A Delightful Community-Led Queer Winter Wonderland Wedding
In a celebration that blended eclectic charm with modern sophistication, Karalyn, a therapist, tied the knot with her partner Ali, a city research scientist. The unique couple chose to exchange vows at MyMoon Restaurant in Williamsburg Brooklyn on January 7, 2017, surrounded by Syd London’s captivating photos.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
After the presidential election, Ali and I decided to hasten our wedding plans before Trump took office. Originally, we had planned to tie the knot in the fall, but the outcome of the election prompted us to reconsider. We wanted to celebrate with our closest friends and family, as well as restore some much-needed positivity following the divisive campaign. To achieve this, we organized a group poll among our bio and chosen family members.
Based on the responses, we chose January 7th as the ideal date for the celebration. We explored several venues before falling in love with MyMoon, which offered an attractive package deal due to it being a slow month for weddings and events. Additionally, we opted for a luncheon-style reception featuring wine, beer, and a cash bar, which significantly reduced our expenses. Our dear friend Kelli, an accomplished performer, graciously agreed to officiate the ceremony.
Syd, a talented photographer and pillar of the community, captured our special day with her lens. As my parents are no longer with us, I asked our trusted friend Shelly to walk me down the aisle, symbolizing my family’s love and our connection to the LGBTQ+ community. Our dear friend Paula had previously taken our engagement photos, which we cherished. We’re grateful for their presence on this momentous occasion.
Tell us about the ceremony:
We decided to forego a DJ and instead curated playlists on iTunes for the reception. For the ceremony, our friend Chris handled the music selection. To involve Ali’s parents in the ritual, we asked each of them – Scott, Jane, and Joan – to light a candle during the ceremony, accompanied by Shelly representing my family and our tight-knit queer community in Brooklyn. This gesture not only allowed their participation but also symbolized the bond between Ali’s family and mine.
Officiant Kelli emphasized the significance of love and support from the community in our relationship, emphasizing that it is what we have left to hold onto. Her words resonated deeply: ‘We have survived against all odds, and this – queer love – is what we have left. Not just romantic love but also queer friendship and community.’ She reminded us that these bonds are everything.
Our friend Ally read a passage by Rainer Maria Rilke, while Julian recited Louis de Bernières’ words: ‘Those who truly love grow roots towards each other underground, and when all the beautiful blossoms have fallen from their branches, they discover they’re one tree, not two.’ This poignant moment solidified our commitment to one another. Ali and I exchanged vows, then extended them to our attendees, asking for continued support, blessings, and love.
As a special touch, our dog Violet, accompanied by Charlie, served as the ring bearer, while Ali’s cousin’s son Jackson played the role of ‘flower child’.
Tell us about your reception:
We were drawn to MyMoon’s warm atmosphere and exceptional culinary options. To accommodate our guests’ dietary needs, the venue worked with us to create a customized menu from their Spanish tapas selection. Lee Chappell, the in-house coordinator, went above and beyond to ensure our queer and gender nonconforming friends felt welcome and included. The highlight of our reception was the decadent dessert table. MyMoon provided two gluten-free Spanish desserts, which were devoured in no time.
We supplemented with three specialty cakes and vegan cupcakes from Baked NYC: raspberry lemonade, chocolate coffee, and carrot cake. The sweet treats disappeared quickly, although we managed to sneak a small portion of the main cake back to our place after the celebration. As we took to the dance floor for our first dance, I felt like my wedding song had come true with ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror’ by the Velvet Underground playing in the background – it was always my dream.
Our friend Graeham from Smith College delivered a heartfelt speech, and Elana and Marcy shared some cherished stories about us. The day was nothing short of perfect because we got to celebrate our love surrounded by loved ones and create unforgettable memories.
What was your most important lesson learned?
We confronted a significant challenge with only 45 days to plan our wedding. To tackle this, we adopted a simple yet effective approach: identifying three viable options for each element of the event and then selecting the one that resonated with us the most. This mindset allowed us to streamline our decision-making process and focus on what truly mattered. One key strategy we employed was cost-consciousness.
By sourcing flowers from Whole Foods, which offers special orders for weddings, and enlisting the help of close friends to create bouquets and boutonnieres the night before the ceremony, we significantly reduced our expenses. We also opted to spend late nights preparing wedding programs, menus, and other essential materials ourselves, rather than relying on professional services.
Additionally, we turned to Etsy for unique items such as a custom guest book poster, place cards, and even our wedding bands. This DIY approach not only saved us thousands of dollars but also allowed us to achieve the look and feel we desired. Perhaps most importantly, we recognized that while flowers may be memorable, it’s the food and overall atmosphere that truly leave a lasting impression on guests.
Vendors
The wedding party’s vision came to life thanks to a talented group of professionals. Syd London, the wedding photographer, captured every special moment alongside engagement photographer Paula Berkenstadt. ModCloth created a stunning dress for the big day, while Marci Villalobos took care of any necessary alterations. The ceremony and reception took place at the charming MyMoon Restaurant. Guests indulged in delectable treats from Baked NYC, including vegan cupcakes.
Invitations were designed by Paperless Post, adding a touch of modern elegance to the celebration. Fresh flowers were provided by Whole Foods, while Kelli Dunham officiated the ceremony. Inbar Fine Jewelry created beautiful rings for the couple’s vows. Place cards and a guest book poster were crafted with love by Making Pretty Things and PaperRama, respectively. A sweet cake topper was designed by Tere Hurst, completing the romantic atmosphere.
