Old World (with a little edge) at the Bowery Hotel

From the moment we began to discuss the designs for Lauren and Brian’s wedding stationery and custom details, this couple was very clear about their vision of a celebration that seamlessly blended old-world vintage charm with a touch of modern romance. The Bowery Hotel served as the perfect backdrop of timeless elegance and urban sophistication, with every detail meticulously curated by planners Alison Szleifer and Jonathan Stamper-Halpin (Two Kindred Event Planners) to reflect their unique style and personality. Lauren and Brian participated in a little Q&A with me to reminisce about the enchanting details of their wedding day, from the exquisite stationery adorned with debossed olive green velvet envelope liners to the whimsical touches that brought their vision to life. Lauren and Brian's wedding day was a testament to love, creativity, and the magic of New York City.

Your venue played such a large role in our design process together; how did you decide to host your wedding at the Bowery Hotel? What was your favorite feature of the Bowery Hotel?

When we began looking at venues, location was easy. Our relationship began in earnest in New York City and has become our home. But the actual venue location was a bit trickier. I had one mission in mind—a venue that felt as unique and untraditional as we are a couple. Consistent with that, I had one particular aversion—the traditional hotel banquet hall. In the beginning of our search, we looked for more unusual venues—libraries, old bank buildings, wineries—everything BUT hotels. Both Brian and I loved the historical building look but we just weren’t finding exactly what we wanted. Then, someone asked if we had looked into the Bowery Hotel. That it wasn’t a traditional hotel venue. And right when I walked in, I fell in love. It had a beautifully dark gothic vibe with these thick green curtains and brick walls. It had a terrace for cocktail hour covered in greenery. It was just the right amount of untraditional and historical vibe that we were looking for.

What are some words that describe your vision for your wedding? 

Unique, intimate, romantic, timeless—but timeless was key. I did not want to look back at photos and say “oh wow, that is SO 2020s!” Like I do for my parents’ very 80s wedding album.

How did you want your guests to feel?

I wanted our guests to feel comfortable and know this wedding was so “us.” I also knew I had a lot of people coming in from out of town who had never been to NYC before so I wanted them to get a brief taste of the city.

What made you decide to hire a custom stationery designer?

Stationery was a pretty high number one priority for me. When I started looking at wedding inspo photos, I was drawn to the super detailed invitations — the beautiful letterpress and watercolor and different textures. And the world was my oyster—we really created something so beautiful and unique. 

Take us back through your wedding. Please provide a brief overview of the events.

The girls and I began getting ready around 10 in the penthouse of the Bowery. We had Katz deli catered for lunch which was amazing. The men started getting ready around 2pm. Brian and I had our first look and we took photos throughout the Bowery area. We met with the Judge around 5pm to sign the paperwork and become legally married. Then people began shuffling in and the ceremony began at 5:30pm. We exchanged our vows, and then cocktail hour began! We had a sushi chef and an Italian meet and cheese table—the sushi was a big hit! Then, we all came in for an amazing dinner. According to multiple guests, the steak was impeccable. My dad gave a short but sweet speech, followed by my in-laws, my sister/MOH and Brian’s brother/best man. Someone actually came up to me and asked if there would be more speeches because they were so great. Never did I ever think that would happen. My dad and I danced to Here Comes the Sun—we used to sing this in the car every time we went to the grocery store—so it was really special moment. Brian’s mom and Brian danced to Stand by Me. The genuine laughter from the two of them dancing is something I’ll cherish forever. Then Brian and I definitely shocked most of the guests when we began our completely choreographed first dance. After that, we began to dance the night away listening to Taylor Swift (and others) under a disco ball that really set the tone for the evening. I changed into a second dress (because, of course)—this time, silver and covered in sequins. (I had to match the disco ball!) We cut the red velvet cake, brought out Dough doughnuts (hand selected and the consequence of weeks of intense taste-tasting from doughnut shops around the city) and we kept dancing the night away! We continued celebrating at an after-party at the Pineapple Club (a pineapple themed bar) a couple blocks away. We had seafood towers and amazing little bites. A wonderful end to an unforgettable day.

What was your first dance song?

Love on the Brain by Rihanna! Brian really wanted to take dance classes—and I don’t think anybody expected a fully choreographed dance from us. But we loved going every week in advance of the wedding (a fun Friday date night!) and the surprised faces of our guests when Brian lifted me in the air were unforgettable.

Favorite touches:

The signature drinks!! We incorporated where Brian proposed (Miami Sunrise) and our favorite little dog, Lincoln (the Beagle Mix!) And the Caterfinos aqua blue neon sign. This is something I cannot wait to put up in our apartment.

 Most memorable moment:

Our vows were 100% the most memorable moment. We opted to write our own and we ended up talking about the same events from opposing perspectives. I’m definitely not one to tear up in public, but I also was definitely not alone.

Best advice for other engaged couples: 

Elope! Haha—just kidding. But I do think the process can be quite stressful if you let it, so making sure to remain on the same page with your partner and to take a breath every once in a while and think of the big picture is essential. Also, maybe don’t study for the bar exam while planning a wedding haha!

We LOVED our photographer. He really truly captured who we are in our photos and made us feel so comfortable. Our photo album is absolutely stunning.

If you are planning a wedding, do not hesitate to reach out to any or all of Lauren and Brian’s amazing team of professionals:

Planner | Two Kindred Event Planners

Brunch | Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery

Desserts | Huascar & Company Bakeshop and Dough Donuts

Entertainment | Highline String Quartet and 74 Events

Florals | Adore Floral

Hair & Makeup | Facetime Beauty

Officiant | Judges for Love

Stationery and Wedding Day Details | Stone Hill Paperie

Photography | Forged in the North

Rehearsal Dinner | Gemma

Rentals | Broadway Party Rentals and Universal Light & Sound

Venue | Bowery Hotel

Are you looking to work with a stationery designer? I’d love to create a wonderful design experience for you. Fill out this short & sweet inquiry form here, and I’ll be in touch!