Brianne + Alex established from the beginning that they wanted their wedding to feel like a dressed up dinner party, with a clear sense of intimacy + familiarity. For these two, the big day wasn’t only about them. They wanted to celebrate the fact that almost everyone they cared about was in the same place at the same time. A pretty amazing fringe benefit of throwing a wedding, in our opinion. Their petite guest list helped further lend an intimate feel to the day, and Tinsel and Twine created a warm, family-style atmosphere with lush florals + loads of candelight. Brianne tells us Having a small wedding was one way for us to share the day with each and every guest.
We love how Brianne + Alex crafted their wedding to feel uniquely them. And as you’re about to see firsthand, their sweet, laid back + undeniably cool personalities shine through in Amber Gress‘ stunning images from the day!
Alex actually designed Brianne’s ring in tandem with local NYC jewelers, Ken & Dana Design. Isn’t it gorge? Way to go, Alex!
We’re completely obsessed with Brianne’s gorgeous, minimal Houghton dress. These two seriously make such a stylish couple!
Brianne: I feel like everyone says this, but it’s impossible to pick just one! I have my top 10. Or maybe 20...But here’s two that come to mind: The moment I saw Alex at the end of the aisle. I was awestruck! My music had started, I was walking up the stairs with my mom and dad, and when Alex came into view every single other thing melted away, all the little stresses of the day, anything other than how excited I was to get up there and marry him.
Second moment was dancing with my mom and two sisters to Manic Monday by the Bangles, a record that prompted a lot of living room dance parties when I was growing up. When Alex and I got engaged, my older sister was battling leukemia, and we were scared she wouldn’t be able to travel for the wedding. Not only did she make it (and officiate) but she was and still is in remission. Having both my sisters and my mom with me the day I married the love of my life, all of us able to jump around and sing our hearts out: pure joy.
Alex: I can’t pick just one moment either. It’s too hard! So here’s two as well:
When I first saw Brianne walking down the aisle — she appeared at the top of the stairs and it was like the rest of the world went blurry. Then she started toward me, and everyone stood, and it was like walls rising up, blocking out everything and everyone... I only saw her.
Walking back together hand in hand — we kissed at the end of the ceremony, and an uncontrollable sense of happiness swept through me. The music started playing, all our friends and family threw confetti, and it was absolutely magical as we almost danced back down the aisle together. I was the happiest man on earth.
Their sunset cocktail hour took place at Jane’s Carousel and involved lobster rolls and Dark N’ Stormy floats. B + A say it was one of their favorite parts of the entire day. And these carousel shots of them are just way too cute!
For the reception, Tinsel and Twine set the long farm tables with lengths of flowering garlands and the glow of clustered candles, creating such a cozy dinner party feel.
Processional: Groom + Bridal Party: Married Life – Michael Giacchino (from the movie 'Up'); Bride: Hysteric – the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Recessional: Boom Boom – The Animals
First Dance: A Sunday Kind of Love – Etta James
Try not to worry about what anyone else thinks a wedding should look like. All your guests want is for you to be happy (and, in our case, also an open bar and a whole lot of 90s rap to shake it to). Also, you will probably spend more money than you thought you would and DIY less. Don’t be hard on yourselves!
photography: Amber Gress // venue name: Smack Mellon, Brooklyn, New York // event design: Tinsel and Twine // planning: Tinsel and Twine // florals: Tinsel and Twine // wedding dress: Houghton // bride's shoes: Vince // bridesmaid dresses: Rebecca Taylor // makeup artist: David Maderich // groom's shoes: Paul Smith // cake: One Girl Cookies // music: Beat Train // groomsmen: Ben Sherman // suit: Brooklyn Tailors // invitations: Designed by Bride and Groom Printed by Swayspace // rings: Designed by Groom and made by Ken & Dana Design // lounge furtniture: Patina Rentals
Stunning bride. Really like the venue, its unique, and the photos are fabulous.
Love this wedding so much! Thank you for sharing!!
Ahhh! Love this couple so much. So much joy and care at every point. (I can’t believe we didn’t know about big seester’s leukemia. What an incredible layer to the already beautiful love story.)
Xx
such a beautiful wedding and couple!
In love with her dainty bracelet!! Any idea where it may be from?
Congrats Brianne&Alex! Fantastic idea!
Fantastic venue. Brooklyn bridge shot is classic. Best of Luck to the 2 of you!
Where is the hair piece from? It’s perfect!!
Wow! This looks amazing! Well done!
Loving the photos with the bold text. Wow, such an awesome location!
redplainsphotography.com
WHERE IS THAT DRESS FROM?! I’ve been looking all over for this dress!!! stunning wedding.
Loving the photos with the bold text. Wow, such an awesome location