A Formal White Wedding in New York City

July 27, 2011

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New York Moment

When Eric asked Angela to marry him one chilly evening in New York City's Central Park, it was like music to her ears. In fact, a choir on the other side of the pond started singing right when he dropped to his knee. "I was sure he'd planned the entire thing, but he hadn't," says Angela. That kind of only-in-New-York moment embodies what the bride, an architect from Tennessee, and groom, an Indiana native who works in finance, love most about their adopted hometown. As an homage to the city, they wed at the iconic St. Patrick's Cathedral. After the ceremony, they created their own Big Apple moment by leading their guests -- all carrying white balloons -- down Fifth Avenue to their reception at the Harvard Club (Eric attended the university).

Here, the couple sneak a peck while leading their nearest and dearest in a Midtown balloon parade.

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Invitations

The invitations by Crane and Co. were simple and classic, with calligraphy by Katherine Crosby Calligraphy.

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The Processional

The bride's parents accompany their daughter down the aisle of St. Patrick's Cathedral

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The Bride's Dress

Angela said her vows in her grandmother's dress. Both of their initials and nuptial dates were sewn on the inside hem by LJO Custom Embroidery & Design.

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A Touching Moment

With a hug and kiss, the bride honors her grandmother and "best friend" as "Ave Maria" plays in the background.

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Bridesmaids' Bouquets

Large amaryllis blooms, wired into clusters with a collar of gray dusty miller, make up the bridesmaids' nosegays. Flowers by Matthew Robbins Design

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Flower Girls

Eric's nieces wear frocks that were hand-sewn by his mother.

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After the Wedding

Angela and Eric leave St. Patrick's Cathedral after the ceremony and are met by celebration and cheers from their guests, who hold large, white balloons. This is where the "parade" down Fifth Avenue will begin as they lead guests to the Harvard Club for the reception.

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Guests

Here, some of the guests walk down Fifth Avenue with balloons on their way to the reception.

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Second Wedding Dress

"My first dress had a history of endless love," says Angela, who changed into an Amsale gown for dancing. "The second was filled with hope for the same."

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The Reception

At the celebration, tea candles glimmered, centerpieces of white amaryllis graced the tables, and an Elvis impersonator even made a surprise appearance. "He was an ode to the South, and a total shock to our guests," says Angela. After the King of Rock 'n' Roll sashayed across the dance floor, the rest of the night belonged to Manhattan. At midnight, the newlyweds departed under a flurry of snowy rose petals. Their carriage? A bright yellow cab, of course.

Here, guests -- all 275 of them -- dine in the stately hall of the Harvard Club.

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Escort Cards

Every table represented a Gotham building or a landmark that is significant to the couple, and Angela designed corresponding escort cards and menus that were laser-cut into architectural silhouettes.

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Reception Decor

White flowers and cotton were used to decorate the tables both in the centerpieces and at each guest's place setting.

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Sources

Location and Catering: St. Patrick's Cathedral (ceremony); Harvard Club of New York City (reception)
Flowers: Matthew Robbins Design
Stationery: Crane & Co.
Calligraphy: Katherine Crosby Calligraphy (invitations); Caroline Z. Hurley (escort cards)
Cake: Harvard Club of New York City
Music: Soulsystem Orchestras (reception); StingRay (Elvis impersonation)
Wedding Photography: Shawn Connell of Christian Oth Studio
Gown: Her grandmother's dress (ceremony); Amsale (reception)
Bride's Accessories: Kate Spade (reception shoes); Ladeeda (clutch)
Bridesmaid Dresses: Vera Wang
Menswear: Ermenegildo Zegna (tuxedo); Paul Stuart (tie and cummerbund)
Makeup: Jill Harth
Balloons: New York City Balloons

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