Alexandra: Our reception was in the ballroom, which also had windows showcasing the water and the sunset. The room looked romantic and classy, with low centerpieces creating an unobstructed view. We had long rectangular tables with trios of pillar candles surrounded by smaller tea light candles. On either side was a row of flowers in mauve and dusty rose laced with greenery. A memory table for my brother and father held their photos, and in lieu of a typical favor we placed a card letting each guest know we had made a donation in their name to Children’s Cancer Research, in honor of my brother. We also had a cigar bar after dinner to remember my dad, who loved enjoying a cigar.
Paul: Our guests had four entrée choices: steakhouse filet mignon, chicken mignon wrapped in prosciutto, mirin-glazed filet of salmon, and five-layer vegetable torte. Our wedding cake was our mutual favorite, strawberry shortcake. A cordial table with sambuca and coffee was brought out with dessert and we placed a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue and Remy XO to add our personal touch. The house band, which is actually my father’s band, was so impressive. They played an epic rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody that everyone was talking about the next day. Everything was on point. Our guests never had to leave the dance floor or their tables to order drinks. Alexandra’s bridal attendant, the maître d’, and the entire service staff were on top of everything.
