This is what happens when two bambini from the block grow up into a heartfelt fashion-driven lady marrying a caring and obliging gentleman.
You could tell that something fashionable and cosmopolitan was bound to happen at Dana and John’s wedding if you saw my engagement session for them, taken place at an abandoned psychiatric center which did not rule out Alice and Olivia organza accordion skirt, lace bolero by TopShop, suit by Hugo Boss, tie by Giorgio Armani, and shoes by Gucci.
The very first thing I noticed walking into the bridal suite of the JW Marriott Essex House NY sent me into a knockout: a very, very atypical invitation to their fashionable wedding in form of a mockup of New York Weddings magazine designed and printed so well that you’d need to spend time telling it apart from the real one.
The next hit were Christian Louboutin shoes but not only her crystal stilettos… his tuxedo shoes as well! Either I didn’t pay attention before, or the previous grooms did not opt for the red-clad soles. What a match! Keeping up with the bottoms were Vera Wang‘s gown for Dana and Ralph Lauren suit with Tom Ford bow tie for John. Isn’t it a solid start to a fashionable wedding?
For their ceremony the couple chose one of the grandest churches in Brooklyn, the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a true NYC borough landmark. The choice was not accidental—Dana’s parents got married there in 1984. The evening reception took place in one of Manhattan’s architectural masterpieces “carved” into the Queensboro Bridge, Guastavino’s, with its soaring granite arches and a catalan tiled ceiling to take your breath away.
There was one particularly touching thing that I learned about the couple: they grew up in the same block and have known each other all their lives, if you think about it. It comes as no surprise that we went to their block on a cozy green street in Brooklyn and took a few photos on the very spot where they kissed for the first time. We also stopped in Meatpacking District for some fun shots on our way to Guastavino’s and managed to get a shot of their antique Rolls Royce Phantom provided by Ecstasy Limousine Services as we drove by the World Trade Center.
As you can see, the party went classy and wild with Chris Cross Entertainment. As a final and truly unique accord, Dana awe-struck the crowd by a talented and emotional singing live to the mother-and-groom dance.
Warm wishes of love to you guys, along with my deep appreciation of your trust!
(Click images for full size)
And here’s another perspective through the same-day-edit by McKenzie Miller Films:
Makeup by Natalie Dresher
