A Traditional Wedding at Water's Edge Restaurant in Long Island City, New York

Sofia Sanchez (33 and a director of operations) and Stuart Parkes (38 and an accountant) met and fell in love in New York City, so it was no surprise that they chose Water's Edge in Long Island City, New York, as their venue. Its picturesque views of the New York City skyline lent the perfect backdrop for their indoor and outdoor wedding. The day started with a formal church ceremony as Jack and Rose, their florist, accented each pew with a white chrysanthemum and matching bow. Lush arrangements of white, orange and yellow blooms accented the altar. After exchanging vows, a few smiles and tons of laughter, Sofia and Stuart continued their celebration with some fun in the park. Stuart and his groomsmen even played soccer for a few minutes before taking a few photos by the water with Esvy Photography. When they returned, all 150 guests were sitting at a window-side table with white and green hydrangea centerpieces. The wedding cake stood out, with bouquets of orange and white blooms around its base and as cascading white and lavender rosettes along each square tier. For Sofia and Stuart, keeping their guests close and entertained was the main concern. “It was most important to keep it intimate and make sure there was a lot of dancing,” Sofia says. The Hank Lane band took over from there and kept everyone on the dance floor. After such a fun night, Sofia shares a tip: “Do your best to plan, but don’t sweat the little things. It will all work out on your day.”