Gail Simmons and Jeremy Abrams's Modern and Formal Foodie Wedding in New York

July 27, 2011

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Gail Simmons and Jeremy Abrams

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As a judge on Top Chef, Gail Simmons could easily have gone the fancy gourmand route for her wedding to Jeremy Abrams. Instead, the couple opted for a convivial affair inspired by the carefree charm and colorful bounty of a farmers' market. Refreshing -- and delicious.

Here, Gail and Jeremy exchange vows under a wood and cloth huppa with quince branches and passionflower vines.

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A Summery Bouquet

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Dinner-plate dahlias, roses, zinnias, geraniums, and ornamental oregano made for a summery bouquet.

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The Flower Girls

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The bride's nieces, Brooke and Elle Simmons, make adorable flower girls.

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A Family Portrait

The newlyweds pose with family before the ceremony.

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Here Comes the Bride

Gail's parents walk her down the aisle.

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A Vintage Wedding Veil

Gail donned a floaty Carolina Herrera gown and the veil her mother wore at her own wedding 42 years earlier.

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Fresh Vegetable Centerpieces

Radishes, carrots, parsnips, snap peas, and tomatoes were ripe for the eating during cocktail hour.

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Cheery Place Cards

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Sunny yellow place cards sit atop flower-filled metal crates.

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The Wedding Menu

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Menus double as napkin bands, while wrapped baguettes hold tags printed with each guest's name.

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Intimate Reception Tables

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Long candlelit tables helped spark conversation. The lively centerpieces were wrapped in kraft paper after dinner and the resulting bouquets given to guests to take home as keepsakes.

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The Dinner

To maximize interaction among the 175 guests, celebrated chef Daniel Boulud masterminded a conversation-conducive menu that began with a trio of chilled soups. "Every other person got a different soup, so people could taste each other's or trade," Gail explains. A second course included an array of crisp seasonal vegetable salads served family style, with a platter in the center of each table to promote sharing and, of course, chatting.

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A Famous Wedding Guest

Guests, including "Top Chef"'s Tom Colicchio, converse as they dine.

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Specialty Wedding Drinks

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Guests sipped peach-mint iced tea and strawberry lemonade.

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Tote Bag Favor

One of the favors: a farmers' market tote bag.

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Jarred Pickle Favors

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As a token of the couple's appreciation, guests were given jars of sour or spicy-sour pickles, a local summer favorite and Simmons family staple.

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The Happy Couple

Gail and Jeremy stop to pose for a loving photo.

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Fruit Wedding Desserts

Fruit tartlets are a delicious dessert option.

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The Wedding Speeches

The newlyweds listen to speeches in their honor.

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Sources

Location: The Foundry
Event Planning: Kimberlee Bendeck, Boutique Events
Wedding Consultant: Marcy Blum
Catering: Feast & Fetes from Restaurant Daniel
Flowers: Naomi de Manana
Stationery: Design, ThussFarrell; printing, Julie Holcomb Printers
Music: Matt Creed
Wedding Photography: Timothy K. Lee
Gown: Carolina Herrera
Menswear: Groom's suit, Paul Smith; tie, Thomas Pink
Hair and Makeup: Jessie Riley and Jeff Chastain of Jeff Chastain Parlor
Rentals: Party Rental, Ltd.

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