For over a year, I worked closely with Char + Sam—the incredible bride and groom—and Char’s parents to design a truly spectacular wedding for the loveliest couple. Everyone came to the table overflowing with ideas to make Char + Sam’s wedding unique, with a shared goal of curating every detail and thoughtfully considering the guest experience at every step. This vision resulted in a stunning ceremony setup, featuring crystal lights over the aisle and real trees to bring the outdoors in. When guests reentered for the reception, the aisle had been transformed into the head table, with candlelight glowing in every corner of the room. We also surprised guests with a big band reveal behind a curtain at the conclusion of dinner, and the band absolutely blew everyone away. It was truly an epic wedding for one of the best couples I know!

Can’t believe it’s been a YEAR since this gorgeous day. Happy anniversary, you two! Xo Olivia

All photos courtesy of Alisha Tova Photography.

The bride started her day with just her sister and mom in a suite at the Waldorf Astoria. Their late spring wedding date lent itself well to a cozy morning with Char’s favorite people. Claire Annette (the family’s longtime stylist) and Magda Rod Makeup provided hair & makeup services for the Carlton ladies.

The ladies got ready in their stunning attire (MOB’s pink gown was to die for!!!) and Char shared a sweet first look with her dad and brother.

After father & daughter had a few minutes solo, the kindest groom made his way to Char’s suite to see his bride. Mom and Dad peeked in.

The couple hopped into a black car with their photographer and popped around the city for a few sweet portraits. The bride’s bouquet is a sneak peek of the colors to come (!).

After portraits, the family met the couple at the stunning Theater on the Lake for an intimate ketubah ceremony while the vendor team put the finishing touches on the ceremony space.

Soon after, the traditional ceremony began and was full of family moments and meaningful Jewish traditions. One of my favorite decor pieces was the crisscrossing of a few family tallits above the couple in the chuppah. It was so lovely to include so many family heirlooms!

Cocktail hour was chock full of meaningful decor items including Char + Sam’s logo on cocktail napkins and other stationery pieces, created by the Father of the Bride.

White guests enjoyed cocktail hour, the vendor team flipped the ceremony into a stunningggg reception with lots of thoughtful details, including personalized stationery from the parents of the bride, colored glassware, two different linens and charger pairings and some fruit and veg in the floral arrangements.

The dining portion of the evening was punctuated by a FUN entrance, a private cake cutting (the raspberries!!!) and a glowy atmosphere.

We opted for a surprise reveal of the band behind the curtain and ushered guests into the stage area for a wild dance floor! The bride danced with her dad and new husband (and brought in her mom!) and she changed into a cute little party dress before a spectacular Hora. The entire wedding danced until the final minute. It was magic! Congrats, you two!