On Fourth of July Weekend 2016, Dale Borchiver and Nicolas Stabler rented houses in the Hamptons with their respective groups of friends to celebrate the holiday weekend. When both groups decided to attend a day party at Gurney’s Montauk, Dale and Nick’s lives were changed forever. It was a brief interaction which lead Nick to contact their mutual friend to help set them up. She invited him to her housewarming party that Dale would be attending, and shortly after, Nick and Dale had their first date. 

While living in New York City, Nick proposed to his beloved at Madison Square Park, where they would frequently “get fresh air” while quarantining during the pandemic. “He hired a photographer,” adds Dale of the memorable moments that were caught on camera. “It was the peak of the pandemic, so the streets were empty for our photo shoot!” 

They decided to get married in Los Angeles, as it’s where the groom is from and where they chose to settle down, moving to the city just months before the big day. To ensure the entire process went smoothly, the couple hired esteemed wedding planner Natalie Sofer of Natalie Sofer Weddings and Events. “Our planner Natalie had a goal of making the planning process enjoyable and as stress-free as possible, even though we had to postpone due to Covid,” confirms Dale. 

On the day of the late October ceremony, Dale was beautiful in a flowing gown from Mark Ingram Atelier that she paired with chic matching gloves. Desiring an all-white alfresco ceremony, the bride walked down an elevated, runway-style aisle to meet her groom beneath an exquisite chuppah adorned with creamy florals. “It added some drama but also made it easier for everyone to see!” affirms Dale of the Jewish ceremony décor. “We will never forget the feeling of hearing each other’s vows for the first time,” she adds. “There wasn’t a dry eye under that chuppah – all of our parents were crying.” 

“The energy of the bride and groom really set the tone for the party. If you’re having the time of your life and dancing the night away, the dance floor will be packed until the very end!”

During cocktail hour, friends and family enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres as well as a sushi and sashimi station before finding their seating assignments by way of a large acrylic seating chart displayed on a black backdrop decorated with vanilla-toned flowers and candles at the base. Once they entered the reception space, a black-and-white design concept beautifully transformed the ballroom wedding space. “We were going for ‘city chic,’ bringing elements of New York City to Los Angeles,” describes the bride. 

Round and rectangular tables were surrounded by either ebony or translucent oval-backed chairs and decorated with modern crystal candelabra, low arrangements of ivory blossoms, or tall geometric centerpieces accented with snowy blooms. Each guest’s place setting showcased an elegant black-and-white menu and corresponding place card, an alabaster napkin topped with a single phalaenopsis orchid, and matte midnight flatware. 

Following a sit-down dinner service, loved ones hit the dance floor. A live wedding band entertained friends and family for hours; however, one of the most exciting moments of the night was a special hora. “We did a Canadian-style hora, which really shocked everyone,” shares Dale – who hails from Toronto – of the tradition that includes tossing the bride and groom in the air from a sheet, followed by the chair raising everyone knows and loves. To keep guests’ palates satiated into the night, slices from a modern, contemporary wedding cake decorated with an artistic display of sugar vines were served. 

The rest of the night was spent experiencing the revelry the couple had anticipated for over a year. Having had the best day and night ever, Dale suggests other couples do the same: “The energy of the bride and groom really set the tone for the party. If you’re having the time of your life and dancing the night away, the dance floor will be packed until the very end! So be present, have fun, and the party will follow.”