I’m so thrilled to finally share the first round of wedding photos with you! When we began planning earlier this year, I had no idea just how overwhelming it would be to nail down the perfect venue. For us, staying in New York was non-negotiable—we’re both born and raised here, and it felt important to celebrate in the city that’s been such a huge part of our story.
But finding a space that checked all our boxes? That was another story entirely. We wanted something industrial but softened with romance, a space with more than just a single main room, and most importantly, a place where we could host both the ceremony and the reception without shuffling guests from one location to another. We toured more venues than I can count, but the second we walked into 501 Union, we both knew we’d found “the one.”
Creating the Ceremony of Our Dreams
For the ceremony, I wanted a balance of industrial chic and timeless romance. My favorite detail—hands down—was the K&H marquee letters. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably spotted them, because they’ve now found a second life in the space that Keiko and I share. They were such a fun, personal touch, and seeing them light up the room on our wedding day felt magical.
Behind us, we had twinkling hanging lights, which gave the ceremony a warm, intimate glow. To soften the concrete floors and industrial vibe of the space, we lined the aisle with fresh white roses. That contrast—delicate flowers against a modern backdrop—was exactly the kind of aesthetic I envisioned when we first started planning.
The Décor: Clean, Chic, and Personal
When it came to décor, I leaned toward simplicity with a touch of glamour. I wanted the space to feel elegant without being overdone, so we incorporated white roses in a mix of mercury glass vases alongside clusters of mercury glass candles. The overall effect was clean, chic, and romantic.
Since we decided on a cocktail party instead of a formal sit-down dinner, I had more freedom with the layout. That decision ended up being a blessing, as it kept the vibe light and social while saving me from stressing over table settings.
A huge portion of our décor came from BHLDN, which I can’t recommend enough if you’re planning a wedding. They have such beautiful, thoughtfully designed pieces that make it easy to pull everything together. We also picked up candles and extra glassware from Pottery Barn and even scored some amazing little bottles at Home Goods—a reminder that mixing high and low can really create something special.
Invitations With Personality
Invitations can set the tone for the entire event, so I was so grateful to have a talented friend, Allison, design ours. After chatting through our vision, she completely nailed it. I wanted the invites to read “cocktail party” rather than “formal wedding dinner,” and she made sure that came across in both the design and the tone.
She also created our Save the Dates and the Bridal Shower invites, each one perfectly aligned with the look and feel of the day. Having someone who really listened and understood our vision made all the difference—it felt personal and unique in a way that mass-produced designs simply can’t replicate.
The Food & The Team Behind It
I can’t talk about the wedding without mentioning Naturally Delicious, the incredible team who not only catered the event but also guided us through the planning process. Their food lived up to their stellar reputation—our guests still talk about it—but it was their behind-the-scenes support that truly saved me.
A very special shout-out goes to Bethany, who was an absolute lifesaver. She kept everything organized, smoothed over the stressful bits, and ensured the entire process—from big decisions to last-minute details—felt manageable. I can honestly say that without her, I might have had a complete meltdown. Their glowing reviews exist for a reason, and I can’t thank them enough for making our day run so smoothly.
Capturing the Moments
Last but not least, we were lucky enough to have Julian Ungano and Tommy Agriodimas capture the day. They’re both incredibly talented fashion photographers, and while weddings aren’t their usual domain, they graciously agreed to step in for us. The result? Photographs that feel editorial yet intimate, capturing both the big moments and the quiet details in a way that feels so authentically us.
Looking Ahead
This is just the first round of photos, and I can’t wait to share more in the coming weeks. Reflecting on the day, I’m still blown away by how beautifully everything came together. From the marquee lights and mercury glass vases to the food, the venue, and the people who made it all possible—it was truly a dream.
Planning a wedding in New York is no small feat, but in the end, finding the right team, the right space, and the right vision made all the difference. For anyone currently in the planning trenches: trust that moment when you walk into a venue and know it’s “the one.” That gut feeling is everything.
Until then, stay tuned for more photos—and maybe a behind-the-scenes peek at what really went into pulling it all together.
