Abby and Tanya tied the knot on August 13, 2023 at the Madison Hotel.

Their Story

Once upon a time, a duck proposed to a flamingo, and the flamingo said “yes.” It sounds like a sweet cartoon love story—it’s also the real-life tale of Abby Lee and Tanya Velasquez (nicknamed Ducky and Flamingo), who met in their very first semester of college.

“I thought she was cute,” recalls Abby. “We just clicked.” Soon, they were hanging out daily. “It was very natural,” says Tanya. “We’re both big little kids, and we bring out each other’s playfulness.”

The pair stayed together through school and afterward as they began their careers. (Abby is a video producer for the ASPCA and Tanya is an assistant designer for a major retailer.)

The Proposal

An artist, Abby has often depicted herself as a duck in drawings, and it seemed natural to draw her pink-loving partner as a flamingo. “That’s our thing,” she says.

And so, on their 13th dating anniversary in 2020, as they wandered New York’s Old Westbury Gardens, Abby surprised Tanya with a video of her animated alter ego popping the question. “I started bawling,” Tanya says.

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Details of the Day

“I love botanic gardens, greenhouses, conservatories,” says Tanya. “I looked at everything near and far that fit.” Birds were an extension of the theme, and when the couple saw the Madison Hotel, they were struck by how it resembled a giant birdcage. It was a bit of a drive for the Queens, New York, residents, but no closer venue had the same magic.

A tropical vibe defined the day. The bright, glass-enclosed venue was filled with lush greenery and floral displays in yellow, orange and pale pink.

“We wanted wild and chaotic elements combined with refined details,” says Tanya. Of course, duck-and-flamingo renderings were all around—from the cake topper to the candy favors.

The DJ played the couple’s favorite music—adult contemporary for Abby; Spanish music, dance, pop and hip-hop for Tanya. So much fun was had that, late night, the police came and had them turn the music volume down.

Bridal Style

Abby worked with tailored-suit company Bindle & Keep for the perfect orange suit, complete with a tiger-print lining.

Tanya found a Martina Liana gown she customized by adding sleeves—just two days before the wedding. “I don’t do anything in advance!” she says.

Guests came decked out in tropical prints and Hawaiian shirts.

Incorporating Their Pets

The couple’s dog, Kipper, had his own Hawaiian shirt for the wedding photos. Other special guests, four of Abby’s pet beetles, were displayed in a terrarium. Brief drama ensued when the beetles escaped during the party, but all were found safe.

Favorite Moment

Both agree that walking down the aisle on August 13, 2023 took their breath away. “I saw her, I saw family,” says Tanya. “The sun was shining into the conservatory, and everything was glowing.”

Abby echoed the thought. “When the doors open and all the diverse people you’ve collected [in life] are smiling at you…it’s really nice.”

Honeymoon

The couple spent a week in Aruba, where they befriended many animals, including, naturally, flamingos.

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