By Nora Sullivan
September 21, 2026
An Italian garden in full bloom, right in the heart of Long Island, set the scene for one of the season’s most enchanting celebrations. Chen and Evelyn exchanged their vows on the magnificent grounds of the NYIT de Seversky Mansion, where grand architecture and meticulously manicured gardens provided the ultimate stage for a summer wedding deeply inspired by the romance and timeless charm of the Italian countryside. The celebration proved definitively that couples do not need to secure a passport to experience true old-world European elegance.
The entire affair was expertly planned and designed by Lorelei He Wedding, who curated a visual narrative layered in soft shades of light pink, peach, dusty blue, and lush garden green. Overflowing arrangements of garden roses, delicate sweet peas, and striking delphinium were thoughtfully placed throughout the venue, softening the estate’s classic stone facade and blending architectural grandeur with organic, botanical beauty. Capturing every sun-drenched moment of the ceremony and the intimate, candlelit reception that followed was C & C Photography, a trusted member of the Little Black Book. From the golden hour sunlight spilling over the lawn down to the striking ivory buttercream cake featuring flowing pink sculptural tiers, the photography captured the effortless magic of the day.
The Planning
Design, Vibe, and Vision
Set against the backdrop of the elegant grounds at the NYIT de Seversky Mansion on Long Island, the summer wedding felt remarkably like stepping directly into an Italian garden in full bloom. The timeless estate, renowned for its grand architecture, expansive manicured gardens, and undeniable old-world charm, created an atmosphere that felt both majestic and deeply intimate. It provided the ideal foundation for a celebration that looked to the romance of the Italian countryside for inspiration, transforming a Long Island landmark into a Mediterranean escape for the couple and their guests.
The Proposal Story
The journey to the altar for Chen and Evelyn began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chen had traveled to California for what was intended to be a brief camping trip, but circumstances shifted when their paths crossed at a friend’s board game night. The two of them immediately clicked over friendly competition at the card table, bonded over a shared appreciation for good food, fine wine, and connected on numerous other levels. What was originally planned as a two-week visit naturally stretched into months as they built a strong foundation together.
The proposal itself arrived as a complete surprise to Evelyn. Working a standard day, she had no inkling of what Chen had secretly orchestrated. Chen surprised her by taking her on a pillbox hike in Honolulu, timing the excursion precisely as the sun was setting over an historic old bunker. Against the breathtaking coastal backdrop, he got down on one knee. True to form, the proposal featured a memorable twist: Chen presented Evelyn with two rings—one from himself, and one passed down from his grandmother. It was a romantic, sweet gesture that felt entirely authentic to Chen’s personality, jokingly summing up the sentiment with his own signature "buy one, get one free" philosophy.
The Details
Food and Drink
The culinary experience for the wedding day was thoughtfully designed to reflect the relaxed yet sophisticated elegance of an Italian summer gathering. Rejecting a rigid, overly formal structure, the hosts opted for an atmosphere of effortless hospitality. Guests were treated to an expansive cocktail hour featuring an abundant selection of carefully curated, passed hors d’oeuvres, artisan cheeses, seasonal fruits, and beautifully presented antipasti. This open, flowing culinary presentation encouraged natural conversation and mingling as attendees strolled freely throughout the estate’s sprawling gardens, sipping wine and enjoying the summer breeze.
Florals and Decor
Guests were initially welcomed into an outdoor ceremony surrounded by vibrant greenery and an explosion of blooming seasonal flowers. The warm summer sun and golden afternoon light illuminated the space, making every second of the exchange feel genuinely magical. As daylight faded, the celebration transitioned indoors, carrying the overarching garden-inspired vision into the reception rooms. Abundant floral centerpieces, flickering candlelight, fine linens, and meticulously curated details blended European sophistication with the relaxed, breezy beauty of a summer estate.
The Wedding Cake
Serving as a true centerpiece of the evening, the wedding cake was an authentic work of edible art that successfully bridged modern sculptural design with timeless romantic aesthetics. Covered in a smooth, flawless layer of ivory buttercream, each tier was accented with soft, flowing pink sculptural details. These elements added a sense of dynamic movement, rich texture, and a distinctly artistic touch to the confection. The monochromatic yet colorful palette cleverly echoed the wedding’s broader, delicate design hues of blush, peach, blue, and green, resulting in a statement piece that felt simultaneously contemporary and classic.
Special Details and Legacy
For couples dreaming of an authentic Italian garden wedding without the logistical hurdles and expenses of traveling overseas, the NYIT de Seversky Mansion continues to offer an unforgettable setting. It stands as a premier location where classic American estate elegance meets the vibrant, natural beauty of a summer garden in full bloom, cementing Chen and Evelyn’s celebration as a masterclass in destination-style weddings close to home.
