Culture

The Aesthete's guide to a romantic stay-at-home wedding

With busy schedules and demanding careers, most New Yorkers don’t have the time to plan an elaborate wedding. On top of the time commitment, there’s also the price tag: A couple planning a wedding in New York City can expect to pay an average of $65,000—and that’s just the average. We all know people who have spent much, much more. Many New York couples are saying no to the grand affair and opting instead to elope right here in the comfort of their own city, planning a weekend that’s just as romantic—and classic New York.

Mociun Jewelry

The Rings

Brooklyn-based designer Caitlin Mociun got her start with a generalized jewelry line, but when she started making the occasional engagement ring she realized there was a huge demand for custom wedding jewelry. Now her asymmetrical designs with their unusual gemstones are flying off the shelf. If the idea of a diamond on a gold band makes you queasy, Mociun is the place to go. Caitlin will work on a personalized design with you or your fiancé for your engagement ring and/or wedding band that could feature sapphires, emeralds, garnets or any stone of your choosing. You can also shop for a ready-made design on her website, or visit her at her boutique in Williamsburg.

Stone Fox Bride

The Dress

For the alterna-bride, make an appointment at Stone Fox Bride in Manhattan. This boutique specializes in vintage/boho gowns, veils and accessories, and their motto is “Fuck Weddings.” This self-described “laid-back, high-fashion, punk-bohemian bridal showroom” was voted the “Best Anti-Bridezilla Bridal Boutique” by Time Out New York in 2012. You’ll find New York celebs like HBO Girls star Jemima Kirke and jewelry designer Pamela Love modeling the dresses in their Spring 2013 look book. In order to make an appointment, you’ll fill out a questionnaire that asks, “When my ex sees my wedding photos on Facebook, I want him/her to be like, ‘Wow, she looks _______!’”

Ariel Dearie, florist

The Flowers

“I actually really love courthouse weddings and I think that’s what I would do if I were to get married. There’s something so romantic about going to the courthouse and then walking around in a wedding dress, going to your favorite places in the city and drinking champagne the whole day,” says Ariel Dearie, a Brooklyn-based florist, describing the perfect New York elopement. Dearie, a New Orleans native, splits her time between New York and the Big Easy. In the past few years since she launched her design studio, she’s become known for her unusual arrangements and attention to detail. Recently, she styled the flowers for Katy Perry’s recent profile in Vogue. Pricing ranges depending on the size of the wedding and the flowers.

Torrisi Italian Specialties

The Romantic Dinner

For a romantic, intimate dinner following your wedding ceremony, head to Torrisi Italian Specialties on the Lower East Side. Though the dining room is decorated with cans of Italian tomatoes and a portrait of Billy Joel, the cuisine at Torrisi is anything but typically rich Italian fare. Chefs Torrisi and Mario Carbone are committed to fresh ingredients and the prix-fixe menu is totally dependent on market availability. Their efforts have won them a Michelin star—so be sure to make a reservation in advance. The “devil’s chicken” is a popular and recurring entrée, their version of pollo alla diavola. Pair your choice of entrée with antipasti, pasta and dessert prepared in house. Take your time and savor the events of the day as you sip on wines from a well-curated list of American reds.

The Wythe Hotel

The Wedding Night

Andrew Tarlow’s (Diner, Marlow & Sons, Roman’s) Wythe Hotel located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, might be one of the trendiest spots in all of New York. But you can take advantage of the hotel’s incredible views of the Manhattan from the privacy of your own room. The seventh and eighth floor lofts both boast floor-to-ceiling windows and a 200-square-foot private terrace. With radiant floor heating, a standalone pedestal tub, and full service mini-bar, this room is perfect for newlyweds. The lofts are large enough to accommodate up to forty guests if you feel like company, or the two of you and your officiant can make use of the private outdoor terrace for an intimate wedding ceremony. 

Wedding illustration

The Officiant

For couples that would like an official celebrant, the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture offers officiating services for secular, interfaith and gay couples. Have your officiant meet you on the Brooklyn Bridge or a park of your choice. Leader Emeritus Liesl Burns recommends two meetings before the ceremony and has eighteen years of experience under her belt.