1. Real Weddings

Violet & Jamie: A Modern Wedding in Long Island City, NY

The lighting: dim. The decor: eccentric. The mood: exhilarating. Five years after Violet Lelekakis met Jamie Mazzei at a party, the couple invited fam

The lighting: dim. The decor: eccentric. The mood: exhilarating. Five years after Violet Lelekakis met Jamie Mazzei at a party, the couple invited family and friends to an even better party for their nuptials -- a celebration that was entirely unique. The Bride Violet Lelekakis, a 28-year-old speech pathology student The Groom Jamie Mazzei, a 35-year-old hairstylist The Date September 7 A wedding is whatever the bride and groom decide it should be, says Violet, who sought the help of wedding planner Lawrence Scott. Don't let people scare you away from what you want to do. Jamie and I did the most unconventional things and it turned out to be beautiful.

Violet wore a white crepe backless gown with a cowl neck by Evalina Schmidtke Couture. She accessorized her elegant look with chandelier earrings and sparkling Manolo Blahniks.
The Couple
After Violet and Jamie exchanged vows at a Greek Orthodox church, an absolutely fabulous fete, largely conceived by Scott, unfolded at a converted warehouse in Long Island City. The theme: To be as least like a wedding as possible, Violet says. Though the reception was held in one of the hippest cities on the planet, Violet and Jamie wanted the sexy nightclub vibe of another hot spot: Miami. From the rented pool table to the signature Grey Goose vodka cocktails to the outrageous, one-of-a-kind centerpieces, it was as though guests had stepped into a scene where Old Hollywood meets modern funk.
The Bridesmaid Bouquets
Tables were dressed in outstanding artistic centerpieces -- large vases with goldfish and branches of soft petal blooms or large bamboo-shoot arrangements dotted with roses.
Following the meal, a dessert buffet featured an assortment of mini cakes, candy bars, cookies, Greek desserts and, of course, wedding cake.
The bridesmaids completed the fashionable look in their sleek champagne-color satin dresses.
The Ceremony
The Couple