1. Real Weddings

Caroline & Jeff: A Traditional Wedding in New York, NY

When Caroline accepted an invitation to her friend's amateur theatre group's play, she had no idea that was the night she would meet her future husban

When Caroline accepted an invitation to her friend's amateur theatre group's play, she had no idea that was the night she would meet her future husband. Caroline spent the entire day shopping and decided she didn't have time to shower or change before the play. She showed up in her frumpiest shoes and a stained T-shirt. That didn't stop Jeff from approaching her. Caroline and Jeff both ended up at the wrap party. After that, she followed him to a friend's birthday party and they ended up staying out past 6 a.m. The Bride Caroline Risman, 33, account supervisor The Groom Jeff Swiatek, 39, in corporate finance The Date February 9 Years later, in Central Park, Jeff asked Caroline to marry him with a plastic ring, promising that she could pick out her own.

Caroline carried an arrangement of garden roses, ranunculus, lilacs, lemon leaves, eucalyptus pods, un-ripened raspberries and blueberries and anemones with navy blue centers and feathers. It was so heavy the bridesmaids fought over who would hold it!
An understated, but elegant confection of buttermilk spice cake and cream cheese filling tempted guests. White foliage draped across all four tiers, matching perfectly with the light buttercream icing.
Caroline wore her hair up with a long veil and a sparkly comb for the ceremony. When she took the veil off, she stuck some white striped feathers in her pretty up-do.
Guests gathered in an old-fashioned gentleman's club to celebrate. The dining and cocktail areas, dance floor, and even the dessert table were all located in different rooms.
The Central Park Orchestra learned new songs at Caroline and Jeff's request, including their first dance song Fever by Peggy Lee.
The Escort Cards
Caroline and Jeff had fun with the wedding programs. They included informational, but tongue-in-cheek biographies of everyone who played a role in the ceremony.
Each table was topped with a different cluster of flowers. The arrangements varied in height and included everything from roses to tall wispy tulips.
An impressive centerpiece drew guests to the escort card table. The florist incorporated all kinds of green and white blooms into the arrangement and surrounded the base with tall white candles.