A Industrial Wedding With Subtle Comedic Touches at Basilica Hudson in Hudson, New York

Johanna “Hanna" and Matt know there’s a line between fun and formal—and they walk it skillfully. “We wanted our wedding to be fun, but not novelty,” Hanna says. “It had to represent us, but we didn’t want it to be a big, cheesy joke.” The couple combined lighthearted elements, including a confetti cannon and stationery filled with hints at their favorite hobbies, with thoughtful tributes like a draped chuppah with chain links hanging from it—a nod to Hanna’s family’s business as the owners of a chain factory.
Roses, ranunculus, hellebores, anemones, eucalyptus and blue thistles towered above tables, striking a romantic contrast against the raw, industrial setting of the Basilica.  One of the biggest gestures toward Hanna and Matt’s humor: whoopee cushion escort cards. “Let’s be real: Whoopee cushions are always funny, especially to me,” Hanna says. “And as soon as I saw a whole wall of them, I was so happy.” The display, which read “Whoopee, we’re married!” greeted guests as they entered the party. Hanna and Matt made their big entrance with the help of the Hudson Horns, a New Orleans–style brass band. The musicians stuck around as the newlyweds and their guests danced the night away to live tunes.

Hanna and Matt made their dance floor debut to Billy Joel’s “She’s Always a Woman.” “This actually started off as a joke,” Hanna says. “After I once insisted on slow dancing, Matt chose this song for dramatic effect—and it became our jam.” Hanna and Matt welcomed partygoers to their seats with fun tokens of their various relationships, from a business card for a former boss to a fake chicken wing for a loved one who works as a professional chef.