Red-eye flights are usually the worst—unless you find yourself seated next to an interesting stranger! That’s what happened in June 2014, when Daniel Forester and Wei-Chun Lin, who goes by Jamie, boarded an overnight flight from San Francisco to New York City. Instead of putting on their headphones and dozing off, they struck up a conversation and sparked a love connection. Just over a year later, on a scorching summer day in New York City, Daniel persuaded Jamie to take a walk down to Battery Park. “I complained about the heat the whole way, and couldn’t understand why he’d brought his briefcase,” says the bride. When they reached a point overlooking the Statue of Liberty, Daniel reached into his briefcase and pulled out a ring box. She, of course, said yes.
The bride is Taiwanese and the groom is Jewish, so the pair worked closely with planner Jove Meyer of Jove Meyer Events to weave both of their backgrounds into their September 9, 2016 celebration at the Foundry in Long Island City. “Jove showed us a number of venues, but what we loved about the Foundry was the retro-industrial charm and the beautiful courtyard,” she says. They let the venue’s beautiful setting inspire their palette, mixing rusty pink, navy, and coppery hues of rose-gold with lots of vibrant greenery. Take a peek at Chaz Cruz’s beautiful photos for an inside look at this multicultural wedding.
Jamie planned ahead for her wedding dress, purchasing a gown at a designer trunk show more than 10 months before her big day. “They took my measurements and ordered the dress, but when it arrived seven months later, it was two sizes too big!” she recalls.
With only three months before her wedding, she found herself on the hunt for another dream dress, and headed to Kleinfeld. Owner Mara Urshel was in the salon that day, and gave the bride some fantastic advice. “She told me that while every bride wants to be a princess on her wedding day, being a princess doesn’t mean you need to wear a costume. She reminded me to wear a dress that made me feel beautiful, comfortable, and like myself,” Jamie says. This bride’s princess dress was an ornate lace mini with a plunging sheer neckline, cap sleeves, and a flowing overskirt from Pnina Tornai.
“Daniel and I stayed at the Beekman, and the suites were the perfect place to get ready. The amazing décor and interior courtyard will make anyone’s day!” says the bride.
The couple wed in a Jewish ceremony at the Foundry, beneath a floating chuppah of white blooms and sprawling greenery. Votive candles in glass orbs were suspended over the aisle for a whimsical touch. They also put their own spin on the Jewish tradition of breaking the glass, opting to break it together. “We didn’t really practice beforehand, so when we stepped in to break the glass, we hit our heads! Everyone had a good laugh, and we got an extra kiss,” says the bride.
The wedding reception took place in a clear tent in the ivy-covered courtyard, where bare farm tables were lined up beneath garlands of greenery.
Copper chairs and flatware added warmth to the space, where guests gathered for an indulgent fusion menu—the perfect choice for their multicultural wedding. After appetizers ranging from duck confit on steamed buns to smoked salmon wontons, the couple served a family-style dinner of spicy pork dan dan noodles, crunchy coconut rice with Chinese sausage, and garlic-glazed boneless short ribs. The crowd of 90 family members and friends toasted to the happy couple with classic Gin Slings and Thai basil limeade.
“The cake tasting was the easiest part of planning our wedding,” says Jamie. “After just one bite, we knew!” They selected a three-tiered, semi-naked cake featuring layers of red velvet, chocolate, and carrot flavors.
After dinner, Jamie’s parents gave their speeches in Mandarin, with a live translation provided by her sister (who is a graphic designer and designed all of the paper goods for the event!). “Our wedding was really a blend of both of our cultures and backgrounds, and brought everyone we love together,” says Jamie. Her advice? “Hire a great wedding planner! Without Jove, our vision would have been impossible.”
Venue & Reception: The Foundry || Planning & Design: Jove Meyer Events || Bride’s Dress: Pnina Tornai || Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik || Bride’s Jewelry: Chanel || Hair & Makeup: VickyC5 || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: ASOS || Groom’s Attire: Tom Ford || Groomsmen’s Attire: Club Monaco || Floral Design: A.p.bio Designs || Invitations & Paper Products: Jessica Lin Design || Catering: Marcey Brownstein Catering || Cake: Lucky Bird Bakery || Entertainment: 74 Events || Rentals: Broadway Party Rentals || Photography: Chaz Cruz
SOURCE:http://www.brides.com/story/multicultural-wedding-long-island-city
