After Chris and I got home from our honeymoon, we said to each other that we wished we could do this day over and over again. Of course, not all the planning that went into it, but the actual day was more than we ever could have imagined. We felt so loved and happy and excited to spend the rest of our lives together. The flowers were beautiful, the food was delicious, the band played Pony by Ginuwine (need I say more?) and all of our friends and family from London, Tennessee and elsewhere were all together in one place. It was truly a day of epic proportions. Scroll down to see some of our favorite moments of the day at The Bowery Hotel and come back next Wednesday when I’ll be sharing all of the details and special touches that we planned—from our tablescape to our vow books and more.
the dress | My dress was by Carolina Herrera, and it just happened to be at the Mark Ingram trunk show when I went with my mom and sister back in February. I loved everything about it from the second I first slipped it on. To any newly engaged brides out there, it’s true what they say—you really do just know when the dress is just right. So just relax and enjoy the process!
the earrings | As a true statement earrings lover, these dramatic yet soft earrings by Jennifer Behr were perfect for an August wedding in my mind. I probably received the most compliments on them than anything else that day! A similar pair is still available here.
the dad | My dad was the star of the day. From hanging out with me and my bridesmaids while we got our make up done to giving a killer speech during dinner, let’s just say he nailed it. Thanks Dad!
the modern wedding | Here’s my brother reading the verse I asked him to read from his cell phone. What a time to be alive.
the venue | We can’t say enough about how much we loved having our wedding at The Bowery Hotel. Their events director Amanda made the planning process so fun and stress free and every little detail was tackled with her on the case. There’s a separate space for the ceremony and dinner, plus we used the terrace for cocktail hour. Also, the bridal suite there is absolutely stunning, and was spacious enough for nine girls to get ready comfortably. A true feat in NYC!
the tux | Chris got his tux from custom menswear brand, Knot Standard. We got to pick everything together from the fabric and fit to the trim colors, and the experience was actually really fun (read: beer & wine at the fittings!).
the flowers | Attention New York brides: L’Atelier Rouge is the best florist I’ve ever worked with. The owner, Caroline, had the best ideas along the way and is expert at sourcing linens and tablescape items. I was so obsessed with every floral touch on our wedding day—from the floral installation on the fireplace for the ceremony to these stunning table runners at dinner. The flowers were truly a labor of love.
the speeches | In the British tradition, the groom gives a speech during dinner, followed by the bride’s dad and the Best Man. No pressure boys! They all did a fabulous job, and this particular photo is the crowd going wild when Chris called me his wife in a sentence for the first time.
the first dance | Alright, secret’s out. Leading up the wedding, we took dance lessons at a local studio to get our routine down to John Mayer’s version of Beyonce’s XO. We had a box step or 20, a dip and a lift, and let’s just say we were really glad we came prepared.
the cake | I found our cake vendor like any modern bride—on Instagram. Sugar Lane Cake Shop makes absolutely stunning cakes, and they taste great too. Ours was almond cake with raspberry filling and champagne butter cream icing, and I’m counting down the minutes until we can eat the top next year.
the costume change | I’ve always wanted to to change into a short dress to end the night in, and was obsessed with this lace number by Alexis. I loved that it let my shoes shine and that it had an open back that’s perfect for a summer night. I think I’ll pack it to go to Turks & Caicos in a couple weeks too. Why not?
the crowd | two worlds certainly collided on our wedding night with all of our Tennessee, New York and US-based friends meeting the London crowd. There was such a spirit of camaraderie in the air, especially during the US vs. UK beer chugging competition. The US won for those inquiring minds who want to know, and we left for our honeymoon feeling like the luckiest couple alive. We love you all so much!
Photos by Laura Fuchs & Joseph L Sherman