Di and Risa wanted their wedding to be one of new traditions and celebrate not only their love of art, but also some of the incredibly talented people they knew who would create custom pieces for this occasion. Every decision to be made was done with the consciousness, political awareness and sense of humor that is this incredible couple.
It didn’t hurt that Mother Nature was clearly smiling down this day, presenting one of the most gorgeous backdrops at the Liberty Warehouse for this indoor/outdoor affair. The ceremony included a custom chuppah by Ryan Frank with an image of their home on the canopy. The tears and laughter were inevitable for all by personal touches such as the beautiful words of their officiant Lucien Zeyen; a troupe of flowers girls walking down the aisle to Beyoncé’s “Run the World” and Risa escorting her 98-year old Grandmother. Referencing how they got engaged thinking they would wed with the first female president in office elevated how important it is to celebrate love even in tough times. Or as the back of their wedding program stated: “Time is the only luxury.”
After a phenomenal cocktail hour of in-house catering including a raw bar, Mediterranean station and mouth-watering passed canapes, guests were invited to find their table by a custom-wall installation of escort cards by Shannon Finnegan. Upon entering the main space, the genius that is Mimosa Floral was on full-display. From the vines that encompassed the dance floor to the vintage brass candlesticks with small jewel tone arrangements, it truly felt like everyone was basking in the final days of summer. All of this was enhanced by the lighting design of Robert Bloom, including the multiple disco ball installation that anchored the dance floor.
For entertainment, Pig Pen kicked off the evening and more than delivered their final request of an “epic” hora. Then DJ Lili Dirks-Goodman kept the crowd moving if they weren’t visiting the multiple food and dessert stations that the Liberty Warehouse executed to perfection. All of these details were captured masterfully by Maria Baranova-Suzuki.
But the true stars of the night were Di & Risa. Not only did their Broadway-choreographed first dance have multiple confetti cues, but they led their wedding with intention. As they said in their toast, they are dedicated to the importance of ritual. They took this opportunity to create a new ritual: the breaking of the Babka. The traditional cake cutting didn’t represent them. But they found various qualities in a Babka that they hope to nourish in their family for years to come. To quote a few of them:
“It’s both light and dense. We treasure having lots of laughter but also rich conversation and deep dialogue.”
“It’s an all-day snack. Like our love, babka is perfect for any time.”
“Babka is only better after a quick zap in the microwave, so let it serve as a reminder to always warm each other’s hearts.”
As they had their guests in stiches explaining this, they also inspired everyone who was present to witness their wedding.
View the full gallery here.
Venue: The Liberty Warehouse
Photographer: Maria Baranova
Officiant: Lucien Zayan
Florist: Mimosa Floral Design
Band: Pig Pen Theatre Co.
DJ: Lilliana Dirks- Goodman
Lighting: RBB Designs
Chuppah: Ryan Frank
Stationery: Shannon Finnegan
Ketubah: Danielle Durchslag
Babka: Breads Bakery