Did You Know You Can Get Married in a Bookstore? These Brides Celebrated Their Love Story at Housing Works in New York City
Both driven and ambitious, Felicia Kaban, an events executive, and Kara Ryan, a PR and communications professional, found themselves collaborating closely on various projects. What started as a productive partnership quickly grew into a deep friendship. Over time, their connection became undeniable, culminating in a life-changing New Year’s trip to Australia. “Felicia knew I had a love for fireworks, and where better to experience them than Sydney at New Year’s?” Kara recalls. It was during that magical trip that their friendship blossomed into something more, and when they returned home, they were inseparable. Fast forward to April 2023; while dining at one of their favorite restaurants with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge, Felicia suggested they take a walk after dinner. “She dropped to her knee and proposed with a stunning round solitaire ring, set against the beautiful backdrop of a lit-up Brooklyn Bridge against the night sky,” Kara explains. “I was speechless but managed an emphatic ‘Yes!’” It was the perfect beginning to their next chapter together.
The couple wanted to plan something modern and sleek, but also warm and inviting, an event that was as cozy as it was sophisticated, with a dash of that classic New York City elegance. From their love of books and their deep connection to the city, to their shared commitment to causes close to their hearts, everything needed to reflect their personalities, passions, and relationship.
“We love clean and modern,” Kara explains. “Our favorite place to wander is New York City, but something about getting married in a ballroom or traditional wedding venue didn’t feel like us.” So, when they discovered the Housing Works Bookstore in Manhattan, they knew they’d found their dream venue. With its worn wood interior, glowing ambiance, and shelves lined with colorful books, it struck the perfect balance between the modern and the cozy. “Our guests were certainly curious: ‘You’re getting married in a bookstore?!’” Kara laughs. But Felicia and Kara had a vision, and with the help of their planner, they brought it to life.
Inspired by the books surrounding them, Felicia and Kara embraced a black-and-white palette for their wedding design. The decor was minimalist yet glamorous, with textural elements that created intrigue without overwhelming the space. Shiny black plates sat on tables dressed in crisp white linens, complemented by sleek matte table lamps that lent a modern library vibe. Personal touches were everywhere, from black frames holding white-matted family photos to table numbers crafted from vintage book pages—unifying the past with the present. Bold fonts and flourished ampersands on signage and stationery gave a nod to antique typefaces, adding a sense of timelessness to the event.
In the floral department, Lucy’s Flowers nailed the couple’s vision. Anemones with black centers tied perfectly into the black-and-white motif, while monochrome bud vases dotted the tables. Sage green napkins were added to bring a touch of warmth, complementing the greenery-heavy floral installations. The most striking pieces were the all-white floral entrance and the greenery-and-white-rose-studded staircase, which provided a whimsical backdrop for photos and made the entire space feel magical. As Kara puts it, “Having pillars of lush white blooms at the front door and cascading greenery from the mezzanine above helped transport guests into the experience. They opened the doors to a bookstore and entered into a magical wedding.”
When it came to fashion, the brides each brought their unique styles to the table. Felicia turned to Bindle & Keep, a Brooklyn-based tailor known for creating “suits for every body.” She worked with the team to design a custom single-breasted black wool suit, perfectly tailored to her. Inside, the lining featured a pop-art print with black and white designs and red lips—an homage to Kara’s signature smile. “I knew right from the beginning I wanted a classic black suit,” Felicia says. “But the red lips were a little personal touch for Kara, who has amazing lips.”
Kara, on the other hand, had always envisioned herself in a contemporary-meets-timeless wedding gown. “Once we landed on a late December wedding date, I knew instantly that I wanted a modern take on a classic long-sleeve gown,” she says. She found the perfect dress: a form-fitting gown with a deep V-neck, an open diamond back, and a dramatic button-like train. For the ceremony, Kara added a fingertip-length veil and borrowed her mother’s vintage pearl cluster ring for her “something old.” She finished the look with metallic silver platform sandals, adorned with blue “I do” decals on the soles for her “something blue.” For the reception, Kara swapped her gown for a beaded fringe mini-dress and customized low-top Converse All Stars, so she could dance the night away in comfort and style.
As guests arrived at Housing Works Bookstore, they were immediately greeted by the lush white floral entrance. The transformation was complete; what was once a charming bookstore had become a modern, romantic wedding venue. Friends and family settled into their seats, surrounded by the colorful bookshelves that would serve as the backdrop for the ceremony.
The ceremony was intimate and emotional. Felicia and Kara, both avid writers, had crafted their own vows. “We wrote our own vows and (because we’re a little competitive) limited each other to two minutes each,” Kara admits. As they stood surrounded by the greatest love stories ever told, they began to write their next chapter together. There were laughs, there were tears, and every moment felt personal and profound.
During the cocktail hour, guests mingled in the warm, glowing space, enjoying mini-desserts and giant cookies from Levain Bakery—one of Felicia and Kara’s favorite NYC spots. Skipping the traditional wedding cake was a bold move, but one that paid off. “We heard even weeks after the wedding about how much our guests LOVED those cookies,” Kara says. Meanwhile, a photo booth kept guests entertained and engaged, and they left behind heartfelt well wishes in a photo guestbook that Felicia and Kara would cherish forever.
The reception that followed was a true reflection of the couple: warm, inviting, and full of joy. Guests gathered around tables adorned with monochrome flowers and vintage book page table numbers, sharing stories and laughter. Kara’s second look was a hit on the dance floor, where she and Felicia danced the night away with their friends and family.
For couples planning their own weddings, Felicia and Kara have some sage advice. “Plan the day for you and your partner,” Kara advises. “There will always be others to consider, but this is your day, and it should reflect your love and your vision.” Their other tip? Find a wedding planner you trust. “Jane Handel was truly the glue that brought our incredible wedding day together. She became so much more than our planner—she became our confidante and our friend.”