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DIY New York wedding: Jessica + Scott

January 7, 2013
Carol Hannah beaded cap sleeve wedding dress

The story behind Jessica + Scott’s wedding is both beautiful and heartbreaking, but entirely full of love. You’d never believe their wedding was planned in just two months because of the amount of details, but it all goes to show the power of bringing family and talented friends together during a time of need and celebration. Jessica jumped out of bed early the morning of, pj’s and all to help her bridesmaids set up the lush tablescapes, a close friend stayed up the night before assembling every bridesmaid’s gorgeous floral necklace, and the beau’s lent their hand to set up the sail tent for the reception. It was a true tale of love captured in such a dreamy way by Michelle Heimerman.

Miu Miu pale pink and sparkle wedding shoes Carol Hannah beaded and eyelet wedding dress

What a beautiful silk crepe dress designed by one of our Project Runway faves, Carol Hannah. The hand cut lace details and open back (you’ll see in a sec) are so romantic.

pastel pink, white and green bouquet

Jessica’s bridal bouquet recipe is a good one: Silver Brunia, Dahlia, Snowberry, Rice Flower, Peppergrass, and Hellebores.

custom bridesmaid leis

Caroline, who was my florist and also my bridesmaid, went straight to work after our Welcome Dinner Friday night to make seven floral necklaces. They were made of rice flower, silver brunia, succulents, orchids, and beautiful hot majolika roses tied off with varying collected silk ribbon from the garment district. She fashioned wire bind wire into the support structure and wired on the flowers. To tie up these beautiful necklaces layers of silky ribbon in eclectic patterns and finishes were added. I really wanted something fun, fashion forward, and since it was a impromptu casual affair, the typical bridesmaid bouquet wasn’t going to fit the bill! 

Cazenovia Lake outdoor wedding Cazenovia Lake outdoor wedding Carol Hannah cut-out back wedding dress Cazenovia Lake outdoor wedding balloon wedding portrait accessory

In late July, Scott and I found out that his mother, who had been battling Multiple Myeloma, a rare terminal form cancer, had decided to end treatment and was given only months to live. We had just gotten engaged, having been together 10 years now, and at the end of May set our sights on planning for a September 2013 wedding. After hearing the news, plus evaluating my own mother’s condition of moderate Alzheimer’s, we felt it was only right to put on the most spectacular wedding we could in just two months. So we buckled down and used all of our friends’ support, skills, and expertise to pull the wedding together. The wedding went perfectly and was everything we hoped. Scott’s mom passed away at the beginning of November and were so happy to have her be a part of our special day.

Upstate New York wedding portraits lake side wedding party portrait goofy bridal party portrait dock-side groomsmen portrait salt water taffy desserts cocktail hour outdoor games\memories guest book botanical garden and terrarium centerpieces delicate peach and green color scheme botanical garden and terrarium centerpieces simple printed menus and green flourish ribbon-covered bride and groom chair 1920s-themed cocktails romantic wedding sunset cocktail glass cake topper and waterfall confetti framed kisses from bridesmaids outdoor movie night

In the after hours, a 21′ movie theater screen was brought out to play their favorite movies. Sheepskin rugs were placed on the lawn, and Pendleton and Woolrich woolen blankets and dozens of pillows over Adirondack chairs made for a cozy outdoor living space to end the night.

amazing sunset wedding

Our warmest congratulations to Jessica + Scott!

Photographer: Michelle Heimerman / Florist: Caroline Jones / Venue: private home on Cazenovia LakeBride’s Dress: Carol Hannah purchased at Lovely Boutique NYC / Bride’s Lipstick: YSL Rouge Volupte / Bride’s Shoes: Miu Miu / Bridesmaid dresses: Joanna August / Groom’s Suit designer: Ermenegildo Zegna / Shirt: Custom bespoke by Sean Vokhshoor of Zohreh / Shoes: Bruno Magli Maioco Oxford / Tie: Brioni / Hair & Makeup: Stephanie Mesmer (Hair of the bride, bridesmaids, and mothers) and Amy Elderbroom (Makeup for the bride, bridesmaids, and mothers) / Cake: Gingersnap Bakery / Chef: Stephen Landon / Florescent cocktails sign: Lite Brite Neon / Invitation designer: Bella Figura / Chalkboard art: friend Jessica Allen / Rentals: McCarthy Tents and Events / Mixologist: Blair Frodelius of Good Spirits / Band and Orchestra: DeSantis band and Orchestra / After hours Music: Joe Lazarz