1. Real Weddings

Patricia & Ben: A Traditional Wedding in Rye, NY

After a little coercing, Patricia agreed to go with her friend to a party one night in the Upper West Side. Although Patricia didn’t stay long, she wa

After a little coercing, Patricia agreed to go with her friend to a party one night in the Upper West Side. Although Patricia didn’t stay long, she was there long enough to spark intrigue within the host, Benjamin (Ben). Several weeks later they went out for drinks on their first date. As a second date, Ben suggested a restaurant right across the street from their first date location. “I remember wondering whether this guy knew of any other blocks in Manhattan,” Patricia says. The Bride Patricia Selcke, 31, investor relations The Groom Benjamin (Ben) Grad, 31, media executive The Date November 18 Four years later, they went out for dinner on Valentine’s Day. Afterward, Ben suggested they go to the bar on the top floor for a drink. Although Patricia wasn’t so sure that there even was a bar on the top floor, Ben insisted. When they arrived, Ben opened a door to a hotel suite covered with roses and proposed.

Each autumn-themed menu card was accented with a fresh orchid.
Patricia’s six bridesmaids wore burgundy chiffon dresses that had been altered to a shorter length. Each maid carried an all-white bouquet of orchids with burgundy centers. The stems were tied with a deep merlot, satin ribbon to coordinate with their dresses.
The romantic ballroom wedding unfolded at The Apawamis Club. Patricia and Ben used iridescent orange-hued linens and chocolate brown napkins. Lush floral centerpieces and warm votive candles created an intimate, elegant feel.
Floral centerpieces in rust-finished, cast iron urns graced each table. The flowers included shades of magenta, tangerine, and russet and nicely complemented the iridescent orange and magenta, silk dupioni linens.
Patricia and Ben exchanged vows underneath a wrought iron huppah adorned with long-stemmed, white dendrobium orchids and tea lights.
Patricia and Ben's cake was an all-white fondant confection decorated with white oak tree fondant leaves. Patricia and Ben also treated their guests to sweet desserts at the end of the meal. The men were served cranberry-ribbon apple pies -- from Patricia’s favorite recipe -- and the women were served raspberry and lemon sorbet in a cookie tuile.