Ashley & Joe Wedding - Ceremony - Wave Hill - Heather Waraksa Photography

Weddings

Ashley & Joe Say “I Do” In A Lush Garden Ceremony

Ashley & Joe Wedding - Ceremony - Wave Hill - Heather Waraksa Photography

Ashley & Joe Wedding – Ceremony – Wave Hill – Heather Waraksa Photography

 

An open garden wedding is hard to come by in New York City, but not entirely out of the realm of possibility. “Wave Hill was just perfect,” recalls Bride & Blossom Featured Bride Ashley. “The gardens, the views of the Hudson River, the history of the property… it was all just perfect and very representative of us.” Here, Ashley shares all the meaningful details about her picturesque outdoor ceremony.

Part 3: Ceremony

A breathtaking scene awaited guests as they took their seats for Ashley and Joe’s wedding. The ceremony was set to take place at the Pergola on the Great Lawn, which over looks the Hudson River. Though the afternoon was overcast, the atmospheric grey skies seemed to only highlight Wave Hill’s lush, natural setting.

 

Ashley & Joe Wedding - Atmosphere - Wave Hill - Heather Waraksa Photography

Ashley & Joe Wedding – Atmosphere – Wave Hill – Heather Waraksa Photography

 

Ashley & Joe Wedding - Atmosphere - Wave Hill - Heather Waraksa Photography

Ashley & Joe Wedding – Atmosphere – Wave Hill – Heather Waraksa Photography

 

Floral décor was simple and organic. White and ivory rose petals created a romantic walkway to the altar. The pergola was transformed in a secret garden display. White dendrobium orchids, delphinium, stock, green amaranthus, and jasmine vine were suspended underneath the structure, creating an enchanted canopy over the couple when they exchanged vows.

Ashley & Joe Wedding - Ceremony Aisle - Wave Hill - Heather Waraksa Photography

Ashley & Joe Wedding – Ceremony Aisle – Wave Hill – Heather Waraksa Photography

 

Ashley & Joe Wedding - Ceremony Backdrop - Wave Hill - Heather Waraksa PhotographyAshley & Joe Wedding - Ceremony Backdrop - Wave Hill - Heather Waraksa Photography

Ashley & Joe Wedding – Ceremony Backdrop – Wave Hill – Heather Waraksa Photography

 

Ashley looks back and says, “Joe’s best friend was our officiant. I feel like it’s rare for people to say that the ceremony was the favorite part of our wedding, but I can honestly say that. He did such an amazing job. It was so personal and funny. He honored our families and us in the most special way.” She finishes with a laugh, “He just really killed it. Afterward, everyone was coming up and saying, ‘He was fantastic! Can we hire him?’”

 

Ashley & Joe Wedding - Ceremony - Wave Hill - Heather Waraksa Photography

Ashley & Joe Wedding – Ceremony – Wave Hill – Heather Waraksa Photography

 

Weddings are a time when the memories of loved ones who are no longer with us are strongest. When Ashley was really young, she lost her brother. “It was very important to honor him at the wedding. We wanted to do it in a way that celebrated my brother’s life rather than making everyone sad. When guests arrived to the ceremony, on top of their chair was our program and a rose quartz heart, which symbolized my brother.” For a wedding gift, Ashley and Joe asked for a bench in his memory be donated to Wave Hill.

 

Ashley & Joe Wedding - Bride Groom Bouquet - Wave Hill - Heather Waraksa Photography

Ashley & Joe Wedding – Bride Groom Bouquet – Wave Hill – Heather Waraksa Photography

 

Stay tuned for Part 4: Reception when Ashley shares the final chapter in her and Joe’s Real BB Wedding Story.

Couple’s Vendor List
Venue: Wave Hill
Photographer: Heather Waraksa Photography
Planner: Laura Remmert Events
Bride’s Dress: Monique Lhuillier
Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Groom’s Tux + Shoes: Hugo Boss
Cake: Luckybird Bakery
Hair: Glam Squad + Frederic Fekkai
Invitations + Place Cards + Table Numbers: Percolator Press
Favors: William Greenberg Desserts