A Luxe Rooftop Wedding at Hudson Hotel in New York, New York

Michelle (38 and a brand manager) and Dan (42 and an attorney) steered clear of a classic, all-white wedding and instead planned a rooftop affair awash in deep wine and burgundy tones.

“We wanted elegant with a touch of edge,” Michelle says of their inviting autumn nuptials. To keep the vibe of the venue feeling romantic, chandeliers and rich chiffon fabric were used to dress up the hotel’s rooftop. “One of the reasons we had our wedding in a hotel was that so many of our guests were coming from out of town,” Michelle says. “We wanted everyone to have a New York City experience.”

On the couple’s must-have list: lots of lobster, skyline views and a playlist full of playful hits. “It was Dan’s idea to walk back up the aisle to ‘Nowhere to Run’ by Martha and the Vandellas,” Michelle says of their unconventional recessional song.

An attention-grabbing dessert was essential for Michelle, who was once a wedding cake baker. Sweet treats included hibiscus-flavored artisanal doughnuts and a toasted almond cake made from freshly ground almonds and poached pears. “It looked a little punk rock with its torn edge detail,” she says.