Photo: Shira Weinberger Photography
Lisa and Brian can't quite agree on the first time they met. He swears they met while he was in medical school, but Lisa's sure they didn't cross paths until a dinner party she hosted in 2011. Either way, they remember when Brian proposed three years later, especially because it took him three tries! He bought the ring in early fall 2013, but when he tried to pop the question in Central Park, Lisa insisted they hurry because they were late to brunch. Then, a few weeks later, he tried again outside Lincoln Center, but Lisa was feeling cold and again rushed them off to a restaurant. It wasn't until Brian's 30th birthday party, with the couple's nearest and dearest gathered around, that Lisa could stand still long enough for him to pop the question. A year later, the two tied the knot at the ultra-romantic Saint James Cathedral in New York, followed by a classic, opulent reception at the Pierre Hotel, designed by Andrea Freeman Events (who also just planned Nikki Reed's wedding to Ian Somerhalder!). Their big day was complete with hundreds of white orchids. Click through Shira Weinberger's photos of their affair below!
The removable overskirt on Lisa's Monique Lhuillier gown lent it a bridal, princess-y feel for the ceremony, she says. Then, she took it off and paired the gown with a chic cape to get into dancing mode at the reception. She paired the gown with an all-white bouquet of mini calla lilies, dahlias, hydrangeas, spray roses, and orchids, wrapped in a swatch of her mother's wedding dress.
Lisa's bridesmaids wore J.Crew dresses in deep blue, and carried bouquets of white freesia, hydrangeas, orchids and roses.
Lisa and Brian love romance and tradition, and they knew they wanted a classic ceremony in an old-world location. The perfect spot? New York's St. James' Cathedral, with soaring ceilings and gilded details.
Photo: Shira Weinberger Photography
Lisa and Brian have lived in New York for a decade, but their wedding at the iconic Pierre, overlooking Central Park, still felt like a destination wedding to them. Their favorite city inspired the romantic, timeless details of their wedding, as did Lisa's favorite childhood movie: Sabrina, starring Audrey Hepburn. "The movie takes place in New York, and the song La Vie En Rose plays a few times in the film," she says. She loves it so much, she and Brian danced their first dance to the romantic Edith Piaf tune.
Photo: Shira Weinberger Photography
The piece de resistance to Lisa and Brian's reception? The escort card table, where an 8-foot Manzita tree was draped with white orchids on every branch, accented by hanging lights in glass orbs. After guests found their seats, they danced and dined on lobster, filet mignon and halibut among towering arrangements of white orchids.
Photo: Shira Weinberger Photography
Ceremony Venue: St. James Church || Reception Venue: The Pierre || Wedding Planner: Andrea Freeman Events || Bride's Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier || Shoes: Jimmy Choo || Hair: Ellie Camoro for Frederic Fekkai || Makeup: Danielle Librizzi || Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew || Groom's Attire: Ralph Lauren Black Label || Florist: Tantawan Bloom || Invitations and Paper Goods: Crane and Co || Catering: The Pierre Hotel || Cake: Sylvia Weinstock || Music: Hank Lane Music || Photography: Shira Weinberger
Did you love this elegant city wedding? Then see another glamorous ceremony and reception in New York City!