While both attending law school, Ana Buling and Jack Daily met at the Department of Justice where they were working in clerkship positions. “We later learned we were hired within minutes of each other, months earlier,” shares Ana. “Gail Johnson, our then supervisor and later wedding officiant, likes to say that the ‘Red Thread’ brought us together – the same thread that binds many generations of her clerks into one family and creates connections in the most unexpected places.” 

The connection of the “Red Thread” continued when the couple traveled to Arizona to attend their fellow law clerk’s wedding, which Gail was officiating. Having never been to the Grand Canyon, Ana and Jack took the opportunity to travel to the stunning site after the festivities. “As I stood there, dumbfounded by the majesty of it all, I commented on how incredible the moment was. Jack responded, ‘I will never forget it, and neither will you.’ He then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!” shares Ana of the magical moment. “From there, we went straight to Vegas to celebrate! While going to Vegas had been part of the plan all along, Jack had a couple surprises up his sleeve.” 

Planning the wedding by herself, Ana’s first task was securing the venue. As they reside in New York, the couple knew they wanted to share their favorite city with their friends and family. “I wanted the wedding to be in an iconic New York City location,” shares the bride of her vision while searching for sites. “The Foundry is one of the most gorgeous venues in the area and about as historic and authentic as you can get.” With the venue selected, Ana and Jack settled on a mid-October date for their fall wedding. 

As friends and family entered the ceremony space, they found their seats beneath suspended foliage and florals illuminated by string lights overhead. Though the couple wanted their wedding to be elegant and classic, they also made sure to incorporate modern elements. Since their wedding venue was essentially a blank canvas with autumn-toned ivy climbing up the walls, a base palette of soft white and ivory was selected and further accented with romantic greenery and seasonal flowers in mauve and burgundy. For the modern details, chic Lucite items like Ghost chairs and acrylic signage were added in, as well as string lighting, flickering candles, and touches of gold for a bit of sparkle. 

The bride was radiant in an intricately embellished mermaid gown featuring a textured tulle train that trailed beautifully behind her as she made her way down the aisle to meet her groom. To keep the “Red Thread” going, they asked Gail to be their wedding officiant. “It was so special to have an officiant who knew us so well and was part of our relationship from the beginning,” notes Ana. In addition to a beautiful service carefully orchestrated by Gail, the bride and groom shared handwritten vows. “We had dozens of people come up and tell us it was the most special ceremony they’d ever been to!” adds Ana. 

“Like any bride, I ‘wished’ certain details ended up differently, but at the end of the day, I married my husband and it was a magical day!”

Following the heartfelt service, loved ones made their way to the cocktail hour, which was held in the venue’s gorgeous greenhouse that is so beautiful it didn’t even require decoration. Guests enjoyed delicious drinks and appetizers, as well as the pair’s signature cocktails: a raspberry-rose gin and tonic for Ana and an old-fashioned for Jack. Since the couple absolutely loves appetizers, they made sure to have plenty of hors d’oeuvres for their loved ones to enjoy. “People raved about our food,” confirms the bride. 

The reception was held in the courtyard beneath a clear draped tent that offered views of the surrounding space and the stars above. Ghost chairs surrounded round tables covered with ivory linens and topped with high and low centerpieces featuring lush greenery accented with white, mauve, and burgundy blooms. Laser-cut calligraphed numbers designated each table, and place settings showcased gold-beaded charger plates and crystal glassware. 

“The florals were the most important design element for our wedding. Having multiple spaces for guests to move around in felt fresh, and we loved that they could explore multi-textured spaces, but we wanted an element of consistency to set a theme,” shares the bride. “Because we were getting married at The Foundry, we loved the idea of lots of greenery, and to keep with our theme, we chose a mauve and ivory floral base with autumnal pops of burgundy to give the look character. 

Before heading to the after-party, friends and family indulged in the delicious fare and delectable desserts the couple so carefully planned. “We personalized it to what we loved and to the season,” confirms Ana. In addition to “his” and “hers” wedding cakes – a classic vanilla buttercream cake with gold leaf for Ana and a chocolate passion fruit-infused cake for Jack – guests were also treated to miniature donuts, macarons, and more sweets at the dessert table. Prior to their departure for the night, they also took home tasty wedding favors: delicious funfetti and red velvet truffles in a box set wrapped with a burgundy bow and a “Love Is Sweet” tag. 

Ana shares essential advice for other couples about to embark on their wedding day. “Don’t dwell if anything doesn’t go according to plan because you’ll miss your wedding!” she notes. “Like any bride, I ‘wished’ certain details ended up differently, but at the end of the day, I married my husband and it was a magical day!”