Ashley and John met at a Fourth of July party at their groomsmen, John Gallagher’s home in 2009. Ashley had been friends with John’s friends for years, and never met John. John was manning the keg and within moments of meeting him she told him she thought he was overfilling cups, and causing excessive spillage. He gave it right back to her and told Ashley that his mom taught him to poor a proper pint. And they continue to banter to this day.
The Lenox Hotel was a special place for their family because John’s grandparents used to come for drinks when City Table was a piano bar called Diamond Jim’s. The Lenox was instant comfort for Ashley and John and they were in love with the venue at first sight just sitting by the lobby fire. It was a combination of refined/relaxed surroundings, exemplary service, and genuine kindness from the staff. They knew they could be themselves at The Lenox and get a wedding that was elegant, fun, and simultaneously classic and modern.
John and his groomsmen got ready and had photos taken in the Board Room, while Ashley and bridesmaids were in the Wedding Suite! Their ceremony was held in the Dome Room and officiated by their close friend, Sean. The end of the aisle was planted with paper birch trees that their parents’ yard after the wedding.
For dinner, the space was beautifully set with champagne linens, walnut Chiavari chairs, and warm uplighting! Guests enjoyed a crisp summer salad and a Braised Beef Short Rib for an entrée.
In keeping with the bride’s Brazilian roots, guests were given small boxes of delicious Brazilian chocolates as wedding favors. After dinner, guests danced the night away and enjoyed a night cap at City Bar.
“I”ll never forget the way our reception went to 0-60 and that dance floor was on fire instantly. It was so great. We put a lot of thought into the day and tried to make it so personal. I loved seeing it all come together. From my grandfather’s tie on my bouquet, and my father’s pocket watch as something borrowed, to the cake topper that echoed a piece of art we’ve had in our home for years, to the Beyoncé and Kanye napkins. The toasts were incredible and I’ll be eternally grateful to Sean for agreeing to marry us. We were just so happy all day. You let us do our thing and make it special and we love you for that.”
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Lenox Hotel
Photography: First Mate Photography, Chad Hansen, hello@firstmatephoto.com
Makeup: Nikki Gauvreau at Eyeful Beauty
Dress: Eve by Laurel Berman
Tuxedo: Blank Label, Brooks Brothers tie, J.Crew shirt
Bride Shoes: Manolo Blahnik for the ceremony and monogrammed Jack Rogers for dancing.
Groom Shoes: Paul Evans