1. Real Weddings

A Bright Mexican-Inspired Wedding at Greenpoint Loft in Brooklyn, New York

Although they met and fell in love at Harvard University in Boston, Jordy Lievers (30 and an actor and artist) and Jared Eaton (30 and a theater and t

Although they met and fell in love at Harvard University in Boston, Jordy Lievers (30 and an actor and artist) and Jared Eaton (30 and a theater and technology teacher) drew on their roots -- hers in San Diego and his in Houston -- for their Mexican-fiesta-inspired wedding day. "We knew from the outset we wanted Mexican food at our wedding, and we just kind of went from there," explains Jordy. "At every turn, we tried to keep things colorful, laid-back and fun." This vibe extended from the bold, oversize invitations and "colorful cocktail" dress code for the guests all the way to the mini hot sauce escort cards. The boutonnieres even included little chili peppers -- yet another nod to the spicy south-of-the-border theme. Drawing on their extensive artistic talents, Jordy and Jared infused their day with a number of impressive DIY details. Jared spent the weeks before the wedding painstakingly sewing napkins, runners and tablecloths so that each reception table was unique, and Jordy -- who just happens to be a designer on the side -- took care of the calligraphy and stationery. And don't even get us started on her sparkly Theia Couture gown. Muy bien!

Jared and his groomsmen wore ranunculus boutonnieres with little chili peppers as a nod to the Mexican theme.
Seeded Eucalyptus, Ranunculus, Stock and Garden Rose Bridal Bouquet
T-Strap Bridal Heels With Little Red Spikes by TaylorSays
Red and Peach Ceremony Altar Flower Arrangement
Jordy designed the ceremony programs herself, which were printed on velum envelopes stuffed with oversize confetti. Guests tossed the colorful confetti at the couple during the recessional.
Navy Blue Groomsmen Suits With Mismatched Gingham Shirts
"We wanted our invitations to convey the tone of the event, so we went for an oversize vintage 'Greetings From New York!' postcard design," says Jordy. The RSVP cards were printed on smaller vintage postcard designs from the Museum of Modern Art.
Although they originally had their hearts set on a barn wedding in Hudson Valley, Jordy and Jared didn't want to miss the opportunity to share New York City with their out-of-town guests. "When we found the Greenpoint Loft, we knew it was perfect because it had gorgeous architectural details and high rafters that reminded us of a barn, but was smack in the middle of Brooklyn and came complete with insane views of the Manhattan skyline," explains Jordy. "It was the only venue we visited, and we booked it three months before it even opened for events."
Greenpoint Brooklyn Loft Wedding Reception
Jared spent weeks sewing napkins and table linens so that no two tablescapes were the same.
Low Orange and Red Coxcomb and Rose Centerpiece
Low, Colorful Floral Centerpiece
Calligraphed Bride and Groom Chair Signs
Red, Floor-Length Badgley Mischka Bridesmaid Dresses
"Thanks to musical theater, I have worn some pretty over-the-top, amazing dresses. For [that] reason, choosing a wedding gown wasn’t something I was particularly excited about. In fact, I was planning on having a gold sequin dress made by a costume designer," recalls Jordy. To appease her mother, however, one weekend Jordy agreed to try on more "traditional" options. "Three dresses in, I was ready to go to lunch," she says. "But then my maid of honor grabbed a long, fully sequined Theia column with a simple silhouette, and as soon as I tried it on, I knew my other plan was toast!"
Custom Wood Monogram Ceremony Sign
Jordy and Jared Wedding Ceremony Vows
Greenpoint Loft Ceremony
The passed appetizers during cocktail hour included mini crab and chicken mole tostadas, bean and cheese sopes, grilled shrimp with chipotle salsa, and quesadillas.
"Since I grew up in San Diego and Jared grew up in Houston, we knew from the outset we wanted Mexican food at our wedding, and we just kind of went from there," explains Jordy. In keeping with this theme, guests found their seats thanks to miniature bottles of hot sauce.
Colorful Mexican-Inspired Table Linens
The couple had their first dance to "Maybe I’m Amazed" by Paul McCartney. "It really sums up how lucky we feel to be in a marriage where we take each other exactly as we are at any given moment," says Jordy.
Neither Jordy nor Jared is particularly fond of cake, so instead, Jordy's grandmother made dozens of mini pies -- pumpkin, apple and chocolate pecan -- for dessert.