1. Real Weddings

A Romantic, Rustic Chic Wedding at Brooklyn Winery in Brooklyn, New York

Emma Walton (27 and an actor and manager at Cafe Cluny) and Jesse Shapell (29 and manger at Isa Restaurant) planned a laid-back, rustic chic affair fo

Emma Walton (27 and an actor and manager at Cafe Cluny) and Jesse Shapell (29 and manger at Isa Restaurant) planned a laid-back, rustic chic affair for their early summer wedding in Brooklyn, NY with a color palette of coral, cream, blue-green and gold hues. Wanting the day to have a distinct Brooklyn vibe, Emma and Jesse decided to host the affair at Brooklyn Winery in the heart of Williamsburg. The rustic wooden bar and furnishings, exposed brick, succulent wall garden and a reputation for delicious food and impeccable service provided the ultimate setting for the celebration.

The day kicked off with a short and sweet ceremony in the Atrium, in which the couple exchanged heartfelt vows they’d written themselves and excerpts from Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 116” and Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre” were read. As an extra special touch, Emma and Jesse asked their close friend Zenith Richards to officiate. Playing up the venue, wine barrels topped topped with lush floral arrangements framed the couple as they said their “I do’s” and lush green garlands were placed along the length of the aisle.

The newlyweds and their guests then enjoyed cocktail hour in the main bar, where they nibbled on fresh seasonal eats and imbibed house-made wines. Arrangements of coral garden roses and vibrant pink peonies filled the room, their vibrancy filling the rustic room with energy, color and life. Dinner took place back in the Atrium, which had been completely transformed with wooden farm tables, charming vintage china and bunches of romantic roses, wildflowers and peonies. “I love peonies because they have such lush texture and warm color,” says Emma. “They embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage!” Taper candles set in antiqued brass candlesticks cast a warm, ambient glow over the intimate space, sending the romantic vibes through the roof. 

With peonies being Emma’s favorite flowers, the beautiful bloom was bound to make an appearance in the bride-to-be’s bouquet. The lush arrangement featured peonies, garden roses, anemones, tulips, ranunculuses and wildflowers for a romantic, yet playful look. “I love peonies because they have such lush texture and warm color,” says Emma. “They embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage!”
Emma let her bridesmaids have fun with their wedding day look by letting them choose their own dresses in a lively shade of coral. The diversity among their dresses played up the day’s laid-back feel, while bringing a bright punch of color and personality to the ceremony.
Emma and Jesse looked to bunches of textured, peach, ivory and coral flowers to bring their rustic reception tables to life. Mercury glass vases ran the length of the table, bearing cascades of roses, wildflowers, peonies, vines and leaves. To create a sense of cohesion between each of the decor elements, the pair dressed the tables with vintage floral dinnerware.
It didn’t take long for Emma to find the perfect gown for her “I do’s.” The bride-to-be was instantly drawn to a White by Vera Wang design at David’s Bridal with its dramatic organza ruffles and soft draped detailing. To let the gorgeous gown take center stage, she completed the look with a simple elbow-length veil and her mother’s pearl earrings.
Emma and Jesse kicked off the celebrations with a ceremony in the Atrium, in which they exchanged heartfelt vows they’d written themselves and excerpts from Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 116” and Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre” were read. As an extra special touch, Emma and Jesse asked their close friend Zenith Richards to officiate. Playing up the venue, wine barrels topped topped with lush floral arrangements framed the couple as they said their “I do’s” and lush green garlands were placed along the length of the aisle.
From the reception tables to Brooklyn Winery’s zinc-topped bar, arrangements of peonies, roses and wildflowers in brilliant shades of pink, coral rose and cream were incorporated throughout to add a pop of color to the venue’s cool rustic event spaces.
Emma and Jesse’s two closest friends took the reigns on the stationery, creating original designs and illustrations for a touch of personalized flair. The escort cards mirrored the venue’s overall rustic feel, with the names of each guest hand-lettered onto kraft paper and dressed up with with elegant, vintage-inspired flourishes.
While guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the Brooklyn Winery’s main bar, the Atrium was transitioned for the reception. Long wooden farm tables joined the ranks of rustic touches, like the succulent garden wall, bringing character and personality to the light-filled space. Centerpieces filled with coral and pink flowers added a playful pop of color to the room, while details like brass candlesticks and vintage floral china introduced an element of old world charm to the decor.
Lael Cakes whipped up a three-tiered, gluten-free and vegan wedding cake for Emma and Jesse’s reception. The confection reflected the decor’s rustic done through textured buttercream frosting and delicate greenery adorning each layer. For a note of playfulness, they topped the cake with an E and J cake topper, each letter displaying a fun, graphic print.