Photo: Levi Stolove Photography
The second Joe, 34, met his friend Sylvie in college, she insisted she had the perfect match for him — her cousin, Marin. But even through four years of school with Joe, and another three attending law school in Chicago, Sylvie never managed to get the two of them across a table from one another. Finally, in 2007, both Joe and Marin had just moved to New York and decided to make it happen. As their first date morphed from a long walk to drinks, to more drinks, to a party, they realized they had something special. Sylvie couldn't be happier!
Five years later, on September 29th, 2012, the two made it official at the glass-walled Palm House in Brooklyn's gorgeous Botanical Gardens. After an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour, 185 guests danced under the stars — and surrounded by some of the most gorgeous flowers in New York. Check out Levi Stolove's snaps of their lush, elegant wedding below!
Photo: Levi Stolove Photography
Joe proposed in a private moment at home, while the two were dining on the roof of their building in Manhattan. Can you say romantic?
Photo: Levi Stolove Photography
Marin wore a silk charmeuse strapless gown by Romona Keveza, with an asymmetrical train that the bride instantly loved. "As soon as I put it on I felt elegant and bridal," Marin says. She rounded out the extra-glam look with a crystal brooch on the side of her gown, a jeweled hair pin, and a "something old" bracelet from her mother. Marin chose mostly white flowers for her bouquet with pink accents, to steer clear of an overly seasonal look.
Marin's bridesmaids had a pretty big spread in ages. To make sure everyone felt comfortable in their dresses, Marin chose a shade of gray from Bill Levkoff and let each bridesmaid choose her own style. The groomsmen went with tuxes to match the more formal evening vibe.
Marin and Joe's ceremony was held in a large field at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, under a cascading tree, and a chuppah. The two were married in a traditional Jewish ceremony, but that didn't stop them from walking down the aisle to contemporary songs, like "I'm Always in Love" by Wilco!
Photo: Levi Stolove Photography
The two New Yorkers chose the Botanic Garden's iconic Palm House for their wedding for its combination of natural beauty and ballroom-style elegance. "The ultra-accommodating staff was a wonderful added bonus," Marin says.
When planning their bash, Marin and Joey tried to stay as grounded as possible. "We tried to stay out of the way and let our love for each other, and for our friends and family, inform the direction of the wedding," she says. They let the natural beauty of the Botanic Gardens guide their reception decor, choosing pink, red and coral blooms to complement the flowers all around them.
Photo: Levi Stolove Photography
Rifle Paper Co. designed the stationery including the floral wedding menus. For dessert, the couple served a three-tired cake adorned with tiny sugar blooms and a cute twist on the classic bride-and-groom cake topper.
Photo: Levi Stolove Photography
Marin and Joe asked their band to play a mix of genres, including Motown, rock, pop and dance hits. "We wanted to keep everyone dancing all night, with a little something thrown in for every generation to enjoy," Marin says. For their first dance, she and Joey twirled to "You're All I Need to Get By" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
Photo: Levi Stolove Photography
The most important thing Marin learned when planning her wedding: something will go wrong—just stay calm and find a solution! "Remember that this day is for you and that you'll enjoy it with your family and friends no matter what," she says.
Ceremony Venue: Brooklyn Botanic Garden || Reception Venue: The Palm House at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden || Gown: Romona Keveza || Hair and Makeup: Styled By Jen || Veil: Kleinfeld Bridal || Shoes: Jimmy Choo || Bridesmaid's Dresses: Bill Levkoff || Groom's Tux: Giorgio Armani || Paper Goods: Rifle Paper Co. || Florist: Mel Furukawa || Caterer & Cake: Charles Sally Charles of The Palm House || Music: Hank Lane Music and Productions || Favors: Donations to the American Cancer Society || Videographer: Chris Bryan at E-Motion Pictures || Photographer: Levi Stolove