Be Transported to a Tropical Oasis Wedding… in NYC!

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of roaming the streets of New York City, then you’ll know a “tropical oasis” isn’t really anywhere to be found (sure there are a few restaurants + themed bars)… Well, Kathryn + Zach wouldn’t have that! They imagined a mixture of Palm Springs Mid-Century modern details, with a splash of Miami’s Art Deco neon character, along with tons of tropical-themed greenery! All, of course, with the backdrop of the magical NYC skyline.

As bride Kathryn is a designer, it comes as no surprise that their wedding was packed full of vibrant punches + excitement. Kathryn even joked that the inspiration for the wedding day was, “EXTRA!” She shares: Having the wedding in Manhattan with views of the surrounding city was very important to us. We are Oklahomans who have lived in New York City for the past 7 years, but just 2 months before the wedding we moved to North Carolina for Zach’s new job at Duke University. We absolutely loved our time in NYC and wanted our wedding to be a final hoorah in a place that means so much to us. Most of our family traveled from other states and we were so excited to show them around town and to host them for a fun-filled weekend in the city.

Now, ladies + gents, ready to see how they brought all the tropical vibes to The City? Let’s take a look at all the moments captured by Kate Edwards Weddings!

black wedding invitation

Packed with a punch from the start, Kathryn designed these modern invites to complement the vibrant swatches of color ahead!

ring box

The First Look

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

TOO CUTE!

orange and red bouquet

We told you the colors were going to be ever-present! The bouquet by Gatherings Floral Design definitely tied in the saturated palette of oranges, pinks, and greens.

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

How darling is her modern midi wedding dress by Delphine Manivet? She snagged this style from The Mews Bridal.

The Wedding Party

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

The ladies + gents all rocked cool shades of emerald green and navy blue.

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

Portraits Around the City

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

Because when you’re in NYC, the whole city serves as a backdrop! Why not take portraits there? :)

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

Can’t. Handle. The. Cuteness.

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

The two had Oldies to dance to throughout the night + neon signage and tropical plants to top it off!

The Backdrop + Ceremony Space

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

ribbon garland

tropical frond backdrop

Can we talk about that monstera leaf backdrop for a moment? How fun is that?! With the help of Skylar Arden Events, the entire space at Ramscale Studio turned into a tropical oasis!

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Bridal Party: I Found You by Alabama Shakes; Bride: Don't Worry Baby by The Beach Boys

Recessional: Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield

First Dance: Here, There and Everywhere by The Beatles

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

We did not want a traditional ceremony, instead we looked within our circle of friends and family to piece together something that would be very personal to us.

It was officiated by the first friend that I made when I moved to New York, comedian, Jamie LeeLo. Cody, a friend from college who also served as a groomsmen, played the guitar and sang “I Will” by The Beatles. The pastor that officiated my parents wedding, read an excerpt from Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. The result was a short, sweet and extremely personal ceremony filled with happy tears and joy.

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Don't pick a single wedding color. Create a palette of colors, patterns, textures (fabrics, metals, greenery) that you draw from throughout the design process.

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

Kathryn tells us: A few of my favorite details that were sprinkled throughout the day include Mid-Century inspired drink stirrers, the Bertoia Chairs that were rented from Patina, our blind-embossed and white-foiled invitation (the printer didn’t think it was possible to do both techniques on top of each other!), and the scattered pearl veil made by my mom!

Laid-Back Surf Lodge Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Our impromptu, un-choreographed interpretive dance to "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen in front of a window featuring 1 World Trade in the background.

neon heart

We’re all about those newlywed celebratory dance moves. Party on, you two!!

photography: Kate Edwards Weddings // venue name: Ramscale Studio, New York City, New York, USA // event design: Kathyrn Clark (Bride) // planning: Skylar Arden Events // florals: Gatherings Floral Design // wedding dress: Delphine Manivet // wedding dress boutique: The Mews Bridal // bride's shoes: J.Crew // bride's ring: Heidi Gibson Designs // hair stylist: Meli Dee // makeup artist: J Patrick Studio // groom attire: J. Crew // groom's shoes: To Boot New York // videography: Love Brain Films // paper goods: Kathryn Clark (Bride) // catering: Cocktail Caterers // desserts: Cocktail Caterers // furniture rentals: Patina Rentals // linen rentals: BBJ // specialty rentals: Lite Brite Neon Studio LLC // music: Jay McElfresh // officiant: Jamie Leelo

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