Timeless Meets Modern at This Natirar Wedding

Lindsey and Ryan wed on November 26, 2022 at Natirar.

Their Story

The couple met at a New Year’s Eve party in Jersey City at a mutual friend’s apartment. “Ryan actually physically bumped into me and I went to give him a dirty look and then thought to myself ‘oh he’s cute, maybe I should be nice,'” says Lindsey about their first encounter.

“We ended up dancing the night away (there is actually a video of us dancing to ‘Valerie’ that night, so that is the song we walked into at the wedding!). We kissed at midnight and the rest was history,” she adds.

Later, Lindsey found out that Ryan actually bumped into her on purpose so that he could talk to her.

“After that, it was so easy to fall in love,” says Lindsey. “No games. It happened so quick!”

The Proposal

Lindsey’s favorite hobby is walking the beach and looking for sea glass.

“I have a secret spot in Sandy Hook that is my favorite spot to go treasure hunting,” she says.

On the day of the proposal, “Ryan told me we were going to lunch nearby and insisted that we stop by the beach first, despite it being a chilly December day,” she recalls. “We went for a long walk and laughed as I filled my pockets with some beautiful sea glass to add to my collection. It was literally the perfect Saturday afternoon with him.”

Near the end of the walk, Ryan got down on one knee and asked Lindsey to marry him.

“It was perfect and just the two of us (well, with the exception of a few old fisherman nearby)… such a special moment,” she says. “He then told me to wave because his friend was taking pictures from the bushes! Afterwards he surprised me with a gathering of our families and closest friends. Best day ever!”

Details of the Day

“I wanted a classic, romantic and welcoming feeling in the room,” explains Lindsey. “Timeless with a modern twist was the goal.”

Lindsey went with neutral and classic colors for the wedding and incorporated, “personal touches that represented who we are as individuals and as a couple (i.e. including family heirlooms and photos, signature drinks—even one for our dog!)”

All the flowers were white roses and baby’s breath. The accent color was hints of gold in everything (charger plates, vases, wax seals and frames). The bridesmaids and Lindsey’s mom wore champagne/gold. There were also a ton of pearl accents, especially with the bride’s accessories.

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Choosing the Venue

“I wanted a venue that had a classic, romantic and welcoming feel—Natirar checked all those boxes easily,” says Lindsey, “but the incredible food and view put it far above the rest.”

The Bride’s Gown

“My dress was truly piece of art,” says the bride. “I did not want a poofy princess-type gown, but something that still had a wow factor and was very special for my wedding day.”

Lindsey was set on finding something with a textured fabric (beaded, lace, etc.) with long sleeves and a straight body.

“I saw a dress I loved on Berta’s Instagram prior to getting engaged and saved it immediately,” she says. “Months later, my best friend was working a side job at a bridal shop that she loved (While House Bride). She sent me a picture of a dress that the shop just got in and said, ‘this would look so great on you!’ Coincidentally, it was the same EXACT Berta dress that I had saved months prior!”

“The back of the dress is absolutely stunning with illusion fabric, white lace and pearl detailing,” she says. “As soon as I tried it on and it paired with a cathedral veil, I knew it was the one!”

Favorite Moment

“Our favorite moment was looking around the ballroom and noticing how truly special it was to have everyone we love in one place at one time to celebrate our love,” says the bride. “It was a once in a lifetime event and it felt so surreal.”

“One of our favorite moments was just after the ceremony when Natirar set up a private cocktail hour for me and Ryan, so that you can have a special moment alone enjoying each other and a sampling of all the cocktail hour food before going out to greet everyone. It was nice to have that moment to take it all in!”

Detail They Couldn’t Live Without

The couple displayed wedding pictures of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents with a sign that said “Generations of Love: All That We Are & All That We Hope To Be We Owe To Our Loving Families”.

“It really is the truth and was a meaningful personalized touch at the wedding,” says Lindsey.

The couple also wore special medals in honor of loved ones who had passed away, “so that we could feel that they were with us on our special day.”

Lindsey attached hers to her bouquet and Ryan’s were inside his suit jacket. “It was a little detail that only we would know about, but made the day even more meaningful for us.”

Advice for Couples

“Try your best not to worry about everyone else’s opinion. Do what makes the most sense for you as a couple. Also, remember that your marriage is most important, not the wedding!”

Honeymoon

The couple went to St. Lucia and stayed at Sugar Beach. “It was the most incredible and relaxing trip! We would highly recommend,” says Lindsey.

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