Art Deco Chic meets Garden Wedding at the New York Botanical Gardens 

Mariya and Zach have waited their fair share of time to get married. With the wedding day finally approaching, the forecast looked grim. As I boarded my flight from Florida to New York, I checked the weather one more time, wondering how much of the warm sunshine I could capture and bring with me. It’s one thing to want some sunshine and dry weather for your wedding day, it’s another when your entire wedding theme is “garden” and indoor options are slim. The day came, and so did the rain. With the rain came the wind. With the wind came temperatures in the 40s. Insert one broken down bus and a dying battery on the golf cart at the one moment where the rain subsided. Does this story have any redeeming qualities? I’m getting there. 

Mariya and Zach are the perfect couple to have endured challenges on their wedding day. Nothing could keep their smiles or tears at bay. We had challenges. Every wedding has challenges. But when we were constrained by these circumstances of the day, we worked with them and the results were absolutely beautiful. Some of my absolute favorite pictures.

Their first look, under the awning of the Essex House instead of in Central Park, was pure joy. Mariya cried so hard that her whole face melted, which altered Zach’s tears of joy to full on guffawing. Not to worry, a full hair/makeup crew was at the ready for the entire day.

The Essex House has the most amazing art deco style inside their lobby, and their elevator doors are famous. It was the perfect backdrop for Mariya and Zach’s portraits. I promised them that although we were winging the locations because of the weather, they were going to have epic portraits, and I think they are some of my all-time favorites. Not only are the locations beautiful, but Mariya and Zach are naturals in front of the camera. This, I observed, is because they barely even notice the camera when they are in each other’s presence. 

Instead of portraits around the New York Botanical Gardens, we headed for the library to keep our bridesmaids and groomsmen dry. The interior is a very modern space that was perfect for the very large wedding party. We even made it out onto the steps when the rain let up for us!

For the last few moments of dry weather, we headed for the golf cart to take some garden portraits. On our way up the hill, the cart slowed to a standstill. We hopped off, one by one to let up some of the weight. When that failed, we pushed the cart until a rescue team picked us up. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard at a wedding. What else can you do? 

Those portraits in the lilacs? Some of my favorites. It was raining at that point, and my time stamp on my camera says we took them in 50 seconds. We hopped back into the rescue vehicles and headed back to the NYBG ballroom. 

The chuppah was decorated in thousands of florals. Forget the outdoor garden, this was an indoor oasis. The moody outdoors in the background only added to the new theme of the day – Garden Chic. 

During their ceremony, Mariya and Zach read their own vows. Promises and reminisces of their time together. It’s funny how many of their written memories and stories overlapped one another’s. From the time that they met overseas to where they are today and what they look forward to tomorrow. 

The ballroom overflowed with flowers and candlelight. I especially loved the added butterflies to their wedding cake. Zach and Mariya were introduced into reception, and started the party off with their first dance as husband and wife. The party never stopped. Even the cake cutting, which can sometimes feel like a moment that halts the party, was as fun to watch as anyone enjoying their favorite song…or their favorite dessert.

Mariya and Zach, congratulations! We loved being part of your day, through all of it, and know that you have wonderful adventures in store for your future! 

Wedding Coordinator: Jenny Orsini Events

Photographer: Lauren Kearns Photography

Hotel: JW Marriott Essex House, New York, NY

Hair/Makeup Artists: JC Hair Design and Beauty on Location NJ

Wedding dress: Mira Zwillinger, Carine’s Bridal Atelier, Washington DC

Engagement ring: Corey Friedman Jewelry

Wedding bands: CR Jewelers

Groom/groomsmen attire: Groom My Suit Custom

Florist: Forever in Bloom Mt Kisco

Invitations: Max and Maiden Ink

Transportation: Leros Point to Point

Caterer: Constellation Culinary Group at New York Botanical Gardens

Rentals: Party Rental Ltd

Videographer: Forged in the North

Entertainment: 45 Riots