“Your Wed’s Got Me Looking So Crazy in Love”

When former musical-theatre major turned power Manhattan real estate broker Jessica Waxman got engaged to fellow Corcoran group member Bryan Cloonan, I was honored to accept their best offer and plan the wedding.  While many in the business of Million Dollar Listings can be associated with a ruthless, no-nonsense grit, these two proved quite the opposite.  The love they have for one another was so evident it would pass the toughest of  co-op board interviews.

As living and working together in the city is an integral part of their life, they settled on the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers for it’s incredible Hudson River views and in-house catering by Abigail Kirsch.  For this late fall wedding, the simple and chic color palette was composed of black, white and gold.  Bride and Blossom created a romantic installation of a tree behind their sweetheart table who’s branches reached over the entire ceiling of the dance floor, and were adorned with hanging lanterns and Edison bulbs.  The tabletops elevated each centerpiece on raised mirrored boxes with square votives around the perimeter, causing the candlelight to be reflected throughout the room.

Several personal touches that were distinctly Jess and Bryan made this wedding exclusively theirs. The ceremony program was designed after a Playbill as a nod to the bride’s theatrical background.  Her father also has cultural roots from Ireland, so it was great fun when a professional bagpiper made a surprise entrance at the end of the ceremony to play the recessional while guests traveled to cocktail hour.  Shindig Bespoke created an interlocking display of escort cards that created one big circular puzzle.  The father/daughter dance of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” was performed by friends/Broadway vocalists Zak Resnick & Alysha Umphress. And in honor of Jess’s grandmother Ruby who is no longer with us, the entire candy bar was created in her namesake color.

It was clear the guests at this wedding were having a wonderful time.  But even more apparent was how much fun Jess and Bryan were able to have, especially by live music provided by the Sugar Lane Band with lead singer Chioma.  One song after the next had this bride and groom throwing down on the dance floor, and stage at times, like any two people experiencing the best night of their lives.

“You got me sprung and I don't care who sees
'Cause, baby, you got me, you got me so crazy, baby

I'm looking so crazy in love!”

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Hair: MG Hair and Make-Up

Make-Up: Sarah Bellagamba

Photography: Eivan’s Photography

Videography: Arthur Pope

Stationary: Shindig Bespoke

Band: The Sugar Lane Band

Floral Design: Bride and Blossom

Photo Booth: Happy Box Studios

It's a Quiet Thing

One of the biggest perks in being a wedding planner is that no job is ever the same.  Each couple brings different ideas and challenges to the table.  I also feel that in many ways I’ve been through the Wedding Olympics.  I planned one wedding in 48 hours, and two weddings on the same night.  But this isn’t about me…

Rick and Lauren were my most recent couple, and they established a new milestone.  Even though we planned their wedding for close to two years, I didn’t meet these lovebirds until the day before.

We initially connected over the phone when they inquired to have their wedding at a raw space in Chelsea.  As they realized things like bringing in lighting and draping were more than they wanted to commit to, they asked me how they could have a Manhattan wedding on a more modest budget.  I suggested some turn-key venues that include everything and don’t require a planner.  They landed at Battery Gardens Restaurant and asked if I would still guide them through the process.  They live in Seattle and would not be taking a trip to New York until the wedding.  Two months before the wedding I attended their tasting with two of their friends and we photographed all the dishes and gave Rick and Lauren our top picks.

As I worked with them on giving their wedding some flourish beyond what Battery Gardens provides, I got to know their love story.  The designer in me tried to get them to go for more, but what was truly being celebrated was more simple.  Lauren had lost both of her parents in recent years, and this wedding would honor them and remind all who were present that we never forget.  But we must move forward, even with tears, and still express our gratitude for what we do have. 

Rick and Lauren thanked me in their toast for pulling off the New York wedding of their dreams.  The truth of the matter is that I thank them. They reminded me why I was drawn to being a wedding planner to begin with, and that nothing creates a bigger “wow” effect than when you have that kind of love in a room shared by family and friends.

Photos by Da Ping Luo.

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