After graduation from the university they both attended, Elise and Richard picked their own paths in life. An alumni event in Manhattan in 2017 reunited them and sparked their first date. With a surprise proposal three years later in downtown New York, the couple embarked on a journey to spend the rest of their lives together.
Wedding Planning and Details
Soon after, the wedding preparations were in the works. Elise and Richard have a shared respect for tradition, which is why the Washington & Lee University alumni couple stayed rooted. Overseen by Dream Makers NY, the Save the Dates cards were designed by Ali Bates of Bryker Design Co. featuring a flowering dogwood in a blind emboss on off-white paper. For the invitation suite, the couple worked with Bella Figura.
Tradition and Wedding Style
Elise wore the Reem Acra “Flock of Angels” gown from Jessica Haley Bridal complemented by René Caovilla’s white “Beaded Hive” pumps and a pearl and diamond brooch, glistening in her hair. Most special to Elise were the long white gloves she wore, which her grandmother also wore on her wedding day. Richard’s custom tux was from Victor Talbots in Greenvale, NY.
The bride arrived with her father in a green 1969 Mercedes Benz 280 SL with a lovely garland draping the car trunk. This car bears a special mention as it has witnessed Elise’ parents’ honeymoon throughout Europe, and countless childhood Sunday morning drives for Elise.
The Ceremony
The couple read their vows at St. Francis Xavier church, a beautiful classical Roman Basilica–style built in lower Manhattan in 1878. The basilica was decorated with two altar pieces of white dendrobium orchids, ranunculus, lilies, orchids, hydrangea and freesia, with greenery like Italian ruscus and lemon leaves. The most anticipated part of the wedding—the vows—were exceptionally special for the couple. Beethovens’ Für Elise offered a time for reflection following the vows, which was every bit as special as they’d anticipated.
The Wedding Reception
Inside The Union League Club, white flowers and greenery adorned the venue, along with stunning bridesmaids and the groomsmen in black. Hundreds of candles added to the dreamy ambience that complemented the Old-World feel of the rooms by Cress Floral Decorators.
The first dance was to the tunes of “L-O-V-E,” by Nat King Cole, and the energy of the wedding party was pumped up by the band, Carnivále. A truly special detail were the custom tambourines—one each for Elise, her mother and mother-in-law—along with mini light-up tambourines for the rest of the guests to share in the fun.
The Wedding Team
Photography | Berit Bizjak Photography
Venue | The Union League Club, NYC
Wedding Planner | Dream Makers, NY
Florals | Cress Floral Decorators
Makeup | Jan Murphy Makeup
Hair Styling | Andria Tobey
