As she peeked out to get a glimpse of the ethereal ceremony setting, Hilary’s excitement grew. “I was blown away by the gorgeous chuppah that [my florist] designed for us,” explains the bride. “We wanted the space to feel romantic and lush, and we accomplished just that with the gorgeous array of flowers.” The area was meticulously crafted including an airy tent with frothy fabric and crystal-cut chandeliers draped delicately from the ceiling, breathtaking hedges and towers of twisted, blooming roses, and an aisle perfectly lined with bunches of bright white roses. Lounge areas – for mingling before the start of the service – included ivory leather couches with throw pillows in a pattern that mimicked the verdant landscape of the luxurious hotel property. A majestic chuppah covered in thousands of vanilla roses, hydrangeas, and orchids created a romantic spot to exchange vows.
Wearing a classic black tuxedo with bow tie, complemented by a stephanotis blossom boutonniere, the groom awaited his bride. Bridesmaids clothed in sable gowns in alternating styles held lush cream bouquets. Finally, Hilary smiled at guests and focused on Max as she made her grand entrance on the arms of her parents to the sounds of “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel. The sweetheart-cut bodice of her bridal dress showcased glistening embroidery and beaded detail that was also handsewn down the length of the skirt, while a diamond bracelet watch and emerald-and-diamond drop earrings – borrowed from her mother – held a sparkle all their own. “I told her which earrings I wanted to wear [on the big day] and she immediately thought of adding her watch, which went perfectly with my look,” confirms Hilary.
Though the couple had a "first look" and spent time with their bridal party – even coolly walking the town streets wearing stylish sunglasses for memorable portraits – prior to the ceremony, it was an emotional moment as they met beneath the grand structure with their immediate families. “It was a really amazing feeling finally seeing Max that day. With all the stress of getting ready and the tight timeline, I felt a huge sense of calm once I saw my husband-to-be – like, ‘Phew, now I can relax and enjoy the rest of the day!’” the bride says.
After Hilary and Max said their “I dos” and completed the traditional Jewish wedding customs, the newlyweds led the way to an area for cocktails. A section of the patio had been beautifully decorated with an elaborate white bar bedecked in fresh flowers. Tall tables were enveloped in greenery and florals and statuesque orchid arrangements stood proudly on each end of the bar surface. Additional tables made of rose gold were also available for guests’ comfort, as well as a lovely component of the design scheme. An unexpected décor element was the collection of dangling calla lilies seen above the escort card table.
The impressive aesthetic continued right through to the reception, where loved ones found their place at either glass-topped rectangular tables with artfully designed chairs or circular tables covered in cream textured linens and surrounded by cushioned seats with rose-gold frames. Each tablescape was exquisitely set with bullion-rimmed stemware and chargers, candles, and assortments of amazing centerpiece displays. Hundreds of individual garden roses in full bloom were suspended from the ceiling. “The ballroom was completely transformed. We wanted the room to feel less formal and more like an intimate celebration,” shares Max. Personalized menu cards sat atop each plate and described the scrumptious dinner service forthcoming.
Following dinner and toasts from the bride and groom’s parents, the attention of attendees was redirected to Hilary and Max as they cut into their wedding cake. Each layer boasted either edible sugar flowers or florid ganache designs. “We alternated the cake flavors, so I could have the vanilla buttercream and Max could enjoy the chocolate caramel,” says Hilary. Later, the bride changed into an elegant fitted dress, ideal for the dancing to ensue the remainder of the evening.
As the night went on, sweets, sliders, French fries, and chicken and waffles made their way around the custom-designed dance floor emblazoned with the newlyweds’ monogram. The merriment was contagious as the blissful couple laughed with family and friends and danced nonstop to ’90s hip-hop. At the conclusion of the festivities, Hilary and Max provided additional treats to loved ones, including Cuban cigars, cordial carts, and a fanciful chocolate garden.