Ashley and Jonathon's Art Deco-Meets-Modern Brooklyn Wedding

Although Ashley Boyle and Jonathon Proudfoot met and live in Brooklyn, it wasn't until a wedding date was set—May 24, 2014, to be exact—that the families of the couple of five years would get to know one another, and the New York borough, too. "Our wedding was very local for us," says the bride, "but a destination for our guests, as many traveled internationally and had not been to New York before."

The groom is a native of Jersey in the Channel Islands, between England and France, while the bride hails from Michigan. The pair agreed that their celebration had to happen in the city, where they had built their life together. They also wanted to draw inspiration from it for the event, which led to the idea of a modern wedding that would be intimate, timeless, and, most important, fun.

Interestingly enough, being in agreement on how things should be done is not how the couple's romance sprung. Rather, a squabble (albeit a playful one) first sparked their interest in one another back in 2009.

They met at a dive bar jukebox and had what Ashley calls "a polite disagreement" over the musical selection, but they were able to skip the track, eventually finding a tune they could both sing along to: marriage. The twosome wed and celebrated at 501 Union, alongside 85 loved ones, with a soirée so roof-raising it called for an after-party at Lavender Lake, a nearby bar, until the wee hours, and even enticed a few crashers.

Bella Figura Letterpress designed the twosome's typeface-inspired suite, while Everly Calligraphy penned the outer envelopes in a modern script. The graphic color scheme evoked the aesthetic of the car-garage-turned-event-space, where the couple's festivities were held.

When Ashley and Jonathon visited 501 Union in 2013 to consider it as their venue, they were greeted with construction. But the renovation didn't deter them from signing on the dotted line. "We were instantly drawn to the bones of the space," says Ashley. "There was a nice balance of bold architectural elements and refined, feminine details." 

The couple strolled and posed for preceremony pictures outside the venue—which, coincidentally, is not far from their home. "We often walk the same streets with our dog," says Ashley. "Now it's fun to reminisce whenever we pass by."

The bride purchased her Nicole Miller gown (the very first she tried on) and veil from Lovely Bride and completed her ensemble with J.Crew heels. The groom donned a J.Crew tuxedo.

Ashley's mom surprised her with a collection of vintage family pieces to wear on her wedding day: her late grandmother's Art Deco ring, the first necklace and ring gifted to Ashley when she was a baby, a bracelet from her father, and pieces by Lulu Frost, including a bracelet made from a vintage 1920s shoe buckle. The heartfelt item shined even brighter when worn with her engagement ring. 

Ashley's three younger sisters, who also took on the roles of bridesmaids, wore blush Bhldn knee-length frocks in their cuts of choice. The mother of the bride wore a lace, cap-sleeve dress, coordinating with her daughters.

Ashley clutched a muted bouquet of peonies and roses, accented with wild greenery and tied together with delicate mauve and gray ribbon. The bouquet and the other floral creations were made by Bourgeon. 

Jonathon's groomsmen—friends from his college days—wore suits of their choice with cuff links depicting the Jersey flag. The crew met the groom-to-be for a preceremony pint, honoring the British custom.

Not one to get too dolled up, Ashley kept her makeup natural, with one exception: a bright, classic red lip.

To set the tone for the sweet ceremony to come, a string duet played outside the venue entrance. 

Ashley's father walked her down the aisle to meet her groom. A friend officiated the couple's 6:30 P.M. nuptials, and the couple exchanged self-penned vows that incorporated traditional promises along with personal additions. Two short readings—one by Ernest Hemingway and another by William Morris—rounded out the service. 

Once the couple made it up the aisle (and past all the smiles and congratulations), they were able to take their first snapshots as Mr. and Mrs. outside with sun shining overhead, thanks to the sky that had cleared minutes earlier.

The marbled balloons from NY Balloon & Basket Co. punctuating the venue entrance were a "last-minute addition," according to the bride, "but added something fun that still fit the overall décor." 

As a tribute to their guests—many of whom traveled internationally to attend the celebration—Ashley created a world-map pin board. On the pin board were seat assignments for the celebrants, which were attached to their corresponding residences. A large arrangement of flowering branches anchored the table. 

The interactive escort cards designed and calligraphed by the bride were great conversation starters among tablemates. To make them, Ashley purchased basic ivory place cards from Paper Source and embellished the bottom borders with washi tape in varying patterns.

Ashley embellished the cardboard table numbers from Paper Source with gold spray paint. 

The pair didn't confine their celebration style to one predetermined theme. Instead, they chose a mix of classic and modern elements in a black-and-white color palette. They accented the color palette with gold and blush touches to soften the preexisting décor, resulting in a subtle Art Deco effect. 

Farm tables covered with candles and sprawling arrangements held in gold vessels filled the reception space. 

After a cocktail hour of passed hors d'oeuvres and two signature drinks—one a twist on the old-fashioned and the other called Alfie, after the pair's dog—guests enjoyed a family-style meal. Using Love vs. Design software, the couple custom-printed their dinner menu.

Following a course of arugula salad with roasted tomatoes, ciabatta croutons, and burrata, diners helped themselves to roasted halibut with lemon-oregano marmalade, beef short ribs braised in red wine, truffled risotto cakes, polenta, and spring vegetables, all prepared by Ryan Brown Catering. 

Colored cake stands held flavored doughnuts from Dough Brooklyn, a favorite dessert shop of Ashley and Jonathon's. The two opted to serve the sweet treat rather than a traditional wedding cake, and encouraged guests to go for seconds (and thirds).

The couple erected a backdrop from Magnolia Photo Booth Company in the venue's courtyard, and then left guests to get creative. Ashley and Jonathon now have a bound book of every picture (from sweet to ridiculous) snapped that evening.

"In the end, we just decided to pick and choose the traditions that felt right for us," says Ashley, like opting to twirl a first dance as a married couple in front of their nearest and dearest. 

Location: 501 Union

Event Planning: Jove Meyer Events

Catering: Ryan Brown Catering

Flowers: Bourgeon

Photography: Brklyn View Photography

Stationery: Bella Figura Letterpress

Calligraphy: Everly Calligraphy

Doughnuts: Dough Brooklyn 

Music: Scratch Weddings Group

Hair: Sally Perez from Styles on B

Makeup: Laramie Glen