A Lush and Romantic Tuscan-Inspired Wedding at Chelsea Square in New York City
“Honestly, we were inseparable from the start. It felt like we’d known each other forever,” Rayna says of first meeting with Ryan. She and Ryan found each other on the dating app, Hinge, and the two fell in love not long after. When it came time for a proposal, Ryan brought their dog, Remi, in on the plan. Rayna says, “We were at home in our apartment, surrounded by flowers, and he had Remi wear a sign that said, 'Will you marry my dad?’ It was the sweetest touch and made the proposal feel even more personal.” This intimate proposal ended with a night on the town at one of their favorite spots in New York City, The Polo Bar, and a bottle of vintage champagne.
Though they wanted a wedding in New York City, Ryan and Rayna hoped to transport guests to Europe with a Tuscan theme. It was also important for the two to incorporate their Jewish traditions into the day. That’s why finding the right venue that could blend the old-world charm of their theme and have enough space for custom elements was key. “From the very beginning, I knew I wanted something different—something that wasn’t the typical New York City hotel ballroom wedding,” Rayna says. That was where Chelsea Square came into play. The bride continues, “For the ceremony, my vision was clear: An outdoor garden wedding surrounded by greenery and florals that would make everyone feel like they were stepping into the most beautiful, lush garden.” Though the weather presented a small challenge on the day, a clear tent on the venue’s lawn allowed guests a view of the trees above.
With a “soft and romantic” color palette of ivory, blush, light pink tones and gold accents, the couple’s wedding pros incorporated these hues throughout the decor, flowers and signage. Like the chuppah at the ceremony, the flower arrangements had a mix of roses and dahlias with fresh greenery to complement the lighter shades. The flowers, in particular, played a huge role in this dreamy garden setting. “I knew from the start that I wanted the flowers to be lush, romantic and abundant, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere,” Rayna says.
As for Rayna’s wedding day look, she found a timeless and elegant dress in Manhattan store. Designed by Leah Da Gloria, the gown not only felt like it was made for her, but Rayna says, “The intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship of the dress were breathtaking, but it was the way it made me feel—radiant and comfortable—that truly sealed the deal.” For the reception, the bride wanted a second look that would allow her to dance the night away, so she opted for a short Milla Nova dress with the right amount of chicness and playfulness to fit the upbeat vibes.
One aspect of the day that Rayna and Ryan looked forward to most was the ceremony itself. Married by a rabbi under the chuppah, the walk down the aisle proved emotional for the bride, seeing her husband-to-be in his wedding day attire. She says, “The fact that we were surrounded by the people we love, saying our vows and officially becoming husband and wife was incredibly meaningful.”
After the unforgettable ceremony, guests were led to the cocktail hour, where personalized touches awaited, including a special appearance from the newlyweds’ pup. “We had custom napkins featuring the cutest photo of our dog, which was a fun and personal detail that brought a smile to everyone's face,” Rayna says. This display was next to their “his” and “hers” drink bar sign, which showcased an old fashioned and dirty martini cocktail.
The reception space was inside Chelsea Square’s Gothic grand hall. With its old-world architecture and gold vaulted ceiling, their wedding team made the space breathtaking with a plethora of flowers and soft candlelight. “The soft flicker of the candles reflected off the gold ceiling, creating an ethereal, glowing effect that completely transformed the room,” the bride says. In this room, one of the couple’s favorite moments happened—the Hora dance, which was accompanied with a live band encouraging guests to get on the dance floor.
This celebration with their closest friends and family was also full of nods to New York City. Rayna says, “As the night went on, our guests were treated to espresso martini shots and New York City’s famous Joe’s pizza—two of our favorites. It felt like the perfect late-night treat.” To wrap up the night, the bride and groom gave guests cookies from Levain Bakery, a beloved NYC staple, as a delicious parting gift.
Getting to create lasting memories with their loved ones was one of their favorite parts of the day, and something they say came to fruition because they focused on what was authentic to them as a couple. They offer this piece of advice for to-be-weds, “This is your day, and it should reflect your personality, your love story and the things that truly matter to you both. And when the day finally arrives, remember to take a deep breath, soak it all in and don’t stress over the little things.”