A strapless ivory gown provided the color element Julia had envisioned, thanks to lengths of colored silk that began with hidden side pockets and continued into a flattering train. “We tried a lot of different color combinations and ended up with ivory on the front (so it still had a resemblance to traditional white), bright pink on the sides, and then a navy blue skirt,” says Julia, who will The credit for the idea goes to director Wes Gordon for fulfilling her vision. “Working with Wes was amazing, he made me feel comfortable and really helped me embrace being ‘the bride,'” she said. “He knew exactly what I was looking for before I knew myself!”
For the finishing touch, her ” Something Borrowed” comes in the form of extended family jewelry. “My sister’s sister-in-law, Bee Shaffer, graciously lent me the most incredible ruby and diamond earrings her husband gave her on her own wedding day,” Julia said. “Not only are they stunningly beautiful, but the connection to the family makes it even more special.” The natural, sparkling aesthetic is just the right balance of jewels in the showpieces and stays true to the bride’s minimalist style. “Melissa Silver, who did my makeup, and John Gaita, who did my hair, immediately understood my idea of classic and understated,” says Julia. To complement the navy hue of the gown, Sam chose a midnight blue Denis Frison tuxedo, and the entire wedding party wore Carolina Herrera.
Day planning requires a capable professional and Julia relies on her calligrapher Ashley Gunstins as a key person “to make sure everything runs smoothly for the day, leaving me free to enjoy That moment,” she said. “The ceremony was short and sweet – I think it lasted seven minutes at most.” Those closest to them stepped into the spotlight, Sam’s longtime friend Gregory Honan officiated and Rebecca Wicker, one of Julia’s best friends, shared the reading, Her cousin Kate Powers played guitar and sang as guests arrived.
As Julia walks down the aisle with her father, a rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Stop Falling in Love” can be heard. “I don’t like being in front of crowds, it was nerve-wracking to stand in front of everyone, but when the ceremony started and I saw that I was surrounded by people I loved, I calmed down and started enjoying the moment,” Julia said. “Sam was very calm and collected and really helped me settle down during the ceremony – he knew I would be very nervous and he smiled at me and I was able to calm down.”
After the vows were sworn in, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour in the living room of Harold Pratt’s house while the couple posed for photos. “Once we were done, we moved into the dining room for dinner and presentations,” says Julia. “One of my favorite things about the venue is that we move throughout the house as the night progresses – each space has its own We don’t have to worry about rearranging the room.” After the cake was cut, DJ Samantha Michele kicked off the night with the first dance in the ballroom. “After that, we have a party!” Julia was excited. “Honestly the best night of our lives.”
“We look back on it with pure joy and no regrets,” Julia continued. “Sam and I both had a vision of what we wanted our wedding to be – we wanted colour, we wanted drama and whimsy, we wanted it to be very ‘New York’ where we met and fell in love – I Think we’re all in there!”
