Rachel & Dan "By Colin Cowie Celebrations" Teaser from Fiore Films on Vimeo.
There's nothing we love more than a great wedding video, and this beautiful teaser by Fiore Films brought us to tears!
After sitting next to each other — and chatting nonstop — on a plane ride home from spring break in Mexico in 2006, Rachel Aresty, 27, and Daniel Solomon, 28, knew there was something special between them. "He was at Penn State and I was at UPenn, so the beginning of our relationship was long distance," says Rachel. But the couple persevered and, after six years of dating and a move to the Big Apple, Danny arranged a romantic sunset cruise during a trip to St. Barths — Rachel's favorite place in the world—and popped the question.
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Planning began as soon as they got home to New York. They booked Hamilton Farm Golf Club, a "serene" and "peaceful" location, for their big day. Then they enlisted the help of Colin Cowie Celebrations. "I envisioned a warm, romantic room that reflected my personal style — a combination of modern and vintage," says Rachel.
On June 14th, 2014, Danny and Rachel exchanged vows in front of 214 of their closest friends and family during a ceremony that incorporated lots of personal touches. "Danny's aunt hand-painted our ketubah, and we were wrapped in my dad's tallis (prayer shawl) as the rabbi blessed our marriage," says Rachel. They even included their golden retriever, Olivia, who played ring bearer!
The bride chose a stunning fit-and-flare Monique Lhuillier gown for the big day — which was the second dress she tried on. She also added a personal memento inside the gown. "My dad passed away about eight months before the wedding," Rachel says, "so I had a heart cut out of his favorite St. Barths t-shirt and sewn into my dress. He was there when Danny proposed, and I'm so glad we got to share that moment with him." The groom wore a Paul Smith tuxedo and patterned black-and-red Happy Socks, which he also gave to his groomsmen as gifts.
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The reception took place in a tent lit with hundreds of candles and adorned with lush arrangements of ivory and blush peonies, hydrangeas, and garden roses. The couple's first dance, to "Stay with You" by John Legend, was captured in a truly unique way. An event painter was stationed next to the dance floor, preserving the celebration on canvas over the course of the night. After a delicious meal of spring pea ravioli and barbeque short ribs, guests indulged in two childhood favorites: a Funfetti cake with vanilla buttercream and a candy bar. Then, it was time to party. "We wanted our wedding to be really fun," Danny says. "My favorite memory was when a rose petal cannon went off as everyone danced to 'Shout.' Our friends are still talking about it."
The best advice that Rachel received on her wedding day was from her mother, who told her to take a deep breath right before she walked down the isle. "She told me that it would be the moment that I will remember for ever, and it truly is," She recalls. "It's crazy to wrap your head around the fact that everyone is there to celebrate you!"
Watch the couple's wedding come to life in the video above!
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Hamilton Farm Golf Club || Wedding Planning, Design & Production: Colin Cowie Celebrations || Bride's Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier || Shoes: Jimmy Choo, Miu Miu || Hair & Makeup: Stacie Ford Weddings || Bridesmaids' Dresses: twobirds || Mother of the Bride's Attire: Dolce & Gabbana || Groom's Attire: Paul Smith || Groomsmen's Attire: Black by Vera Wang || Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Borsheims, Julius Oskenhorn Fine Jewelers || Invitations & Paper Goods: Ceci New York, Colin Cowie Celebrations || Music: Rock & Pop Strings, Charles St. Paul Dance Band || Live Event Painting: Katherine Gressel || Catering: Hamilton Farm Golf Club || Cake: Fine Art of Cakes|| Photography: Brian Dorsey Studios || Videography: Fiore Films