Photo: Rebecca Yale Portraits
Art Deco glamour was the theme for Sandy Del Carpio and Kain McDonald's September 27th, 2014 wedding. The couple, who originally met in high school before reconnecting after they graduated from college, sought a venue that could live up to the luxury feel they wanted to create for their 200 guests, and Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York was just the place. "The garden and grounds are gorgeous," says Sandy, "and the castle itself is stunning!"
The bride and her mother got to work, weaving an ivory, blush and gold color scheme throughout the day, from gold foil invitations to a gold-accented cake. Keep reading to see how all the details came together, photographed by Rebecca Yale.
Photo: Rebecca Yale Portraits
Sandy loved working with Bella Figura and Adrienne of Ipanema Press to create the deco-inspired invitation suite, including a drawing of Oheka Castle and a modern monogram.
The bride's wedding-day look was a mix of then and now. Side swept curls were topped with a crystal headpiece, while nude Manolo Blahnik sandals and an Yves Saint Laurent clutch added a touch of modern fashion. "I carried the purse for all of our wedding events," Sandy says.
Her Monique Lhuillier dress was perfect for the venue and the theme. "I loved the lace bodice and sleeves, and the touch of shimmer from the crystals, pearls, and beads," she says. An asymmetric pick-up in the skirt and a keyhole back brought the classic silhouette to present-day.
Sandy's cascading bouquet included roses, snowberries, lisianthus, calla lilies, and orchids, surrounded by ivy and eucalyptus leaves. Kain's boutonniere included a blush tea rose, and groomsmen wore silver brunia and eucalyptus leaves.
After seeing one too many plain bridesmaids dresses, Sandy and her five 'maids discovered a beaded one-shoulder gown by Adrianna Papell and knew it was the one. "I was looking for that 'wow' factor, and we found it!" she says. The bridesmaids carried blush bouquets that accented the bride's.
Kain and his groomsmen wore classic tuxedos, with the groom in a sleek Burberry design.
The ceremony took place at the same church Sandy grew up attending with her family. She and her father rode to the church in a 1933 Presidential Packard.
Photo: Rebecca Yale Portraits
Kain and Sandy exchanged vows in a traditional Catholic ceremony, beneath St. Joseph Catholic Church's vaulted brick ceilings.
After the "I dos," the newlyweds exited the church in a cloud of bubbles! Oheka Castle's gardens were the perfect backdrop for gorgeous wedding portraits as guests sipped martinis and ate ceviche (a nod to Sandy's Peruvian heritage) in the Grand Ballroom.
Photo: Rebecca Yale Portraits
Tables were topped with patterned ivory linens and arrangements of white, ivory and blush hydrangeas, roses, astilbe, orchids, and eucalyptus leaves.
Photo: Rebecca Yale Portraits
Simple table numbers were displayed in gold frames. At each guest's seat was a box of chocolates and a note from the newlyweds decorated with a silhouette of a poodle, in honor of their pup.
Photo: Rebecca Yale Portraits
After a meal of filet mignon with garlic mashed potatoes and miso-marinated sea bass, Kain and Sandy cut into their five-tiered cake, frosted with buttercream and decorated with gold pearls, sugar roses, and a quilted pattern. Flavors included yellow cake with dulce de leche filling and chocolate cake filled with white chocolate mousse.
"I loved our Monique Lhuillier cake topper," says Sandy. "Not only was it the same designer as my dress, but the bride's gown looked like mine!"
A DJ mixed salsa music with some of the couple's favorite 80s tunes, then Sandy and Kain surprised their guests with a performance by professional salsa dancers. "It was the perfect moment for us to look around and be thankful that we were surrounded by so many people who care about us," she remembers. "I got to marry my best friend!"
Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph Catholic Church || Reception Venue: Oheka Castle || Bride's Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier || Shoes: Manolo Blahnik || Veil: Paris by Debra Moreland || Accessories: Twigs & Honey, Saint Laurent Paris || Hair: Lulu's Hair Studio || Makeup: JDN Cosmetics || Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell || Groom's Attire: Burberry || Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Father & Sons || Florist: Ava Flora || Invitations & Paper Goods: Ipanema Press, Bella Figura, Minuteman Press || Music: Play Something Good || Catering & Cake: Oheka Castle || Favors: Godiva || Salsa Dancers: Otto Show || Videography: Love Brain Films || Photography: Rebecca Yale Portraits
Did you love this classic wedding with art deco details? Then see another couple that got inspired by the 1920's in the video below!