1. Real Weddings

A Vibrant Modern Wedding in Brooklyn, NY

The Bride Lauren Riese, 29, a graduate student at Fordham University The Groom Jed Garfunkel, 35, an attorney The Date June 9 Lauren and Jed decided

The Bride Lauren Riese, 29, a graduate student at Fordham University The Groom Jed Garfunkel, 35, an attorney The Date June 9 Lauren and Jed decided to take guests on a journey for their wedding day. Both the color scheme and the décor changed from the ceremony to the cocktail hour and reception, morphing from blushes and ivories to bold purples and hot pinks. The ceremony design was modern, while the reception was ornate and old-world.

Lauren carried a lush round bouquet of ivory- and blush-colored peonies.
The couple’s lounge setup included white-leather furniture and plush purple throw pillows.
At the reception, the couple was hoisted into the air on chairs for the hora.
Jed’s gluten-free cake was designed to look like a record player in a suitcase. It included “stickers” from his favorite bands on the outside for a personal touch.
Ceremony and reception site: Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, NY Photography: Roey Yohai Photography Videography: Edward Neary/Joseph Edwards Films Consultant: Leslie Mastin/State of the Art Enterprises Gown and veil: Monique Lhuillier, Mark Ingram Atelier, New York Hair: Alesha Oak Makeup: Landy Dean/Marie Robinson Salon Shoes: Jimmy Choo Bridal stylist: Julie Sabatino/The Stylish Bride Bridesmaid dresses: Amsale, Bella Bridesmaid; Custom belts: Bloom Bazaar; Maid of honor dress: Donald Deal, New York Formalwear: My.Suit, New York; Bow ties and suspenders: The Stylish Dresser Stationery: Alpine Creative Group Flowers and rentals Lewis Miller Design; catering Restaurant Associates Music: Ceremony: Élan Artists; Cocktail hour: The Hot Sardines; Reception: Rhythm Collective/Élan Artists Photo booth: We Love Photobooths Cake: Cake Alchemy Transportation: London Towncars Inc.; US Coachways Inc. Accommodations: The Ritz-Carlton, New York Battery Park Honeymoon: Bora Bora Registries: Crate & Barrel; Macy’s; Zankyou.com
The classic programs featured a black script font and were tied together with a pink silk ribbon.
The modern Lucite huppah was decorated with peonies and blush and ivory ribbons.
Lauren surprised Jed with a black London taxi (he’s a big fan of England) for some fun wedding photos nearby.
Lauren chose a blush tulle gown with a natural waist, a bustier top, beading and ribbon detailing. Jed wore a traditional tallith for the ceremony over his black tux.
All the girls wore gray floor-length gowns.
Lush Centerpieces
The ornate, eight-tiered white-fondant cake was adorned with purple sugar and gum-paste flowers, along with elegant scrolling.
The Huppah
The ceremony was held in the atrium of the museum, which fit in with the day’s contemporary décor.
Mini magenta azalea topiaries and smaller arrangements of peonies and cabbage roses topped reception tables.
Brushed-gold chargers were topped with scripted menus decorated with pink flowers.
Deep-purple uplighting, rich raw silk linens and well-placed candlelight set a romantic scene.