JW Marriott Essex House is a truly quintessential location for a perfect Manhattan wedding. This luxury iconic NYC hotel set in an art deco building is located just steps away from Central Park and Columbus Circle. Choosing the perfect venue for their wedding, the couple did many site visits and almost chose a venue in Long Island but then realized they ultimately and truly wanted a Manhattan wedding. The decor on the walls looked like a dream when they first walked in. It was a dream that came true!

Amber and David’s, my picture-perfect couple, met online. Here is their love story.

How and where did you and David meet?

We met on OKcupid. Our first date was on Valentine’s Day.

For how long have you been dating?

We have been dating for three years before we got engaged.

How and where did he propose?

The proposal was so wonderful! He surprised me by taking me to dinner and then he proposed near riverside park by the water. Then he took me straight to his rooftop for a party and surprised me with all my friends and family.

What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning? 

I envisioned my wedding to be opulent, elegant and sophisticated with a touch or romance. I wanted the style to match the look of the magnificent chandelier in the exquisite ballroom. A Star studded event with endless dancing!

What was your color palette and your style vision? 

My color palette was soft pinks and whites to go along with the stunning gold ballroom.

What unique elements or DIY details did you include? 

We had a sculptural manzanita branches display with pale pink dendrobium orchids in a draping style hung with bubble glass candle holders above the seating arrangements. Something very special to me was that my 15 year old poodle (I got her for my Bat-mitzvah) was able to be in my bridal suite getting ready with the girls and taking photos with us. She wore the most adorable dress in silver to match my bridesmaids’ Alfred Sung gowns. We also had the presidential suite in the hotel with a wrap around balcony, I had a huge after party outdoors!

What was your favorite moment? Your favorite crafted detail? 

When I sang “Dear Future Husband” by Meghan Trainor on stage in front of everyone and then jumped into the arms of my new husband standing in the crowd. That was by far my favorite moment. Everyone was in shock and I felt like a total rock star! One crafted detail that pops in my mind was during my parents welcome speech my Mother displayed a large picture frame with a photo of me sky diving 15,000 ft high to show how proud she was of me.

Tell us about your flowers, your gown, your favors, your cake, etc. 

My bouquet was GORGEOUS. Cascading white phaleonopsis orchids. It is in the process of being preserved. The chuppah was filled with white, ivory and pale pink peonies and roses. The aisle hurricanes were gorgeous too, to match the chuppah. 

My gown was designed by Romona Keveza. It had the sophistication of Grace Kelly. It was form fitting with soft ruching. Mermaid style, off the shoulder with a pearl coloring. My favorite part was the sequined lace at the bottom edges setting it apart from any other gown in similar style. My cake was stunning. L’esti’s specializes in cakes and hand painted a 5 tier white and gold cake with pearls and flowers on the top to match the room. My first look was so romantic. We had a red velvet horse and buggy pick me up to do a photo shoot. 

One of my favorite details was hiring our Cantor- Shimon Craimer to sing popular tunes in Hebrew as we walked down the aisle. His voice was hauntingly beautiful and romantic. The crowd was captivated by his talented singing and the unique traditional aspects our Rabbi Exler helped us create during our ceremony from start to finish. Even my Bedeken before I walked down the aisle was so special to me.

What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be?

Always make sure that you have more than one person come to your last fitting so that multiple people know how to bustle your gown. But most importantly, try not to let ANYTHING bother you that day. Brush it off.

Slideshow ~ Amber & David’s Wedding at JW Marriott Essex House NYC

Dress- Romona Keveza (from Bridal Reflections)
Shoes- Valentino
Venue- Essex House
Photographer-  Artvesta Studio
Florist- Quatre Coeur
DJ (band)- Veronica Martell
Caterer – Northern Valley Affairs
Videographer- Sunnyville Films
Invitations-  Invitations Plus (Crane & Co.)
Cake- L’esti’s Desserts
Lighting- Luminescence
Rabbi- Rabbi Steven Exler
Cantor- Shimon Craimer
Photo Booth- The Bosco
Hair & Makeup Team- Betsy Elisa Inc.
Sweetheart Table Linen- FloraRosa Design
Dance Lessons- Fred Astaire