Karina and Krzysztof got married on May 3, 2025, at Riverview Ballroom. When they set out to plan their wedding, a few things were non-negotiable: sunflowers everywhere, a skyline view that nodded to their Queens, NY roots, and a reception their guests would never forget. They found it all at Riverview Ballroom, where floor-to-ceiling views of the New York City skyline set the scene for a celebration bursting with yellow blooms and good energy. From sunflower centerpieces and bouquets to a room filled with blackjack tables, roulette, corn hole and board games, Karina and Kris made sure every detail reflected who they are and gave their guests plenty to talk about long after the last dance.
Their Story
“Kris and I met in our hometown of Queens, NY,” says Karina. “We were playing handball in the park when we first hit it off! We dated for a while, but we both had some growing up to do.”
“I left for college and he began his career working, but we always stayed in touch. After I graduated and moved back home, we reconnected and have been inseparable ever since!”
The Proposal
“Kris planned a trip to Aruba in the very same place we took our first vacation together as a couple. He walked me down the beach, got down on one knee, and popped the question. But the even bigger surprise came when I turned around to see both of our mothers! He flew them there to be part of this special moment.”
Choosing the Venue
“When Kris and I visited Riverview Ballroom, it was an instant and unanimous ‘yes’ from us both,” says Karina. “In addition to the beautiful ballrooms and extremely helpful staff, the incredible view across the Hudson River of the New York skyline was the deciding factor. What better choice to get married than with the place we first met right in the background?”
“The entire theme of the wedding centered around sunflowers – our primary color was yellow and sunflowers were used throughout all of the event: the stationery, centerpieces, bouquets and decor.”
“Sunflowers are a special flower to Kris and I and before wedding planning even began, we knew we’d want to have this bright, beautiful flower bring an overarching theme of happiness and positivity to our special day, and then to the rest of our lives together.”
Favorite Moment
“My favorite moment was during the ceremony. During wedding planning, I found a poem I wrote to Kris the year we first met! I never gave it to him, but all of those words were even more true 12 years later. I read the poem to him in front of all our friends and family before we said ‘I do’—there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!”
Element Photography
What Guests Loved
“Our guests really enjoyed the game stations during the reception! We felt it was important to have activities available besides dancing. We hired professional casino dealers who set up Blackjack and Roulette tables with “funny money” and the winners won a prize basket at the end of the night. We also had corn hole, beer pong, and board games, too!”
Wedding Day Attire
“I chose Florence by designer Made With Love for my wedding gown, purchased from Lovely Bride NYC,” says Karina. “Kris wore a custom-fitted tuxedo from Milano Designer Imports in Hoboken. The bridesmaids chose any style of dress they preferred in yellow chiffon from Revelry. The groomsmen wore suits from Men’s Warehouse with yellow shirts to match the ladies.”
Advice For Other Couples
“It’s very easy to become overwhelmed with decisions, finances, family, and everything else that goes into wedding planning. My advice would be for couples to keep their relationship as the top priority. Don’t put off the date nights or quality time or what you both like to do together—planning is in addition to your love, not instead of!”
Honeymoon
“Kris and I went to Maui, Hawaii for our honeymoon! We were there for eight full days, but we dreamed of staying forever! Some of the highlights were going on a snorkeling charter, watching the sunset on the Haleakala Volcano, participating in a luau, and completing the Road to Hana (including the four mile hike to a 400 foot waterfall at the end)!”
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