A New York Garden Wedding at The Foundry

The New York garden wedding of Calvin and Scherise had classic Italian flare with soft pinks, classic white, peaks of gold, and loads of greenery. The pair met at Adelphi University where Scherise attended college. Adelphi University hosted an annual fashion show and it just so happened that Calvin and Scherise were both in the show. Calvin always says that that he fell in love with Scherise on that day.

The Love Story

He even remembers what I was wearing. Both of us were at rehearsal and were paired for a scene in the show. We connected that day and that day sparked it all. After the show commenced we carried on until we reconnected years later and the rest is history! We’ve been together ever since. Calvin proposed in Bali! I had planned a surprise birthday trip for his birthday. Little did I know that there was a surprise in store for me as well. On our first day there he woke me up to watch and accompany him in capturing pictures of the sunrise on the longest dock in Bali at our hotel, Ayana. Calvin flew his drone for “pictures” of the sunrise and then grabbed me close and professed his love. He got on one knee and popped the question! He captured it all on video with his drone. Bali will always be special to us.

The Wedding

The Wedding Attire

My wedding dress was a Pronovias dress. I knew the minute I saw it that it was my dress. The dress was very detailed with a laced floral material, mermaid style, off white, and included a cape that attached to the dress for drama. It provided two looks. I used the cape for our ceremony and removed it for the reception. To add a bit of flare in absence of a veil, I added a swarovski jeweled head piece to my hair. I went unconventional without a veil and knew I needed something to add in its place. My shoes were glittery and pink with a jeweled heel. Towards to end of the night I changed into a classic long white gown with a sleeved crystal fringe detail. Calvin also had two outfits. For our ceremony he wore an all black suit with a crips white shirt and a gold with a gold shirt clip. He too went the unconventional way and chose not to use a tie. He wore all black patent leather shoes. For his second look, Calvin changed up his blazer to an all white belted robe jacket. He also had a shoe change! He wore printed Stubb and Wootton slippers.

Anticipated Wedding Moments

I think the most anticipated (wedding moment) for me was the first look. We each wondered how we would feel when we first saw each other. Would the emotions be the same? Would the first look interfere with the look of walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time? Both of our stomachs were in knots. It was a sweet moment for us both and we got to just, be. Be in the moment with no one else around. For Calvin it was me walking down the aisle. The moment of it becoming real and us getting married. It was all so surreal.

Wedding Style

We wanted a garden style wedding but with NYC flare. The Foundry was perfect! We worked off of the greenery at the venue and created our look and feel to compliment it. The florals incorporated olive leaves as an ode to Italy. We wanted something romantic. Soft hues, delicate lighting, and plenty of florals. For this theme we envisioned pastels, hanging lights , calligraphy and candles. We also wanted to ensure that we incorporated our culture throughout. Our menu incorporated cuisine from Barbados and the Dominican Republic as an ode to Caribbean ties. The ceremony also included a God Mother and God Father of the wedding, a tradition typically practiced in the Dominican Republic. One of the most special moments was my best friend’s dad marrying us! It was an all around labor of love between both of our families and friends.

The ceremony was decorated with a floral hanging alter with a vintage draped fabric. Gold pieces and candles added to the alter decor as well. The railings above the aisle were draped in greenery with white and soft pink florals. Our cocktail hour stayed within theme with velvet gray lounge furniture, a minimalist coffee table, and florals throughout. We choose an acrylic seating chart that was decorated with the same draped fabric as our ceremony as well. The reception was amazing! It was an al fresco dinner reception with three long tables all decorated with florals that incorporated soft hues, pinks, and greenery. Fabric draped the center of the tables as a runner and candles lined the tables to provide an even more romantic feel. We chose to incorporate our favors as the table decor as well. Gold peaked through with our chairs, altar decor, bridesmaids shoes, and votives. Our favors were homemade rosemary infused olive oils created with the help of my family and bridesmaids. We love to cook so we wanted to include something that inspired all of your guests to go back home and do the same post wedding. All of the decor was pretty much DIY! I work in Sponsorships and often plan events as part of my role so a lot of the decor and details were created by me.

Advice for future Coordinated Brides

I have tons of wedding planning advice. First, think of the aesthetic you desire for your big day, attend open houses, and then sit together to agree on a budget. You want to make sure you’re setting a budget based on the venues you both like. The budget we initially had in mind was a joke and it wasn’t until we visited venues and received quotes that we knew how much we needed for our special day. Second, only take 2-3 friends while wedding shopping. Going with my entire bridal party and family was overwhelming and it was very difficult to decide what I wanted. It wasn’t until I went with my mom and aunt alone that I had the head space to find the right dress. Third, remember that this day is for you and your partner. Drown out the noise (and opinions) and make decisions together that work for YOU. That’ll be the first of many decisions you make as a couple and teamwork during the process will set the tone for your marriage. Fourth, Do a first look! It saved us so much time and allowed for pictures ahead of time which allowed for fun time. Our bridal party got to enjoy cocktail hour and relax. It also allowed for intimate time for just Calvin and I before the madness. Last, but not least, cherish every second. Enjoy your special day and allow yourself to bask in the moment. Let everything go and enjoy it! – Scherise