Rob & Emily's Beach Proposal to Hudson Loft Celebration

Love Story

Picture this: two college students unknowingly crossing paths in Barcelona, later working in the same building in Chicago without formally meeting. It wasn't until a fateful St. Patrick’s Day in New York that their paths finally intertwined. “Finally, one night out in the summer of 2019 - Emily was going to a going-away party at a bar,” they recall, “Rob knew a few people were also going to the party and ended up at the bar that night. On this night, we talked the whole time and Emily let Rob take her on a date the next week.”

Their connection blossomed over time, leading to shared moments, laughter, and eventually, a shared home in New York with a lovable puppy.

In early summer 2022, Rob, with a blessing from Emily's father, planned the perfect beach proposal in Westhampton Beach, across from Emily's parents' house. Under the guise of meeting Rob’s cousin for dinner, Emily was lured to the beach. There, Rob's simple request to record the waves for his nephew turned into a memorable moment. As Rob knelt with the ring, their families emerged from their hiding spots, joining in celebration to the applause of beachgoers. A moment of pure joy, marking the beginning of their forever.

Planning the wedding was a year-long adventure filled with excitement and attention to detail. “When I pictured my dream wedding, I envisioned a night full of celebration, love, great music, a large, raw, open space warm with the glow of hundreds of candles, all under a ceiling full of twinkling lights,” shares Emily.

The concept? “Black-and-white wedding reception; tables with black linens, white florals, and lush greenery; touches of gold complimented by the warm glow of candlelight”

“Staying true to our vision - from our menu, custom cocktail choices, and music, to the decor, personalized details, and shake shack to end the night. We were so lucky to work with the most amazing vendors, who truly brought our vision to life,” the couple adds when asked about their main inspiration.

The whole day was magical, yet there are some things that they’ll cherish for years to come. “The love, energy, and infectious joy felt from every corner of the room, surrounded by the most lively crowd of family and friends. Every moment seemed like a dream - and it was the most special thing to experience,” they share, “It also poured all day, but the sun shone through just in time for our ceremony, which made for the perfect backdrop - behind the Chupah were two large windows with a view of the sunset over the Hudson River.”

Morning details

The morning buzzed with anticipation. Emily and Rob had chosen bespoke invitations from Sincerely Staci Custom Invitations in Pleasantville, NY, which beautifully reflected the wedding's elegant theme.

Bride getting ready

Emily found her dream dress, a mesmerizing creation by Jesus Peiro, at A Little Something White in Danbury, CT. “It was the first dress she tried on, and after trying on a few more dresses, she came back to the first one and knew it was the dress she wanted to say yes to,” they share. The dress, chosen with love and care, symbolized elegance and grace.

Adding a touch of sentimentality, “Emily wore her great-grandmother’s pearls, which had been passed down to her from her grandmother. The double strand of pearls, with a beautiful diamond clasp, were restrung to create a gorgeous pearl choker, for Emily to wear on her wedding day.”

Groom getting ready

Rob donned a custom black tuxedo, radiating charm and sophistication. His preparations, captured at the Opus Hotel in White Plains, NY, were moments filled with reflection and anticipation.

First Look

The first look was a heartfelt moment set against the New York cityscape in Emily's hotel suite.

Rob, awestruck by Emily's beauty, recalls “I was just stunned, seeing her all done up in her beautiful dress with her jewelry, hair, and makeup on. It’s just a moment you never forget. I was looking at the person I love and thought nothing on Earth could look more exquisite.”

Emily was overwhelmed as well. “I just couldn't wait to see Rob - I had been counting down the hours all day!”

Photoshoot before the ceremony

The couple chose the stylish Opus Hotel bar and lobby for their pre-ceremony photoshoot. "The hotel bar and lobby full of bright colors and contrasting patterns made for a very chic, playful vibe," they explain.

Ceremony

The Hudson Loft in Irvington, NY, transformed into a dreamy ceremony venue. “The ceremony was held in the same room as the reception, and the reception decor was staged behind a large velvet curtain,” they share.

The couple's musical choices, from the Beatles to Børns, added a unique and personal touch to their procession. “We decided many months before, we were going to come up with a really cool idea on how to do this. We wanted a theme of love progressing throughout the songs, but also the symbolism behind it.”

Wedding Venue & Decor

The Hudson Loft, with its expansive and raw character, was the perfect canvas for Emily and Rob's vision. The decor was a harmonious blend of modern sophistication and a romantic ambiance.

Reception

The reception was a lively affair, kicked off with their first dance to “Everlasting Love” by Love Affair. The night was filled with laughter, dancing, and memorable moments, highlighted by a spectacular wedding cake from Just Desserts by Jess in Thornwood, NY.

Sending tons of hugs to their vendors, Rob and Emily conclude, “Everyone we worked with was incredible! They all worked together to create the most perfect night of our dreams.”