Real Weddings:
Patti and Christian’s Wedding at The Prospect Park Boathouse
featuring Heather Waraksa Photography
Patti and Christian planned an incredibly romantic wedding at The Prospect Park Boathouse in Brooklyn, NY (one of our all time favorite venues, by the way!). We are obsessed with the classic details and gorgeous colors that Patti chose! Heather Waraksa Photography is an incredible photographer on the top of our list of faves, so it’s no surprise that we’re obsessed with these gorgeous images! With details like that Jenny Packham gown and those florals by Violet and Verde we are seriously doing the happy dance over here!
What made the wedding special and unique?
Ten years ago Christian sat on the back steps of the Prospect Park Boathouse with one of his 1st grade students during a school trip. He asked Christian if he had kids, if he was married and Christian replied saying no to both, but that maybe in the future that would change. Walking down the aisle and saying our vows to each other just steps away from that spot ten years ago was a reminder of our own individual life journeys, which ultimately led us to each other.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
I was with my mom and sister, who were town for a girls wedding planning weekend, and Gabriella in SoHo was our 3rd stop. I knew I wanted a dress that gave a nod to the past while still being contemporary. Feminine, but not frilly. It had to have character and stand out, but more in the details than the dress overall. Jenny Packham’s ‘Nicole’ definitely fit the bill, I felt incredible in it, and when I saw my mom’s and sister’s expressions, I knew it was the one!
What were some touches added to make it personal?
We met in Brooklyn, fell in love here, and planned to start our lives together in Brooklyn. Half of our guests were from out of town, so it meant so much to us that our family and friends could come see where we live. Plus, you can’t beat Brooklyn in June. Prospect Park was in full bloom, and much to the surprise of our guests, they never imagined such a beautiful place could exist in a big bustling city.
Our wedding was a very intimate affair. Every single person on the guest list played a part in helping us become the people we are today, so as a thank you, we expressed our gratitude in writing on the back of our programs. It was also framed and placed at the entrance. We also made custom tote bags marking that day in Brooklyn for our guests to remember after the wedding.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
The ceremony was by far the most memorable part of the day for us. We felt an overwhelming sense of joy to share the ultimate expression of love and commitment with our family and friends. Seeing the faces of our family and friends as my brother walked me down the aisle to Christian’s father marrying us to cracking up at how nervous we both felt to the moment we kissed and faced the people we loved the most. We felt truly blessed, and it’s a moment we’ll never forget.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
A summertime bike ride from Greenport to Shelter Island by ferry led us to Sunset Beach, where we escaped an afternoon shower over rosé and nicoise salads. The rain stopped and we decided to take a walk on the beach and luckily for us the rain chased all the beach goers away. It was just us, the beach and a proposal waiting to happen. He stopped, got down on one knee, and asked the question I knew I was born to answer with a yes.
Vendors: Photography: Heather Waraksa Photography // Venue: The Prospect Park Boathouse, Brooklyn, NY // Stationery: Annie Clark via Minted.com // Dress designer: Jenny Packham // Bridesmaid dresses: Monique Lhuillier // Florist: Violet and Verde // Musicians: DJ RT via Scratch Weddings // Bridesmaid gifts: Kate Spade // Hair and Makeup: VickyC5 // Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Tote bag: Conventiontotes.com // Cake: Moveable Feast