Katie and Phil’s love story began set against the iconic landscape of NYC. When the time came to commit to their forever, they found it only fitting to hold this special day in a corner of their beloved island, tucked away from the hustle and bustle but still central enough that guests could partake of the city’s treasures.
When the couple first visited Celebrate Snug Harbor, they knew they had found their perfect place. They were instantly enamored with the endless grounds, finding the White Garden an ethereal setting to host their outdoor ceremony and bridal portraits, and the newly renovated Tented Pavilion an elegant reception location to slow down and savor the precious moments of their lives becoming one.
When the day of their picturesque June ceremony arrived, milky white rose petals lined the aisle leading to an exquisitely fashioned chuppah, a creation of the NY Flower Project. Standing beneath was one of Phil’s closest friends and groomsmen, who would also serve as officiant, making it a truly personal affair.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds cherished their first moments as husband and wife while wandering the gardens of Snug Harbor, stopping only to allow Funico Studios, a preferred photography vendor, to capture their portraits amongst the lush florals and greenery. Friends and family spent this time experiencing the charms of the Chinese Scholar Garden, enjoying music, specially crafted cocktails and delicious bites.
When time came for the reception festivities to begin, guests seamlessly moved the cocktail hour celebration into the Tented Pavilion, which had been superbly transformed with the ideal balance of rustic and boho chic elements. The banquet-style tables displayed verdant centerpieces replete with blossoms, flora and warmly flickering candles, their glow casting an inviting and truly intimate mood throughout the scene.
Wedding guests were treated to an extra special surprise, a choreographed first dance that began slowly with Katie and Phil’s DJ playing, “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur, before bursting happily into a much faster tune by Macklemore.
The contagious pleasure shared by this newly joined pair was relished by all, both during the dance and after as guests discovered their competitive sides while playing corn hole, ring toss and flip cup. To the delight of the crowd, Katie had flown in a beer from her college town of Chico, California for the merriment, igniting memories all around.
The party was in full swing when Phil was finally ready to reveal the moment he had been secretly planning since first asking Katie for her hand. He cued the DJ to stop as his piano suddenly overtook the dance floor, a single chair placed next to it for Katie. Friends and family looked on with love as Phil serenaded his new bride with her favorite Coldplay melody. Katie later recalled this precious event as her favorite memory of the evening.
Soon after the cake was cut and the final few dances shared, the time had come for the lovebirds to depart. Amid brightly shining sparklers held by guests, Katie and Phil took their first steps into their happily ever after.
When asked what advice they would like to share with other couples planning their big day, Katie and Phil stated: “Try not to get too stressed about wedding planning and be flexible if something doesn’t go your way. Everyone says this, but it’s absolutely true, make sure you really soak in every minute of the wedding day because it goes by so fast.”
We are so lucky to have charming couples like Katie and Phil to work with at Celebrate Snug Harbor. A huge thanks to Funico Photography for sharing these gorgeous, fun photos with us!
VENDORS
Florist- NY Flower Project
by Lindsey Rimassa
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