I have been anxiously awaiting writing about this fabulous wedding for months. This wedding holds a special place in my heart because Marcella really trusted us to help her make her bridesmaids stand out from other bridal parties. As soon as we spoke to her on the phone we knew this was going to be a wedding we would always remember. Marcella was a fabulous bride to work with mainly because you could feel the love in the room every time she came in with her bridesmaids and family. Marcella was very excited to help her bridesmaids pick out a dress that fit their personality and made them feel beautiful. We worked very hard to have the color pallet look city-ish and fun!
What was your inspiration for your wedding?
I grew up in downtown Manhattan and my family still lives there. I have lived in Boston for 7 years, but I still think of New York City as my original home. My husband spent a couple crucial years in New York, and he also cares about it. When we thought about the most significant party we might ever throw, we knew we wanted it to be there. We chose the Bowery Hotel, which is just a couple blocks from my childhood home, because it feels like Greenwich Village (even though it’s pretty new!) and because I knew I could walk there from my apartment on my wedding day. Also, just about the best thing in the world is an outdoor terrace on a hot New York City night.
How did you tie that inspiration in to what you choose for your bridesmaid dresses/bridal gown?
I chose shades of gray to harmonize with the city. I wanted the girls to look as fabulous and individual as they are, so I chose three different shades of gray and each girl chose her own Lynn Lugo style. The maids of honor and the junior bridesmaid wore lilac so that they would be distinguished, and also because who doesn’t love lilac with gray! Stacey worked with us on eight different dresses, which was pretty awesome!
What did you choose?
I basically chose colors & fabrics, and the girls did the rest. The best part was that I think each girl felt glamorous in what she was wearing (or so I hope!). I wanted to emphasize each person rather than the fact that they were all in my bridal party. So, we worked on a harmony principle rather than a matching principle and when I looked around on my wedding day, I remember thinking, “Wow, all these beautiful fairies!”
What color?
Charcoal, Blizzard, Smoke, and Thistle – Whoa! I actually remember!
What were you looking for in your bridesmaid dresses?
At first, honestly, I was looking for a waist. One of the terrible things about so many bridesmaid dresses is that they are waistless and almost designed to make girls look homely, so that the bride stands out. I specifically wanted my bridesmaids to look as good as they could possibly look. The first condition for looking good for most women is a defined waist. The Lynn Lugo dresses were very flattering and in beautiful colors and fabrics, so they were a good fit all around.
How was Stacey/Lindsay/Brooke most helpful?
Flair is wonderful place to be a bride. Stacey, Lindsay, and Brooke make the place feel warm and exciting. They are sensitive, flexible, available, and fun! I went at least four times with different sets of girls, and every time felt like an occasion. The first time, when I went with my sister and sister-in-law, Stacey actually put on a Lynn Lugo trunk show, so that we could actually get a stronger feel for the dresses.
What did you choose for your bridal gown?
My bridal gown was Carolina Herrera from a couple years ago. It was the very first dress I tried on the very first time I even looked for a dress. It was a very good value. I got it at an amazing sample sale and then I worked with a wonderful seamstress to make it fit me. Working on the dress was actually a very fun, much less expensive way to fuss over the dress than shopping for it, which took me about an hour.
Tips for brides when selecting their BM dresses? Bridal Gowns?
Obviously, the overall feeling of your wedding and the degree of formality come first. Then, I would say toss all other considerations out, and think about what dresses are going to look good on your ladies. I think the trend towards color theming of weddings is not that exciting. A great party is not about a color theme. It’s about energy. And, you will have a more energetic party if your gals feel good. Likewise, I am not sure why every girl needs to wear the same dress. This is a sure-fire way to make any irregularity stand out. As for the bridal gown, I feel similarly that you should pick a dress that evokes the formality and setting of the occasion, but that also, in the end, you should pick something that just makes you feel like a million bucks.
How was your experience at Flair?
I had a wonderful experience at Flair. I had had some pretty deathly experiences at places in New York when I finally decided to do the bridesmaid dresses in Boston. I was so excited to come to Flair and be greeted by warm, experienced, and attentive professionals whose number one concern was my bridesmaids dresses.
Where did you get married??
The Bowery Hotel, New York City
What three adjectives would best describe your wedding?
Urban, inclusive, FUN!
What was your favorite moment at the wedding?
Toughie. So many. Definitely high up was the moment all the girls got into their dresses and I just thought, “How beautiful are my friends!!!”
What advice can you give any other Boston/New England Bride?
Tired but true: try to have fun. In some ways, the party is everyone’s and the planning is yours. Ideally, you do this thing only once or twice in your life. Not many things are like that. Enjoy!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Greece and Italy. And, we made a honeymoon registry, which every non-billionaire should do.
{List of vendors}
Dave Robbins Photography
Cheek to Chic (make-up)
Arte Salon (hair)
L’Elite (bridal gown)
Albertine Press (invitations)
Neel Murgai Quartet through John Ragusa Music (ceremony music)
Urban Guerrilla Orchestra (band)
Verde Custom Flowers (flowers)
Baked (cupcakes)
Just About Married (day of coordination)
So happy we got to be a part of such a special day for Marcella and Jason. Such a colorful and romantic wedding, may your marriage be as wonderful and colorful as your wedding day!
XOXO
Stacey 😉
