Industrial Warehouse Wedding in Brooklyn, New York
When Robyn Freizer and Jonathan Soffer first met through a mutual friend, they were just two twenty-somethings trying to make it in in Manhattan. No, this isn't the trailer for the movie sequel of HBO's cult hit series, How to Make it in America, this is a true, modern love story, set in New York.
Robyn, a fashion merchandiser from New Jersey, and Jonathan, a law student and CPA from Maryland, were both dating other people when they became friends eight years ago. It wasn't until Jonathan sent a sweet text message that their relationship permanently left the friend zone.
After four years of dating and an intimate proposal in a cozy part of the West Village, the couple planned their dream wedding in just five and a half months. Robyn says, "We chose The Liberty Warehouse in Brooklyn because we wanted something different that reflected our style. We thought the room looked like our apartment, but just twenty times the size!" The loft building offered a rare mix of raw space, in-house catering and views of the New Jersey skyline and statue of liberty.
The couple admits the short timeline was stressful but prevented them from overthinking the process, which was "a good thing," they say. Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design executed their industrial fairytale theme with lush greenery, a dramatic palette of white, blush, gold, silver and lots of candlelight. Throughout the room, garden roses, peonies, ranunculuses, and lisianthuses were blended with mercury glass and candelabras.
Photography & Videography: Salzman and Ashley
Flowers: Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design
Flowers: Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design
Flowers: Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design
While nothing seemed easy throughout the process, Robyn was surprised how quickly she found her classic lace mermaid Monique Lhuillier gown after only two days of searching. "The dress I chose to wear was the last dress I tried on and I knew immediately that it was the one," she says. "It felt like it belonged to me." The bride outfitted her dress with Altuzarra heels and mostly Monique Lhuillier accessories (cathedral veil, belt and headband), but her mother's diamond studs added a drop of sentiment. Jon wore a navy tuxedo from Hugo Boss and Ferragamo shoes.
Lace Mermaid Bridal Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Unafraid to share the spotlight, Robyn encouraged her bridesmaids to select their own gowns (as long as they were embellished with beading and/or sequins). The fashionista says, "I hate uniform and I wanted everyone to be comfortable. I also love glam." Jon's groomsmen donned more classic looks in black tuxedos.
Bridal Party Attire: Adrianna Papell, Jenny Yoo, Donna Morgan and Hugo Boss
The bride and groom tailored the experience with personalized moments like Disney songs for the wedding processional and a Mezinka (a traditional Jewish ceremony honoring Robyn's parents for marrying off their last child).
While there were many details to drool over, what we're most obsessed with is the stripped down cake! Whoever said no good ideas come from Pinterest probably still uses the phrase, "the internet." Robyn came across this colorful pin and fell in love with the Birthday Cake-Flavored Confetti Cake from Momofuku Milk Bar. She liked that it was naked (like her venue) and always thought the cake from the untraditional bakery by her apartment "was the best ever."
FIRST LOOK FAVORITE
Birthday Cake Confetti-Flavored Naked Cake: Momofuku Milk Bar
After planning the event by herself with no help from a planner, there is much for Robyn to be proud of when reflecting on the day. Special moments with her father like his toast and a private first look just for him earned top spots in her memory, but her most notable moment was sitting with her groom at their sweetheart table, scanning the room, seeing everyone she loved and feeling nothing but overwhelming happiness. To couples just beginning the planning process, she advises, "Don’t compare your wedding to anyone else's. It’s yours and it’s special because it's yours. And try to get on top of your thank you notes. There are so many!"
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Liberty Warehouse
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Liberty Warehouse || Bride's Wedding Dress, Veil & Accessories: Monique Lhuillier || Bride's Shoes: Altuzarra || Hair: Philip Scalice Bridal Services || Makeup: Abby from Kimara Ahnert || Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell, Jenny Yoo and Donna Morgan || Groom's & Groomsmen's Attire: Hugo Boss || Florist: Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design || Invitations: Bella Figura || Music: Hank Lane || Cake: Momofuku Milk Bar || Videographer & Photographer: Salzman and Ashley