Every detail of a wedding tells a story, but for Emily and Josh, every element of their meticulously planned celebration was chosen with profound intention to reflect their journey together. From the vibrant color palette and bespoke floral installations to the deeply personal nods to their relationship history, the couple’s wedding day stands out as a masterclass in guest experience, thoughtful design, and seamless execution. Brought to life with the expertise of RD Events, the celebration blended modern boho-chic aesthetics with heartfelt personal touches, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that left guests talking long after the last song played.
Food & Drink
Food and drink played a central role in shaping the atmosphere of the evening, serving as both a culinary delight and an extension of the overall design aesthetic. Guests were welcomed into the cocktail hour with an array of passed appetizers, setting the stage for an exquisite three-course meal crafted by the venue’s elite catering team. The menu was designed to highlight fresh summer foods and flavors, ensuring that even the dining experience tapped directly into the vibrant visual theme of the day.
The meal commenced with a refreshing salad course featuring crisp watermelon and feta, which seamlessly transitioned into a sweet lemon sorbet designed to cleanse the palate. In developing the menu, the planning team intentionally aligned the food with the overall design, ensuring that the first two courses leaned heavily into the bright, summery color scheme. A hearty and delicious entrée course followed, satisfying guests before the dessert traditions began.
The beverage selection was equally thoughtful, featuring a full bar complemented by a curated collection of Finger Lakes wines. This choice served as a meaningful nod to the wedding location and the region where the couple originally fell in love. To elevate the experience further, these regional wines were poured for guests directly at dinner alongside a complimentary sip of champagne, allowing attendees to sit back, relax, and fully immerse themselves in the dining experience.
Florals & Decor
When it came to the visual identity of the wedding, the overarching design philosophy centered on rich textures, dynamic patterns, and bold bursts of color. The floral design was executed in close collaboration with Tarry Grove, a vendor who embraced the directive of avoiding "basic flowers" entirely. Instead, every arrangement overflowed with colorful peonies, poppies, anthurium, and other striking botanicals, resulting in displays that were airy, lush, and unmistakably distinct.
RD Events recognized early on that Tarry Grove was the ideal partner to execute the bride’s design deck, given the florist’s specialization in one-of-a-kind installations and arrangements. This focus on unique floral artistry served as the anchor of the visual design. Every vendor involved in the big day was selected with intention, ensuring that their individual styles contributed to a cohesive narrative about the couple.
To achieve a distinctive boho-chic aesthetic, the design incorporated an array of carefully curated elements, including rattan lamp shades and chandeliers, ribbed glassware, a statement-making striped bar sign, and a seating chart framed in light wood. Ceremony spaces were accented with rattan-style vases, while elevated linens provided by BBJ Linen added an extra layer of sophistication, creating a striking "wow factor" that guests remarked upon throughout the night.
The finishing touches were provided by She Rents Vintage, a specialty rental company that supplied charming pieces such as soft lounge seating and fringe umbrellas designed to shade guests during the ceremony. Rattan-style table numbers completed the meticulously styled tablescapes, tying the entire environment together.
Wedding Cake
Moving away from tradition, Emily and Josh bypassed the standard tiered wedding cake in favor of something that genuinely reflected their personal tastes: ice cream cake. Recognizing that they were never particularly fond of traditional cake, the couple decided to lean back into their history by sourcing a small, sweet ice cream cake from a local shop in Ithaca, New York—the very place where they fell in love. This unconventional dessert choice stood out as a charming and authentic reflection of the couple’s personality, fitting seamlessly into the relaxed yet elegant tone of the day.
Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs
Music played an integral role in setting the tone across the entire weekend, beginning with the arrival of guests for the ceremony. The talented musicians of the Magnolia String Quartet provided an elegant soundtrack, performing classical arrangements as attendees took their seats. As the processional commenced, the quartet played a poignant rendition of "All of Me" by John Legend, followed by the timeless classic "Can’t Help Falling In Love" as Emily was escorted down the aisle by both of her parents.
As the evening transitioned to the reception, the focus shifted to keeping the dance floor packed and the energy electric. This was achieved through a dynamic collaboration between the DJ team at Black Tie Entertainment and live saxophonist Al Cutri. The musical experience was highly interactive, with Al performing live improvisations over crowd-pleasing hits selected by the bride and groom, including tracks by the Jonas Brothers and ABBA, which kept guests dancing well into the night.
Special Detail #1
Guest experience remained a primary focus throughout the planning journey, inspiring unique interactive elements that doubled as meaningful keepsakes. Because many of the attendees traveled from across the country, the couple sought a favor that was both memorable and easy to transport home. They partnered with Uncorked Creations, whose talented team of two artists provided live portraits of the guests throughout the event.
In addition to the guest portraits, the wedding featured a second live painting experience. K2 Designs was on site to capture the pivotal moment of Emily and Josh’s first kiss as they exited the ceremony. Given to the couple as a deeply meaningful wedding gift from the bride’s father, the canvas stands as a permanent reminder of the day that will last a lifetime.
Special Detail #2
Though Emily and Josh deeply love their dog, logistical constraints prevented the pet from attending the wedding in person. Determined to include him in spirit, the couple ensured he remained a prominent part of the celebration by naming a signature cocktail in his honor. Dubbed "Franklin’s Paw-loma," the beverage offered a playful and delicious twist on the classic Paloma, proving to be a massive hit among guests who ordered the drink throughout the evening.
