Tribeca Rooftop Wedding
At the beginning of our wedding design journey, Hayley and Leo requested a vision in mind that leaned towards "function over fancy." They sought to create wedding stationery and day-of details that reflected their desire for a casual yet sophisticated feel. Their wedding venue, Tribeca Rooftop offers geometric architectural elements which we pulled into the design using the diamond shape. The simple sophistication of the design was an ideal fit for letterpress printing. We added a navy backing and contrasted the angles and modern feel with a soft blue silk ribbon. Their invitations bridged the gap between their Atlanta and New York connection, featuring a Georgia peach illustration surrounding their monogram, set against the iconic skyline of New York City. It was an invitation suite that set the stage for the beautiful wedding day details and the unforgettable celebration to come. In this Q&A, Hayley and Leo share the inspirations and stories behind their wedding. Continue reading to learn more about this incredible couple and their incredibly thoughtful approach to their wedding planning and a lovely re-telling of the events of that special day.
What did you want your wedding to feel like?
Our wedding was a beautiful celebration overflowing with warmth, love, and infectious energy that embraced our loved ones and created lasting memories. It was a magical day, where heartfelt vows, joyful laughter, and lively dancing embodied the profound love we share.
What was your inspiration for your wedding?
As a bride-to-be, I didn't have a preconceived notion of what specific wedding. However, once we got engaged, it became clear to me that I wanted our wedding to be a true reflection of our unique personalities and journey. While living in Georgia, we decided to celebrate our special day in NYC, close to my hometown, and we made it a priority to incorporate elements that paid homage to our roots.
With many of our guests traveling from out of town, we aimed to create an unforgettable NYC experience. We envisioned an epic celebration that captured the spirit and energy of the city, immersing our loved ones in an atmosphere of excitement and delight. Our goal was to create a wedding that not only united us in matrimony but also served as a remarkable celebration of love, friendship, and the vibrant spirit of New York City.
What made you choose a custom stationery designer to create your wedding invitation vision?
To ensure our wedding invitations were a true reflection of our style and personalities, we sought out a custom stationery designer, allowing us to craft something truly unique to us. Drawing inspiration from my memorable experience selecting custom stationery for my bat mitzvah, I envisioned a more sophisticated and elegant design that would capture the essence of our special day.
How did your stationery set the tone for your wedding day?
Through our meticulously designed stationery, we seamlessly incorporated the key themes of our wedding day: the diamond-shaped venue, the Georgia Peach adorned with our initials, and the iconic NYC skyline. From the invitations to the various paper touchpoints throughout the weekend, our stationery consistently maintained and showcased these elements, creating a cohesive and visually stunning experience for our guests.
Take us back through your wedding day; share your wedding story.
On May 28th, the anticipation was palpable as I woke up in my parents' NYC apartment in Flatiron, accompanied by my two fabulous best friends, Andriana and Danielle. The excitement coursing through me made it difficult to sleep. Joining us shortly after, my mom mirrored my enthusiasm, leaving her hotel room as soon as she woke up. We eagerly reminisced about the previous night's enchanting welcome party, discussing the beautiful venue and unforgettable moments. As the morning sunlight bathed the apartment, our gathering grew livelier with the arrival of my sister-in-laws, cousin, and other close friends—each person exuding excitement. The day promised to be glorious.
Soon, my dad, grandma, aunts, and cousin dropped by to say hello, adding to the joyful atmosphere. Dressed in our matching sweat suits, we relaxed and cherished these precious moments until it was time to commence with hair and makeup. As we embarked on our beautification journey, music filled the air, champagne glasses clinked, and lively conversations flowed. Eventually, the moment arrived when I slipped into my dream-like dress—a strapless wonder with a sweetheart neckline, exuding a sense of lightness. My heart overflowed with pure elation. Graciously assisting me, my mom guided me into the room where my bridesmaids awaited. Their beaming faces mirrored my own radiant glow, creating an unforgettable first look.
Before we knew it, the time had come for my eagerly awaited first look with Leo. In anticipation, we drove down to Tribeca, and I found a quiet side street to conceal myself, impatiently awaiting his arrival. Finally, the moment arrived, and I tapped him gently on the shoulder. Instantly, tears welled up in his eyes, a testament to his sweet nature. Tenderly, I wiped away his tears and planted a loving kiss on his lips. Hand in hand, we strolled leisurely back to our venue, where our wedding party eagerly awaited us. Against the backdrop of Tribeca's charming streets, we captured extraordinary photographs, encapsulating the love and magic of the day.
Next, we ascended to the rooftop, capturing cherished family portraits. Considering our expansive families, it required patience and coordination, but the result was worth every moment. As the sunlight bathed us in its warm glow, we embarked on our Ketubah signing, surrounded by a crowd of friends and extended family. With genuine love and excitement, we completed the signing of our civil marriage papers and the Ketubah, an intimate moment etched forever in our hearts.
Then, the ceremony commenced. As Asher and Ari playfully rolled around on the ground, entertaining us all, it seemed improbable they would make it down the aisle successfully. Yet, when their turn came, they surprised us all, charmingly walking the path. Finally, it was my turn. With my parents by my side, we walked leisurely, savoring each moment and relishing the atmosphere enveloping us, with beaming smiles adorning our faces. In the background, Taylor Swift's "Wildest Dreams" played—a fitting soundtrack for this magical occasion. Leo awaited us at the Chuppah, warmly embracing my parents. As he shed tears of joy once more, I began my seven circles, and the heartfelt ceremony commenced. Led by Rabbi Russ, our Jewish ceremony unfolded beautifully, with friends and family offering their blessings, creating a spiritual and indelible memory. Before I realized it, we had fulfilled all the steps necessary to become Jewishly married. Leo shattered the glass, and we were swept away into marital bliss.
At the end of the aisle, we were greeted with glasses of champagne, a celebratory toast to our union. With hearts brimming with love, we moved on to the Yichud room, overflowing with delectable treats and sumptuous food. Amidst the abundance, Leo and I stole a few precious moments to soak it all in. Alison bustled my dress with care, and together, we embarked on the cocktail hour. The weather in NYC was picture-perfect, with a blue sky, fluffy clouds, and gentle sunshine illuminating the concrete jungle surrounding us. We couldn't have asked for a more splendid backdrop.
Leo and I made every effort to engage with our guests, savoring conversations and laughter. As our loved ones mingled, they savored the "around the world" stations, skillfully curated by Foremost. As the evening progressed, the sunset painted a breathtaking canvas around us, adding to the enchantment of the night. We attempted our non-existent first dance choreography, giggling our way through any missteps, reminding ourselves that this was truly the time of our lives—the perfect song choice. Soon, the dance floor came alive, and we joyfully embraced the hora, lifted high in chairs, dancing the night away with our cherished family and friends. The atmosphere pulsated with pure exhilaration.
Intermittently, we paused for heartfelt speeches from my mom and dad, their words leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. Leo still echoes their sentiments to this day. Our brothers delivered a speech, cleverly referencing both Taylor Swift and memorable lines from "Gilmore Girls"—my all-time favorite show. The Highline Band struck a chord, playing "Love Story," while my closest friends joined me in singing and dancing. The air itself felt magical.
Descending with Danielle and Andriana to change into my party dress, we were joined by Andriana's mom, who laughed alongside us, sharing in our mirth. Returning upstairs, we reunited with Josh for another grand entrance, descending the spiral stairs in a whirlwind of joy. It was an exhilarating experience. Finally, our festivities concluded with "Mr. Brightside." Our families formed a circle of love, dancing harmoniously together, a testament to the immense love that surrounded us.
Then came the after-party, featuring all my favorite foods—NYC pizza, French fries, chicken tenders, and, of course, popcorn. Floating up to the roof, we engaged in lively conversations with friends until the early hours of the morning. Eventually, we gathered our belongings and strolled back to the hotel, accompanied by Perlow and Korn. It was a night to remember, an incredible experience that exceeded all expectations. Our friends and family had come together to celebrate our love, crafting a tapestry of cherished memories that will endure a lifetime.
What was your first dance song?
Chris Stapleton’s Joy of My Life
How did you end the night? Did you have a special send-off or an after-party?
As the night reached its crescendo, we danced with our friends to the infectious beats of "Mr. Brightside," before transitioning to an unforgettable afterparty, where we indulged in a delectable spread of my favorite foods and snacks—NY Pizza, French Fries, Chicken Tenders, and Popcorn—culminating in a night filled with laughter, joy, and cherished memories.
What surprised you most about planning your wedding?
The wedding planning process brought an unexpected revelation: the multitude of decisions that awaited me. It was a whirlwind of craziness, but also a thrilling adventure. What truly amazed me was how my mom and I formed an incredible partnership, navigating through the choices together, strengthening our bond in ways we never anticipated. Our conversations transitioned from daily check-ins to multiple phone calls, sometimes with several agenda items at once. In moments of decision fatigue, we found solace in laughter, pushing forward with determination and a shared sense of purpose.
What advice would you give your friends getting married?
Embrace the wedding planning process as an integral part of the journey, savoring each moment that leads up to the day/weekend of celebration. When the wedding weekend finally arrives, let go of the small details and gracefully float through, immersing yourself in the magic of the experience. Trust that all the prior planning and preparation will come together, resulting in a truly unforgettable and joyous celebration.
Hayley and Leo’s Team of Wedding Professionals:
Planners: Two Kindred Event Planners NYC
Photographer: Joseph Lin
Videographer: NST Pictures
Band: Highline Band NYC
Florist: Tin Can Studios
Hair & Make up: Chelsey D Weddings
Dress: Lazaro Wedding Atelier
Cake: Foremost Catering
