Arielle and John’s Fun and Intimate Wedding at the Metropolitan

MunaLuchi Bride Magazine Summer 2018 Feature: Arielle & John
Print Copies Available for Pre-Order HERE!

“New to New York City, Arielle met up for brunch with friends visiting from out of town. Offering a “bottomless-mimosa brunch,” elegant Italian eatery, Lido’s Harlem was the perfect spot. Just how perfect, Arielle was about to find out, as it would be the place where she first met the love her life…”

Continue reading all about Arielle & John’s love story, proposal, and experiences in their fun and intimate wedding at the metropolitan – featuring the planning of MunaLuchi Coterie member Victorious Events NYC, DJ/Lighting by MunaLuchi Coterie member Mike Music, Catering by MunaLuchi Coterie member The Fork Goes on the Left, and Makeup Artistry by MunaLuchi Coterie member Danie and the Bloom.

Bride & Groom: Arielle & John
Occupations: Lawyer & Predoctoral Fellow, Columbia University
Wedding Date: September 30, 2017
Location of Wedding: The Metropolitan Building, Long Island City, NY
Photographer: Carolina Rivera Photography

New to New York City, Arielle met up for brunch with friends visiting from out of town. Offering a “bottomless-mimosa brunch,” elegant Italian eatery, Lido’s Harlem was the perfect spot. Just how perfect, Arielle was about to find out, as it would be the place where she first met the love her life.

Another group of friends were also enjoying a mimosa-filled brunch, who just so happened to be acquianted with Arielle’s friends, and among them was John. As they were leaving the two groups began catching up when, either guided by intuition or fate, one of Arielle’s friends insisted that John and her exchange numbers, explaining that Arielle was new to the city and could use a guide to “show her around.” John took his new role very seriously, and from that moment on they became inseparable.

Over time as their love for each other deepened, Arielle began to realize John was “the one.” In her words, “I knew John was the one when I found myself wanting to spend every day and moment with him. Even before we moved in together, I was his de facto roommate. I would stay at his place for weeks at a time…I just wanted every day to have him in it, for all of the rest of my days.”

This moment of realization came to John as Arielle’s law school graduation date approached and he was struck by the thought of her moving out of the city for work, and possibly moving away. He searched his soul, asking himself what this would ultimately mean. In his words, “I knew I didn’t want to stop her from doing whatever it was that she felt was right for her, but I knew that I couldn’t lose her. And that meant I would have to do whatever I could to make sure we stuck together.”

One evening, approaching sunset, John took Arielle to a special place in Riverside Park South, a place he describes as his “point of sanity in the city.” A quiet and intimate place where one can enjoy a moment of personal reflection, or in this case, the company of a soulmate. With the warm glowing palette of a setting sun painting the sky, and under the comfort of a tree’s embrace, John asked Arielle to spend the rest of her life with him as wife and husband, forever together… After an emotional and heartfelt consent, they walked towards a restaurant within the park where friends were waiting to celebrate their union.

Arielle and John’s wedding style was moody, romantic and non-traditional. For Arielle, the fashion highlight of the event was her reception dress. Not being overly concerned with her wedding dress, nor too fond of wearing white, she casually selected a ceremony dress, yet still continued to look fabulous walking the aisle in shimmering beads. For the reception dress, which for her “felt more like me,” was a stunning red, floor-length gown with a low back. Her favorite accessory was a gold coronet worn on her head the entire evening – making her feel like a goddess.

Best memories: Arielle: Walking into the ceremony and seeing all my friends and family there, and seeing John at the end of the aisle waiting for me. John: Our vow exchange.

Wedding Flowers: We were going for the wild, overgrown look with our flowers – we didn’t want the perfectly symmetrical, round floral arrangements. Our florist, August Sage and Violet, used deep red and burgundy colors, with some blush and white for balance. They were very moody and romantic arrangements, and fit the theme of our wedding perfectly.

Favorite Item on the Menu: Mini chicken and waffles at cocktail hour and the spicy peach glazed chicken entree.

Advice for engaged couples: First, do what you want! When we told our families what we were planning to do, they were skeptical because it’s not the way things are usually done. They didn’t share our vision at all. And that’s fine! John and I decided early on that it was our wedding and we were going to do it our way. We forged ahead with our plans, and at the end of the night everyone, even the skeptics, came up to us to tell us how beautiful and fun it was! Even if they hadn’t come around, it wouldn’t have mattered. The only people who have to love it are you. Also, it’s one day and it goes by really fast. As long as there is food, free alcohol, and good music, people will have a good time. Don’t pull your hair out stressing over the minutiae, and don’t blow all your money paying for it.

Advice for Brides: We loved not having to worry about anything on the day of the wedding with the help of our wedding planner Victorious Events NYC. We were able to revel in the experience and enjoy the day from start to finish. She added personal touches that were so sweet and she made everything look even better than we imagined it could have. So find yourself an amazing planner!

Vendors:
Wedding Planner: Victorious Events NYC
DJ/Lighting: MikeMusic
Catering: The Fork Goes on the Left
Hair Stylist: Tinika Sadiku
Makeup Artist: Danie and the Bloom
Photo Booth: Freckled Dragon Entertainment
Photography: Carolina Rivera Photographer
Videography: NST Pictures
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Metropolitan Building
Popsicles: Island Pops
Wedding Dress Designer: Theia
Wedding Dress Salon: Lovely Bride
Coronet Accessory: Jennifer Behr
Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka
Groom’s Attire: Brandon Earl New York
Groomsmen’s Attire: The Black Tux
Florist: August, Sage, and Violet
Officiant: Evan Waddy-Farr
Wedding Cake: Butterfly Bake Shop
Musicians: Diverse Concert Artists
String Light Installation: Universal Light and Sound
Rentals: Big Dawg Party Rentals
Farm Tables and Chairs: Weir Event Rentals
Invitations: Karli Strohschein Art
Ceremony Programs: La Bohemme Paper Co
Seating Chart and Place Cards: Paper Case Studio
Table Signs: Erin Breean Creative
Neon Sign: Neon MFG
Broom: Marayah Lane