1. Real Weddings

A Vibrant Elegant Wedding in Baiting Hollow, NY

The Bride Melissa Jee, 34, a senior director for MEC The Groom Christopher (Chris) Mackie, 35, works in sanitation for the Town of Hempstead The Date

The Bride Melissa Jee, 34, a senior director for MEC The Groom Christopher (Chris) Mackie, 35, works in sanitation for the Town of Hempstead The Date June 23 Starting with red—Melissa’s favorite color and a Chinese symbol of good fortune and happiness (Melissa is Chinese)—the couple designed their entire day around the bold hue. Plus they wanted their event to feel romantic and elegant, so red couldn’t have been a more fitting choice.

Ceremony and reception site: Giorgio’s at Fox Hill, Baiting Hollow, NY Photography: Janelle Brooke Photography Videography: AJ Ingoglia Films Consultant: Cheeky Glam Events Gown and veil: Vera Wang, Vera Wang Bridal House, New York Hair: Tara Benish Makeup: Stacy Doolan/About Face Artistry Shoes: Jimmy Choo Wedding rings: Diamond Roof Jewelers Bridesmaid dresses: Bill Levkoff, Here Comes the Bridesmaid, New York Formalwear: Sal’s Fashions, Massapequa, NY Invitations: Smock Other stationery: Rae of Art (closed) Flowers: Hidden Essence Music: Long Island Sound Productions Inc. Dance lessons: Ballroom Dance Long Island Catering: Giorgio’s at Fox Hill Cake: La Bonne Boulangerie Transportation: North Fork Express Accommodations: Ramada Plaza Long Island MacArthur Airport Hotel Honeymoon: Moorea and Bora Bora Registries: Bed Bath & Beyond; Crate & Barrel; Macy’s
Melissa begged the venue to have an ice cream cart but was told no. After the couple cut the cake, the cart was rolled out as a surprise to her and all the guests!
The couple danced to Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing.”
Head Table
The white cake was wrapped in fondant and adorned with exotic red pincushion proteas.
Escort Cards
Glass vases, filled with river rocks and submerged red orchids, were topped with floating candles and nestled among red rose petals.
Reception Décor
Modern table numbers featured the couple’s monogram and chic letters.
Cocktail Hour
The ceremony took place in the garden in front of a gazebo. The couple exchanged vows beneath a willow branch arch draped with ivy, orchids and roses.
Invitations
A red envelope, containing tissues in case of tears, was attached to each program.
The Flower Girls
All the bridesmaids wore the same strapless, cranberry-colored floor-length dress.
Melissa says she “felt like a princess” in her strapless mermaid-style gown. Chris wore a classic black tuxedo.
The bride carried red pincushion proteas, roses and yellow freesias in her nontraditional bouquet.