Rachel and Chris got married at The Grove on September 8, 2024.

Their Story

Chris and Rachel actually hit it off at a wedding!

“We had known each other because he’s my best friend’s cousin but we never really spoke before then,” says Rachel. “We started flirting and next thing I know, he told me we would get married one day!”

They didn’t hang out again for a few months but his prediction came true!

The Proposal

Chris told Rachel that they were going to the city for brunch, which she figured was just a cover.

After brunch, their next stop was a rooftop where the proposal was set up. “I was definitely surprised!” she says.

Choosing the Venue

“We chose The Grove because we had heard about the wonderful food and service there! We also needed somewhere that could hold over 500 people,” says Rachel.

Details of the Day

The couple went with a modern black theme with white florals.

Detail They Couldn’t Live Without

“Our singer made the night unforgettable,” says Rachel. “The dance floor was jam-packed the entire night!”

“Also, our sweetheart table stage and backdrop/florals were spectacular,” she adds. “We had the best florist who was incredible to work with! I had so much fun planning with him.”

Favorite Moment

“Our after party was so much fun!” says Rachel. “We had a bottle service sign made with my new last name and we had bottles come out like we were in a 2000s NYC club!”

Wedding Day Attire

Rachel purchased her dress from Seng Couture and had them make fully custom lace sleeves, a detachable flower that went on the back of the dress but became a shoulder strap when she took off the lace sleeves, and an overskirt for when she bustled the dress.

“I had two totally different looks with one dress,” says Rachel.

Chris wore a bespoke tuxedo from Y2 Collections. He had two jackets made—one double-breasted for the ceremony, and one velvet for the reception.

Advice For Other Couples

“Enjoy the moment and come to your wedding day with ENERGY!” says Rachel. “It makes the world of a difference if the bride and groom are having a good time. If people see you having fun, they will have fun too!”

Honeymoon

The newlyweds went to South Africa and Seychelles. They started in Capetown, shot over to Franschhoek for wine country and ended the South Africa leg of the trip in a luxurious tent (kind size bed and full bathroom) at Greater Kruger National Park where they got to go out on game drives to see animals in the wild.

“It was the most incredible experience of my entire life,” says Rachel. “After all that adventure, we ended the trip at the most beautiful beach in the world.”