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Alyssa and Leo at Art Factory

Posted on December 27, 2019 by Ariana Baio


We met in 2012 on a trip called Birthright. It’s a trip to Israel for Jewish young adults. I turned around on the bus the first day in Israel to introduce myself to whoever was sitting behind me and that’s where I met Leo!

We went to Seafarer in Highlands, New Jersey for happy hour, like we usually do. It’s an amazing boho-chic outdoor bar with hammocks, fire pits, and tons of twinkle lights overlooking Sandy Hook Bay and the NYC skyline. “Everybody Talks” by Neon Trees was playing over the speakers. After our Birthright trip we drove all the way to Wisconsin on a road trip and this became our road trip song. Then, Leo got down on one knee. I was so surprised!

Our theme went perfectly with our industrial venue. We kept it simple and used a lot of greenery like eucalyptus and geometric details.

Art Factory is an amazing industrial venue with tons of exposed brick walls and Edison light bulbs. It’s a Brooklyn loft without having to go all the way to Brooklyn! We used the industrial feel of the venue and lots of vintage furniture such as a library card catalog to display family photos as a memory table.

Due to our family’s dietary needs we had a kosher wedding. Ours guests didn’t believe there was no dairy in any of the desserts! Our cocktail hour had a few stations such as mini tacos, a sushi bar, spring rolls, and chicken and waffles. Our sit down appetizer was a citrus salmon over farro, and the entree was a duet of chicken and short rib in a merlot sauce. Some of the non-dairy desserts were choco tacos, mini chipwiches, cotton candy, a soft pretzel bar and a vanilla naked cake.

I knew I wanted a light, flowy gown to compliment the dark industrial venue we picked. I went with the “Charlene” gown by Maggie Sottero. It has an intricate beaded bodice and a flowy ivory tulle skirt on top of a blush underskirt.

Our first look was perfect! It’s funny we both had the same exact reaction to seeing each other, and I’m so happy our amazing photographer captured it.

Many people are in the fence about a first look, but I’m so glad we did one. It was a moment just for us before the rest of the became really busy.

A few minor decor details went wrong, but the guests did not know it was supposed to be any different. For example, the decorations for the tables were forgotten and not put out so we only had our flower arrangements and no candle sticks, tea lights, or geometric details.

“Everybody Talks” by Neon Trees

Stay on top of vendors who are not so quick to respond. I tried to keep in mind that I know they are busy, but they were also hired to do a job. Also, many things can go wrong, but your guests will not even know!

We got married in September 2019, but because I am a teacher we will be going on our honeymoon summer 2020 to three islands in Greece!

the details

Hometowns

Long Branch, NJ

Reception Location

Art Factory

Photographer

Thatwerks Photography

Bride’s Gown

Maggie Sottero

Bride’s Shoes

Nina

+ more