical and perfectly timeless celebration.
Photo: Petruzzo Photography
"We wanted our wedding to be elegant," says Christina. Their beautiful wedding bands–hers pavéed in diamonds, his in a brushed finish–are as classic as they come.
Photo: Petruzzo Photography
Though the color scheme was mostly white with touches of blue, Christina added a few colorful flowers to the mix as a nod to their May wedding date. Both her bouquet and Rashid's boutonniere were made of light purple roses.
Photo: Petruzzo Photography
Christina fell in love with the Ali gown by Augusta Jones because of the beautiful lace. "The high-neck style was classic but form-fitting," she says. Covered buttons ran up the back of the bodice.
"Rashid and I love wine, and were so happy to share Duckwalk vineyard with our guests," says Christina. The outdoor ceremony took place overlooking the rows of vines. Small nosegays of hydrangeas and roses decorated the aisle. Christina was escorted down the aisle to "What a Wonderful World."
During the ceremony, the couple planted seeds together, symbolizing their union and how they will grow together as one. As they made their way back up the aisle, guests tossed red rose petals in celebration.
Christina accessorized her gown with a simple pearl bracelet. Blue pearl earrings served as her "something blue." Rashid wore engraved cufflinks and collar stays that Christina bought him as a wedding present.
"Having our reception at a restaurant saved us a lot of time and money," says Christina. "All the tables and chairs were included!"
The tables were topped with light blue linens and decorated with low white and green centerpieces. A printed menu marked each place. "Food and drink were a priority for us. The restaurant is delicious, and gave us lots of options," says the bride.
Photo: Petruzzo Photography
Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the couple served their favorite flavors, like classic red velvet and salted caramel, from Georgetown Cupcake. The cupcakes were personalized with anchors and the couple's monogram.
Rashid and Christina honeymooned along the French and Italian Riviera. "The hardest adjustment was coming back to work after such a fantastic trip!" says Christina.
Her advice is to know what you're capable of, as well as what your family is willing to help with. "We didn't have a day of coordinator, which was fine for us as we had a lot of family members volunteer to help with whatever we needed day-of," Christina says. "But if event planning is not your favorite thing and you just want to be able to coast through your big day, it might be worth the extra money to get a day-of coordinator or a planner!"
Ceremony Venue: Duckwalk Vineyard || Reception Venue: Oakland's Restaurant || Bride's Wedding Dress: Augusta Jones || Shoes: Adrianna Papell || Jewelry & Wedding Rings: David S. Diamonds || Hair: Martha Ellen Van Gemert of Headchop || Makeup: Shannon Park || Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale || Groom's Tuxedo: Hugo Boss || Florist: Cathy of Roses & Rice || Invitations: Constance Sepulveda || Music: Art Strings Ensembles, DJ Will Buck || Cupcakes: Georgetown Cupcake || Favors: Tate's Bakeshop || Photography: Petruzzo Photography
—Jaimie Schoen
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