Marina + Leo | September 24, 2016 | Staten Island, New York
The thing that stands out to me the most about this wedding isn’t the venue, the flowers or the decor (which were all stunning), it’s the specialness of her dress. Everything from the way Marina describes trying it on, to how she felt wearing it, to why she’s selling it is the perfect encapsulation of what a wedding dress should be. Beautiful. Magical. Beloved.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was all white with floor to ceiling windows all around, overlooking greenery below, right before sunset. The chuppah/altar was designed personally for the wedding with a masterful touch. The birch wood chuppah was draped with delicate white silk and artfully placed hanging green floral lanterns and strands of crystals. It felt airy and heavenly, while not seeming “over the top.” We played the acoustic version of “Home” by Luca Fogale as I walked down the aisle. Sometimes I play it on my headphones when I walk home from work, and always try to live our daily lives in the spirit of that day.
The Reception
The cocktail hour took place on the rooftop, overlooking sundown. The cozy fire-pits, comfy seating, and beautiful guests, provided a chic location for an extraordinary amount of butler passed hors-d’oeuvres and the signature drink of the night, “The Ginger Got The Girl.”
The candlelit reception was in a crystal starlit ballroom, all white and silver, with splashes of bright pink and fuchsia orchids, roses, and hydrangeas on each table. The party couldn’t stop, and we felt enveloped with the most amazing energy and love. We are so grateful to have so many incredible people in our lives who were genuinely thrilled to celebrate with us.
Marina’s Wedding Dress Search
I had admired Berta gowns for many years, and when I heard they had a showroom in NYC, I needed to go! I did not expect to purchase a gown that day; I really just felt like a groupie heading backstage to meet an idol; I was not worthy to try them on! I tried on 3 dresses and loved them ALL. I felt different in each one, but they were all statement pieces in their own ways. So, I tried them all on again, and one just stood out. I looked in the mirror and thought, “THIS is what Leo’s wife would wear” and that was the first time I felt the gravity of our commitment (yes, fashion does that to a girl).
Three Words To Describe How She Felt In Her Berta Gown
alpha, omega, beyonce
Why She’s Selling Her Wedding Dress
My extraordinary, loving mother purchased this gown for me and I was hoping to re-sell it so that she can use the returns to spoil herself. And truthfully, it would make my day to see photos of another bride in this dress. Everyone deserves to feel the way I did for that one night.
