Photo: Josh Wong Photography
When Ashly and Avi met at Café Greco on New York City's Upper East Side in June of 2011, Avi was on a date with another girl! Ashly was alone at the bar, so Avi struck up a conversation and the two hit it off. Avi's date headed home, while he and his future wife lingered over a bottle of wine. Their unconventional meeting led to a whirlwind romance (including a surprise weekend trip to Iceland!), and the pair moved in together just five months later. In November of 2012, Avi took Ashly back to Café Greco only to find that the windows were boarded up thanks to nearby construction. Says Ashly, "Calling ahead hasn't always been Avi's strong suit!" Despite the hiccup in Avi's plan, the two snapped a picture out front—and at a few more places around the city—before ending the night with Shake Shack burgers at Pier 45, Ashly's favorite spot in NYC, and, most importantly, a proposal with Avi's mother's engagement ring!
For their August 9, 2013 wedding and reception at New York City's TriBeca Three Sixty, the couple brightened up the modern space with colorful poppies, sunflowers and details reminiscent of the bride's time abroad in Italy. Keep reading for three Italian-inspired ideas you can use for your own wedding, photographed by Josh Wong.
Photo: Josh Wong Photography
Explore your dress options
A big BHLDN fan, Ashly originally wanted a Grecian-style gown with an empire waist, low neckline, and cut out sides. However, she tried on the Olivia dress by Watters at the request of her grandmother and quickly fell in love with the strapless ivory ball gown. "It was the complete opposite of what I thought I wanted," the bride says.
Photo: Josh Wong Photography
Be flexible about your venue
When their original wedding venue declared bankruptcy just five months before the big day, Ashly and Avi had to find a new location for their 185 guests (and keep it within their budget!). Thankfully, they found TriBeCa Three Sixty, a spot with 360-degree views overlooking the pier where the couple got engaged, and were able to secure their date. Though the room is modern, the couple used poppies, sunflowers, and lots of candles to transform it into a celebration inspired by Ashly's time abroad in Italy. "We really wanted it to feel like a big family dinner at dusk in a garden," Ashly says.
Photo: Josh Wong Photography
Personalize your menu
Ashly let her groom take control of the catering, inspired by the interactive menu at NYC favorite, The Meatball Shop. "We created a menu in Photoshop where our guests could mark their meal choices and customize their dining experience," says Ashly. In addition to the sit-down dinner, three food stations around the room featured fried arancini rice balls, Italian cheeses and cured meats, and gelato. And, of course, fried octopus inspired by Café Greco, the place where it all began!
Ceremony & Reception Venue: TriBeca Three Sixty || Day-of Coordinator: Stacy Levy of Planned to Perfection || Bride's Wedding Dress: Wtoo by Watters, from The Lovely Bride || Shoes: BHLDN || Hair: Alaina Terrell of Meta NYC || Makeup: Amena from MAC Cosmetics Flatiron, 212-677-6611 || Groom's Attire: J. Crew || Florist: Kimberly Sevilla of Rose Red and Lavender || Invitations & Paper Goods: DIY || Rentals: Party Rental LTD. || Catering: TriBeca Three Sixty || Photography: Josh Wong Photography