Cupid's Arrows in Manursing Island Club: The Ballad of Patricia and Andrew

Love Story

It was a chance encounter, the kind that romantic movies are made of. Patricia, a Manhattan socialite, and Andrew, a dashing Californian, found themselves drawn together at a friend's destination wedding in the idyllic Mexican beach town of Tulum. Little did they know that amidst the swaying palms and ocean breezes, Cupid's arrow was poised to strike.

In Patricia's words, "After months of courting me, I finally gave in and joined him as his +1 for a friend's wedding in Charlotte. The rest was history." With every stolen glance and lingering touch, Patricia and Andrew's connection deepened, blossoming like a rare desert flower amidst the arid sands. Their love grew resilient and unbreakable, a bond that would weather any storm life might bring.

In a whirlwind of passion, the smitten couple canceled their return flights, boldly embarking on a spontaneous romantic adventure. They secured a quaint house in Charleston for two blissful weeks, allowing their connection to blossom in the intimate setting. As the world slowed to a halt, their love story unfolded at a dizzying pace, propelled by the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic.

“Drew proposed in October 2022 in Newport Beach at one of our favorite spots – Balboa Bay Club. He got down on one knee surrounded by flowers on the dock from which we then went on a private boat along with the photographer so we could have a moment to ourselves. Upon
returning there were friends and the bride’s sister waiting to surprise the couple,” shares the bride. “We celebrated with drinks and then all went to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. It was the perfect day!”

Patricia and Andrew's dream wedding was envisioned as "a fun dinner party with a great band!" They wanted a warm aesthetic with a neutral base and sage green accents, mood lighting, and a room full of flickering candles to create an inviting, romantic ambiance.

Their wedding took place on October 13, 2023, with the ceremony at Rye Presbyterian Church in Rye, NY, and the reception at Manursing Island Club. A total of 120 loved ones bore witness to their union, an intimate gathering that took a year of meticulous planning to bring to fruition.

The style and concept of their wedding day were a breathtaking blend of elegance and warmth. A profusion of white flowers adorned the space, complemented by dark velvet green linens on the main table and ivory linens on all other tables. Candles cast a warm, inviting glow throughout the venue, setting the stage for a truly enchanting evening. The dance floor ceiling was a vision, draped in lush greenery with glittering disco balls woven in, creating an elegant yet festive space for the newlyweds and their guests to dance the night away.

Much of the inspiration for this romantic affair came from the bride's Swiss heritage. Patricia's family hails from the picturesque Alpine nation, and she drew upon its timeless beauty and charm to infuse her dream wedding with a touch of European sophistication.

Morning details

The morning of Patricia and Andrew's wedding day dawned with a sense of enchantment as if the world itself was holding its breath in anticipation of the romantic event to come. Each detail was carefully curated, a labor of love that would set the stage for the magical celebration.

The stationery, a crucial element in establishing the wedding's aesthetic, was a true reflection of the couple's devotion. Patricia, ever the romantic, took it upon herself to design the save-the-dates, pouring her heart into every brushstroke and infusing them with her unique style and vision.

For the main event, the couple entrusted the talented Ivonne from @ivifineprint to create all of the wedding invitations and weekend stationery. Her artistry brought their dream to life, ensuring a cohesive and elegant look that perfectly captured the spirit of their love story.

When it came to the symbolic exchange of rings, Andrew took the lead, his heart overflowing with affection as he personally designed Patricia's breathtaking engagement ring. For their wedding bands, the couple collaborated, their love guiding their choices. Andrew opted for a classic gold band, a timeless symbol of his unwavering commitment, while Patricia chose a diamond band that followed the shape of her engagement ring, creating a harmonious and radiant representation of their eternal bond.

Patricia also wore a sentimental piece of jewelry on her big day – a gold signet pinky ring that she had cherished since the tender age of a first-grader, adding a touch of nostalgia and a reminder of the journey that had led her to this momentous occasion.

Bride getting ready

As the morning unfolded, Patricia's bridal preparations took on an air of enchantment. In the cozy confines of her family's home in Rye, NY, she surrounded herself with the women dearest to her heart – her mother, mother-in-law, bridesmaids, and the precious flower girl.

The centerpiece of her bridal ensemble was, of course, the dress – a stunning creation from the Justin Alexander Signature collection. Choosing the perfect gown was no small feat, but after a couple of appointments, Patricia knew she had found the one. “I was so happy with my dress!” she recalls.

Her search led her to The Bridal House of Charleston,where she discovered the exquisite gown that would become an integral part of her fairy-tale wedding day. To complement the dress, Patricia carefully curated her accessories, adding a delicate veil, a pair of sleek Jimmy Choo shoes, and sparkling earrings that caught the light like diamonds on water.

Meanwhile, her bridesmaids, clad in elegant dresses from Reformation, flitted about, helping to ensure that every detail was perfect. The atmosphere was one of sisterly love and camaraderie, as these cherished friends rallied around Patricia, sharing in her excitement and basking in the magic of the day.

It was a morning steeped in tradition, romance, and the unbreakable bonds of family and friendship, setting the stage for Patricia to make her grand entrance as a blushing bride, ready to embark on the next chapter of her love story.

Groom getting ready

Andrew's tuxedo was a custom creation from Nordstrom, with two dinner jackets – one ivory and the other a custom dark green velvet. He got ready at his parents' house, accompanied by his groomsmen, father, and ring bearer.

Ceremony

The ceremony, the pinnacle of Patricia and Andrew's romantic journey, took place at the historic and picturesque Rye Presbyterian Church in Rye, NY. As Patricia prepared to make her grand entrance, her heart fluttered with a mixture of anticipation and pure joy.

When the moment finally arrived, a hush fell over the guests as the first notes of a beautiful song filled the air, signaling the start of Patricia's walk down the aisle. With her father by her side, Patricia made her way towards her beaming groom, Andrew, who couldn't help but break into a huge smile at the sight of his breathtakingly beautiful bride-to-be.

The ceremony was made even more special by the inclusion of beloved family members. Patricia's niece, adorned in a beautiful dress, took on the role of flower girl, sprinkling petals along the aisle with the innocence and wonder of youth. Meanwhile, her nephew proudly carried the rings, a symbol of the eternal commitment Patricia and Andrew were about to make.

As Patricia approached the altar, a lighthearted moment of laughter and joy erupted when her delicate veil slipped from her head, tumbling halfway down the aisle. It was a sweet reminder that even in the midst of such a momentous occasion, love and laughter should always go hand in hand.

The ceremony itself was a beautiful and heartfelt affair, with Patricia and Andrew exchanging vows and promises that sealed their unbreakable bond.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Wedding Venue & Decor

Patricia and Andrew's vision for their wedding day was one of warmth, romance, and enchantment, and their choice of venue and decor brought this dream to life in spectacular fashion. The color palette was a stunning blend of whites and rich, velvety greens, creating an atmosphere that was both elegant and inviting.

Upon entering the venue, guests were greeted by a delightful display – a collection of frames showcasing personal photographs of the couple, their families, and their journey together over the years. It was a heartwarming touch that added a sense of intimacy and connection to the celebration.

The reception area itself was a sight to behold. White flowers adorned every surface, their pristine petals contrasting beautifully against the dark velvet green linens that graced the main table. The other tables were draped in ivory linens, creating a harmonious and sophisticated aesthetic.

Candles flickered throughout the space, casting a warm and romantic glow that enveloped the entire room. The couple’s vision of a large and welcoming dinner party was brought to life, with the mood lighting and intimate ambiance setting the perfect stage for a night of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

But the true showstopper was the dance floor,where the ceiling was draped in lush greenery, interwoven with sparkling disco balls that added a touch of whimsy and celebration. It was a space that perfectly captured the essence of Patricia and Andrew's love – elegant yet fun, inviting guests to let loose and join in the joyous festivities.

The venue itself, Manursing Island Club in Rye, NY, held a special significance for the couple. “I have been going here
ever since I was 3 years old,” shares Andrew. When it came time to choose a location for their wedding, there was no question – this was the place,where they had dreamed of exchanging vows for years, a sentimental and beautiful setting that perfectly reflected the depth of their love and the beginning of their new journey together.

Reception

As the sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the world in a warm, golden glow, Patricia and Andrew's reception unfolded like a real-life fairy tale. The magical ambiance they had so carefully curated now came to life, enveloping their guests in a romantic embrace.

The first dance was a moment suspended in time, a breathtaking tableau of love and devotion. As the tender melodies of "This Too Shall Last" by Anderson East filled the air, the newlyweds swayed together, lost in each other's arms. Their movements were a gentle waltz, a wordless expression of the deep connection that bound their hearts as one.

Around them, the reception space was aglow with the soft flicker of candlelight, casting a warm, inviting radiance upon the delicate white flowers and plush green velvet linens. It was as if nature itself had conspired to create a setting worthy of such a profound love story.

Yet, amidst the enchantment, there were thoughtful touches that spoke to the couple's desire for intimacy and connection. At each place setting, a handwritten note from Patricia and Andrew awaited their guests, a heartfelt expression of gratitude and affection for those who had supported their journey.

As the night unfolded, the dance floor became a whimsical wonderland, with twinkling disco balls woven through the verdant greenery that draped the ceiling. Laughter and joyous celebration filled the air, as loved ones joined the newlyweds in reveling in the magic of the moment.

And though the reception was a grand affair, it was the simple pleasures that truly made it memorable – the delectable flavors crafted by the talented pastry chef, the warmth of cherished company, and the knowledge that this was only the beginning of a lifetime of love and adventure for Patricia and Andrew.