This Couple's Elegantly Emerald Wedding at Prospect Park Boathouse in Brooklyn, New York, Is Timeless
Oliver Saikaly and Nicholas Deising's love story began with a chance encounter through mutual friends during college. As their relationship blossomed, Oliver devised a secret plan for a breathtaking proposal that was sure to knock his beloved's socks off. "Originally, I wanted to surprise Nick with a destination proposal," he describes. "That plan, unfortunately, came to a halt with Covid-19, given Nick's profession as an ICU nurse." Undeterred by the challenges, Oliver decided to bide his time and wait until the moment felt right. Setting off for San Francisco to visit dear friends in 2022, the pair visited a renowned, luxe hotel. "Part of our trip was spent in the beautiful Ritz Carlton Resort in Half Moon Bay," they tell. On a serene stretch of sand, Oliver seized the opportunity to pop the question. "We went down to the private beach below the resort where I proposed," he recounts. "It was so beautiful and intimate and everything we'd wanted."
"The inspiration for our day was our beautiful venue, The Boathouse in Prospect Park," Nick explains. "It reminded us of New Orleans (our favorite place), where we had our bachelor party. There are big windowed doors, a deck overviewing the greenery, a romantic bridge and a green tiled ceiling." With an intimate guest list of 32 cherished loved ones, the couple set the stage for a "romantic and garden party vibe" that perfectly represents their love story. "Every detail was thought of to ensure complete cohesiveness of the details of our wedding," they affirm.
The grooms readied themselves on the crisp summer morning before their first look. Celebrating their styles, they collaborated with the acclaimed Bode Tailor Shop to customize their ensembles. "Nick and I have very different personal styles but wanted both of them to be represented during our big day," Oliver says. Nick's off-white dinner jacket and dark green pants merged classic and casual, while Oliver's dark green double-breasted suit, adorned with flower jewel embellishments, exuded boldness and texture. They note, "All pieces were custom and were complemented by Christian Louboutin shoes, and Cartier jeweler and rings."
As the ceremony unfolded, guests gathered on the Boathouse deck. The lush floral arch at the end of the aisle anchored the decor, and the event's backdrop was Prospect Park Lake's peaceful waters. "For our ceremony, we wanted our altar to add life to our setting but also enhance the natural elements surrounding our venue," Nick explains, the arch adorned with lacy hydrangeas and a cascade of roses.
The newlyweds' French Bulldogs, Preston and Theodore, hold a special place in their hearts; naturally, they built a pup appearance into their big day. "The most special moment was having and seeing our French Bulldogs be part of our ceremony - it brought us both to tears when we saw them and will be a core memory we have for life," they reveal, underscoring the emotional significance of the incorporation.
The couple included unique and stunning signage, menus, name cards and bar signs in their decor. The meticulous attention to detail extended to their florals, a pivotal element reflecting their theme. "Floral was a big part of our wedding and reception," they emphasize, recounting the long quest to find a florist who understood their vision. Stems Brooklyn answered the call with precision, crafting a breathtaking floral arch that defied norms and expectations. "They created a completely foam-free arch and design!" marvels Nick.
With the sun gently setting, the celebration transitioned to the reception. "We wanted to lean into that by providing our guests with a 'welcome shot' right as the reception started," they recall. The culmination of their planning, the day was more than they had ever dreamed. The couple's dream of a garden party came alive in this new space. "For our reception, we designed this delicate growing garden down the center of the tables," Oliver reveals. Spring tulips, ranunculus, garden roses and the warm glow of candles intermingled to create an ethereal ambiance, giving new meaning to the term "garden party." Music filled the air as a pop-and-soul singer's vocals resonated, making the day even more magical. "Najah Moeser is a musician I heard performing at a client meeting in the city. Nick and I absolutely fell in love with her voice," describes Oliver.
The day was not without its practical lessons. "You will go over budget (we tripled ours), make sure you compromise and pick priority items - ours were photography and floral," they advise. Their experience taught them to trust their decisions as a couple. "It's your day, make your decisions as a team - our wedding was perfect because it was everything WE have ever wanted." And as they stepped into married life, the journey revealed an unexpected depth. "We've only been married for a couple of months, and after being together for eight years, we didn't think much would change. We were very wrong," they explain. "It feels like our life together has just begun, and everything you do is for you as a couple. It's the best feeling in the world."
