When Lindsay Tillis and Seth Levine first met, they had a professional relationship. Lindsay worked for the public relations company that represented Seth’s first restaurant, so despite an initial attraction, they didn’t pursue anything romantic. The pair kept in touch over the years and finally had their first official date in 2016. “By date number three we were inseparable,” Lindsay muses.

They were living together six months later, and Seth soon knew he wanted to propose. However, as a traditionalist, he desired her parents’ blessings first. “I didn’t want to call to ask if I could speak with them, because that would have given it away,” he explains. The hopeful groom-to-be knew his future in-laws love caviar, and as a chef it was believable to say he had been given some of the delicacy that he chose to share with them. “Once I was in their apartment, I said I wanted to talk to them about something other than just the caviar,” Seth reveals. “I think they saw it coming, but they couldn’t have been more supportive and excited!”

Later, Seth told Lindsay that he offered to help a celebrity friend film a food-focused video at Pier A in New York. “I immediately said I wanted to go also!” Lindsay exclaims. “I got my hair and nails done the day of, wanting to look my best for the ‘shoot,’ and suspected absolutely nothing.” Seth told her to meet him at a restaurant, which happened to be the place where she first realized she loved him. The hostess brought her upstairs and told her to “follow the roses,” which led out to a balcony where her beloved was waiting. “I was in such shock and so overwhelmingly thrilled that I barely remember what he said. I just remember lots of tears, hugging and kissing, and Seth getting down on one knee,” she reflects.

The couple knew they wanted a short engagement and were elated that they were able to book a date at a famed wedding venue, The Plaza Hotel, in only six months. Because the groom is an executive chef at a hotel in Long Island City, he was very familiar with wedding planning. “I loved every minute of our process and was involved with everything – except her dress of course,” he shares. Together, as a team, they were able to create their perfect day. “We were very lucky that we had a clear vision of what we wanted our wedding to be, and that our families shared that vision and helped make it a reality,” Lindsay confirms.

“We were very lucky that we had a clear vision of what we wanted our wedding to be, and that our families shared that vision and helped make it a reality.”

A classic color scheme of ivory and gold was befitting of the iconic venue. A golden mirrored aisle led the way under several lush arches full of creamy blossoms until it reached the matching chuppah. During the Jewish wedding ceremony, the rabbi spoke of the idea of two halves of a soul born at different times coming together in marriage. “It was a very poignant, special moment,” affirms the bride.

Once at their reception tables, Lindsay wanted to make sure that guests would be able to easily interact with one another, so the oversized, overflowing floral arrangements were displayed via long, thin bases that did not obstruct anyone’s views. The centerpieces were formed with phalaenopsis orchids, peonies, calla lilies, roses, hydrangeas, sweet peas, garden roses, and snapdragons, all in elegant shades of white. The long tables featured short arrangements of the same blooms, meant to blend together almost like a floral runner.

For Lindsay and Seth it was the “firsts” that stuck out the most throughout their big day. “The first dance is my favorite part of every wedding,” the bride declares. Instead of taking lessons or practicing choreography, they focused on each other and finding a song they connected to – ultimately selecting “Feels Like Home” by Chantal Kreviazuk. “We spent the entire song basically hugging each other, laughing, and looking into one another’s eyes,” Lindsay reminisces. Seth, on the other hand, most treasures the “first look.” He remembers, “She looked like a princess and truly took my breath away; it was very emotional.”

Though some couples express feeling stressed when planning their nuptials, the bride and groom truly enjoyed it all and advise engaged pairs to take in every moment. In addition to appreciating the whole process, the newlyweds followed the suggestion of a dear friend and recommend other lovebirds do the same. “Make sure you stick together,” Lindsay says. “Not only does it make everything seem less overwhelming, but it also helps you remember that this night is first and foremost about you and your new husband.”