Next Real Wedding

Deirdre and Shaun in New York, NY

A couple throws a New York wedding that melds modern style with tradition

THE CELEBRATION

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THEIR STORY

It was a whirlwind romance for Deirdre and Shaun: The two met in New York City in October 2005, got engaged seven months later and planned their wedding in weeks. When they married in August, the couple incorporated elements of the Alabama-born bride's background and the groom's Guyanese heritage, and of their current life together. Says Deirdre, "We felt that no traditions should trump what we are now: New Yorkers."

The citrusy hues, chosen "to represent a mixture of the warmth and energy we wanted to capture," says Deirdre, played out in multiple ways with the help of NYC-based wedding planner Lindsay Landman. Mango martinis were served at the cocktail hour on the rooftop of Loft Eleven, as well as Southern fried catfish, gourmet hush pupppies and Caribbean jerk chicken. After a dinner of pecan-crusted beef and pan-seared red snapper, a DJ kept the high-spirited vibe going. The music that had the biggest impact, however, came from Deirdre's sorority sisters—and her mother and actual sisters, members as well—who serenaded the bride with the sorority's sweetheart song. —Jackie Attwood-Dupont

Learn from Deirdre and Shaun

Be Splashy—Strategically: Deirdre and Shaun used their bold color choice in controlled amounts to make sure the look was elegant and chic, and not too over-the-top. Orange floral centerpieces were small and structured, for example, and the wedding cake was white with orange details.

Play With Contrasts: The couple's cocktail hour, on a rooftop, needed little decoration since the view was so spectacular. Then, when guests entered the reception room, the rich infusion of color blew them away.

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