1. Real Weddings

A Formal Purple Wedding

There were fireworks the day Amy met Jared—and not just because it was the Fourth of July. Despite the connection they felt at a barbecue, Amy didn’t

There were fireworks the day Amy met Jared—and not just because it was the Fourth of July. Despite the connection they felt at a barbecue, Amy didn’t think there was a future for them: She lived in Philadelphia and Jared lived in New York City. Still, they decided to meet up one day at the Jersey Shore, halfway between their homes. The Bride Amy Kahan, 28, vice president of a housing development firm The Groom Jared Jacobson, 32, lawyer The Date December 6 The couple took their relationship to the next level six months later when Amy moved into Jared’s Manhattan pad. After a year of living together, the two returned to the shore. On the unseasonably warm January day, Jared coaxed Amy into taking a bike ride on the beach. Once they paused by the dunes, Jared pulled out a ring. Since both have family in the Philly area, the couple chose to hold their wedding in the city. Their winter wedding date influenced their classic, white décor

Even though a good peony is hard to find in colder months, the couple’s florist bunched up the beautiful blooms for a winter-worthy bouquet.
The bridesmaids’ floor-length, plum gowns were as formal as the groomsmen’s black tuxes. The guys’ silver vests and ties nodded to the winter theme.
A crystal pin highlighted Amy’s asymmetric chignon, a look she describes as “pretty and formal, but not overdone.”
So their guests could see them better, the couple married on a small stage in a ballroom at the hotel. An elaborate huppah made sure all eyes were on Amy and Jared.
The bride mixed things up on the tables. Some had towering centerpieces of stock, orchids, hydrangeas, and curly willow. Others had a variety of arrangements, including a few short calla lilies and a tall bunch of hydrangeas.
Swiss dots and fresh roses were traditional cake embellishments, but the orchid accents and square shape of the tiers added modern touches.