Patricia and Max went to the same high school but because of their age difference only overlapped for one year. After “a bit of a fling that didn’t last too long” they kept in touch on and off but then met up at a bar after college about 10 years later. Patricia knew upon this post-college meeting that if she really pursued this relationship, it would end with them as husband and wife. And so going with her gut must have paid off because even though it felt extreme, the bride says “I couldn’t help myself.” From a not-so-surprise proposal to a modern yet traditional wedding, Patricia and Max’s relationship has had it’s typical and not-so-typical moments. What resulted from a public asking for her hand in marriage in front of everyone at a crowded restaurant (“the one place I told him not to do it” recalls the bride) was a beautiful and elegant wedding that celebrated their love, their commitment, and left them “overwhelmed with happiness.”

For their traditional ceremony at Church of St. Vincent Ferrer in which Patricia donned a Monique Lhuillier wedding gown (one of her many “something new”s ) along with her something old and borrowed, (an old ring her mother had from her great grandmother, and remade with blue sapphires) her bridesmaids wore peach “I wanted [their dresses] to be closer to an off white/champagne but when I found these dresses they felt like just the right touch of glam with the sequins and they looked good on everyone, except my two pregnant sisters!” For them, Patricia spotted gold Badgley Mischka gowns that complimented the group’s Donna Morgan dresses, and added to the festive flair of the event.

Patricia and Max’s reception was held at The Loeb Boathouse at Central Park, which the bride describes as a “classic venue.” To complement the location it was important to Patricia that the wedding be as neutral as possible, “I love the clean aesthetic of all white.” So with modern touches of all white florals (orchids and hydrangeas), lots of candles and gold accents (lanterns and clean glass cylinders filled with uniform arrangements), the party exuded a contemporary chic vibe.

Patricia fondly summarizes the celebratory party that followed their ceremony, “The reception was a blast, our band was incredible, and my fears of no one dancing at our wedding were quickly forgotten. The team at the Boathouse took incredible care of us and our families and friends, I don’t remember a moment of panic or stress, I had the best time. I remember sitting at our table during the dinner telling myself to remember it and take it all in. It’s such a cliché but it really does go so fast.”