Does having a small, intimate wedding always result in a stress-free day?
From experience, I can say NO!
David and I had a tiny wedding and we had our fair share of anxious moments and hilarious snafus.
Happily, The Piglet and Frenchie broke that mold. They hoped for a calm, joyful day of love, a day in contrast to the crazybusy lives that they as NYC dwellers live – and that’s exactly what they received.
There were no rehearsal dinners, no formal invites, no showers or gift registrations – just two people sharing the love they have for each other.
An elopement of sorts – but with parents and siblings in attendance.
Our younger daughter, Decibel, served as a maid of honor and — as a hair and makeup artist — has a vast knowledge of the matrimonial ropes.
But The Piglet and Frenchie didn’t want a long engagement — they’ve been together for four years and felt that was enough of a wait — thereby alleviating Decibel’s duties as a “traditional” maid of honor.
What she could do was what she does best, create a visually stunning wedding for her sister.
Decibel works with some of New York City’s finest photographers, and hired the best to capture the essence of the happy couple.
And because she knows The Piglet better than anyone (okay, except Frenchie), together they came up with a simple, yet chic look for the big day.
The preparations weren’t completely without tradition.
I got to tag along for some of them; the finding of the perfect dress and, my favorite, getting ready in the hours before the tying of the knot.
To be with my girls in those special moments was pure joy.
Watching Decibel work her magic with The Piglet’s look, then affixing my grandmother’s jewelry in her hair, brought happy tears to my eyes. And though it had been many a year since I’d dressed The Piglet, it felt like the most natural thing in the world to me.
It would have been greedy of me to wish for more than those two hours of laughter, love and — because it was us — goofiness in one day, but there was so much more to come.
Photo: Kimberly Coccagnia
Arriving at City Hall by taxi, The Piglet burst out to find Frenchie and his parents waiting with David.
Frenchie’s mother burst as well – into tears.
It took just one of her should-be patented hugs to have me joining in the waterworks (I had held mine back to plain welling-up until that moment) and Piglet wasn’t far behind.
While standing on on the steps of New York City Hall it occurred to me that the site should be a major tourist attraction (and I’ve seen a lot of tourist attractions!).
I could easily see spending a day people watching on those stairs, eye-stalking the hundreds of happy couples preparing for their nuptials.
But on this day I was too preoccupied with my own happy couple to give the others much heed.
There is quite a bit of waiting involved in a City Hall wedding, but the wait was never dull. All of our senses were completely engaged while reveling in the historic, retro setting.
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| David & Frenchie | The Mommys – still hugging! |
Entering the Hall, The Piglet and Frenchie took a ticket similar to those spit out at the DMV or a deli counter. Then, when the big train station-like panel lit up their magic number, they headed to a counter to submit their paperwork.
Photo: Kimberly Coccagnia
With that squared away, we were led to a large round room to await the big moment in a loose queue of other wedding parties.
It was like a bridal fashion show with the many dresses represented and, of course, I deemed The Piglet’s ensemble the most stunning.
In David and my eyes, there has never been a more beautiful bride.
The Piglet is a modern woman who shuns the notion of being “given away” (rightfully so in my book too!) and, since there was no rehearsal, David was tearfully touched when she asked him to escort her through the door and into the officiant’s office.
Together, they made the few small steps to the front of the room.
In that tiny office, while she laughed and cried at the same time, we watched our over-the-moon-beaming daughter marry the man she loves.
And, in that moment, we gained a son – a man we’ve grown to love as our own.
(I can’t convey my feelings through the written word sufficiently here, but let it be known I’m bawling my eyes out as I type this.)
The ceremony was quick (maybe ten minutes) and it was all it needed to be.
It was perfect.
From City Hall, The Piglet and her Frenchie began their walk — as partners in life, as family, as their own Nation of Two — through the city they love.
Veronica, GypsyNester.com
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Love it! its good for everyone. Your account on reading is so full of great insights.
I love it when the bride has exactly the kind of wedding she wants, whether that be traditional, unconventional, or anything in between. Love the taxi/bride photo!
They got hitched without a hitch. 😉
The picture of the gorgeous bride bouncing out of the taxi is fabulous! The joy!!!
Love that one too!
Congratulations! What a gorgeous couple! I especially love the photo of your daughter stepping out of the taxi – just beautiful!
Thanks Michele, we love that one too!
Absolutely beautiful! Many good wishes and blessings to all. A wonderful record for a beautiful bride and handsome groom.
Thank you so much Ursula!
Congratulations! The photos are just terrific. I especially like the one of the Piglet & Frenchie with David beaming in the background. Looks like it was a wonderful day for your family!
It definitely was Sue, thanks!
So lovely. Congratulations to ALL! And thank you for sharing it so beautifully.
Congratulations to the happy couple! And thanks for sharing the day with us. It definitely made me tear up. What lovely photos.
Awww… Katy – thanks! We are so pleased with the photographer – she really caught the magic.
Congratulations, ‘nesters! Beautiful family and truly stunning wedding photos.
Thanks Lesley!
What a beautiful couple! Congratulations on this blessed event~
We’re kind of fond of both of them. 😉 Thanks so much Irene – and happy new year!
What a beautiful day. The dress is gorgeous. Although all the pictures are great, bursting from the cab is my favorite.
Love that one too – it captures her vibrant personality.
I feel like I was an invited guest! Beautiful day for the newlyweds and family. I absolutely love the wedding dress. A stress-free wedding … what a novel idea. All the best to the happy couple.
Stress-free rocks! And we knew it was the perfect dress as soon as we saw it. Thanks Cathy!
I loved this! It gave me the chills! I thank you for sharing this unique and inspiring wedding. I cried too. My 27 year old unmarried independent “princess” will love to read this too!
Thanks Suzanne! A little inspiration maybe? 😉
There’s something in my eye! Just lovely! Intimate, simple, joyous! Congrats to all!
Awww… I felt that way all day!
Congratulations to Frenchie and Piglet (such a beautiful bride!). Thank you for sharing this wonderful day! (sniff sniff)
Isn’t she? She’s beautiful inside and out!
Beautiful daughter, beautiful wedding and beautiful story from you. All done!
Happy New Year.
Thanks Debi! And happy new year to you too!
Congrats to the bride & groom!
Thanks Ann!
Beautiful. I too have tears in my eyes reading your description of Piglet’s wedding.
We are so happy, thanks Donna!
What a beautiful, special, memory-filled day – thank you for sharing a taste of it! So very lovely.
My pleasure Laurel! It’s great to share such a happy moment. 🙂
What a perfectly magical day. Thanks for sharing your happiness with us. Congratulations to the beautiful couple and the rest of the family!
Thanks Becky – love to share happiness!
This was pure fun to read. What a happy day.
Thanks Kim! It WAS a happy day – and here’s to many more!
So beautiful! What a simple and smart way to marry. Congratulations and best wishes to one and all! Thank you for sharing the joy.
Thanks, it was a great day!
A wonderful account (narrative and photos) of a wonderful day. Congratulations to Piglet, Frenchie and their loved ones.
Thanks Suzanne, everything about it was nearly perfect.