Every wedding is a time to celebrate the significant commitment of unconditional love for each other. The love we saw in the eyes of Elise and Richard!

The Proposal

After graduation from the university they both attended, Elise and Richard picked their own paths in life. An alumni event in Manhattan in 2017 reunited them and sparked their first date. With a surprise proposal three years later in downtown New York, the couple embarked on a journey to spend the rest of their lives together. Paying homage to the city they love so much, we had their engagement photo session in Battery Park City, NY. 

Wedding Planning and Details

Soon after, the wedding preparations were in the works. Elise and Richard have a shared respect for tradition, which is why the Washington & Lee University alumni couple stayed rooted. Overseen by a company I truly enjoyed working with, Dream Makers NY. The ‘Save the Dates’ cards were designed by Ali Bates of Bryker Design Co. featuring a Flowering Dogwood in a blind emboss on off-white paper. For the Invitation Suite, the couple worked with Bella Figura. 

Tradition and Wedding Style

Elise wore the Reem Acra “Flock of Angels” gown from Jessica Haley Bridal complemented by René Caovilla’s white “Beaded Hive” pumps and a pearl and diamond brooch, glistening in her hair. Most special to Elise were the long white gloves she wore, which her Grandmother also wore on her wedding day. I have to say, I hope long gloves garner a comeback!  Richard’s custom tux was from Victor Talbots in Greenvale, NY.

The bride arrived with her father in a green 1969 Mercedes Benz 280 SL with a lovely garland draping the car trunk. This car bears a special mention as it has witnessed Elise’ parents’ honeymoon throughout Europe, and countless childhood Sunday morning drives for Elise.

The Wedding Vows

The couple read their vows at St. Francis Xavier church, a beautiful classical Roman Basilica style built in lower Manhattan in 1878.  The basilica was decorated with two altar pieces of white dendrobium orchids, ranunculus, lilies, orchids, hydrangea, freesia, with greenery like Italian ruscus and lemon leaves.The most anticipated part of the wedding – the vows – were exceptionally special for the couple. Beethovens’ Für Elise offered a time for reflection following the vows, which was every bit as special as they’d anticipated.

The Wedding Reception

Inside of the reception site, The Union League Club, white flowers embellishing the venue with greenery along with stunning bridesmaids and the groomsmen adorning black attires, was a theme in itself for the wedding. For the reception, the flowers were extended with hundreds of candles to add to the dreamy element that complemented the old-world feel of the rooms by Cress Floral Decorators.

The first dance was to the tunes of L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole and the energy of the wedding party was pumped up by the band, Carnivále! A truly special item to remember was the custom tambourine, one each for Elise, her mother and mother-in-law along with mini, light-up tambourines for the rest of the guests to share in the fun! 

“We would give Berit 5 MILLION stars if we could. Working with Berit is like working with your best friend, we were so comfortable with her and she fit in like family. Now months after the wedding, we get to relive our favorite day through her stunning photos. She captured the day perfectly and in its entirety – all the emotions, all moments both major and fleeting, all the things we never want to forget. We would recommend Berit to any couple without one single hesitation.”

Elise & Richard

The Wedding Team

Photography: Berit Bizjak Photography

Venue: The Union League Club, NYC

Wedding Planner: Dream Makers, NY

Florals: Cress Floral Decorators

Makeup: Jan Murphy Makeup

Hair Styling: Andria Tobey

See Elise and Richard’s wedding feature on Carats and Cake!