When Naomi Himmelstein approached Jordan Jackson by accident, unknowingly mistaking him for his twin brother on the grounds of the University of Virginia, their lives were changed forever. They spent the next year and a half getting to know one another as close friends before realizing there was something more, and soon, Jordan got down on one knee during a romantic surprise proposal in front of 50 of their family and friends following a private flight over New York City. 

When planning their wedding day, the couple made every decision together over a glass of wine, and they affirm there was one choice that was easy to make: selecting Oheka Castle as the site of their fairy-tale ceremony and reception. With its breathtaking grounds, Naomi and Jordan knew the historic estate on Long Island would ensure the photos of their celebration would come out beautifully and the venue also allowed for their loved ones to stay onsite. 

“We wanted to make our wedding an experience! To get married in a historic castle was one thing, but to also have all our family and closest friends spend the day and night on the property was a dream come true,” Naomi shares. 

“The theme was Black Royalty. We selected all Black vendors to support Black-owned businesses during the pandemic.”

The couple chose to have an outdoor ceremony in the beautiful gardens, followed by an elegant ballroom reception featuring their favorite colors: purple and blue. “The theme was Black Royalty,” affirms the bride of their vision. “We selected all Black vendors to support Black-owned businesses during the pandemic.” 

To complement the theme, Naomi wore a crown and ball gown to feel like a queen, and Jordan wore all white. After their vows were exchanged and the emotional ceremony concluded, the newlyweds took part in the “Jumping the Broom” tradition to pay homage to their culture and legacy. “We wanted to maintain elegance and complement the castle with our own feel of simplicity, culture, and Black love,” she adds. 

Guests found their seating assignments for the dinner reception on navy blue-and-silver escort cards arranged on a table adorned with a towering centerpiece comprised of purple florals and suspended glass orbs holding tealights. Friends and family were seated atop gilt chairs surrounding round tables decorated with regal linens, centerpieces comprised of billowing blooms in ivory and lavender, and royal blue accents. Sunlight filled the space, and once the sun set, bright lavender lighting created a romantic ambience. 

Following the sit-down dinner service, guests enjoyed slices of a five-tier wedding cake decorated with silver pearls, flowers in white and navy blue, and the pair’s signature monogram, which was used throughout their wedding invitation suite and stationery. To ensure they could dance all night long, the bride removed her ball-gown skirt to reveal a stunning second look, and the groom changed into a custom purple suit. After hours of dancing, the celebration continued into the early morning at an after-party in the bridal suite. “Best day of our lives!” Naomi confirms.