Alicia and PJ came from Toronto, Canada with their close family to get married in Central Park this October. They were together for four years before getting married. They got engaged at Prince Edward Island in Canada while they were on paddle boards on the Atlantic Ocean in August 2013.
Family is very important to both Alicia and PJ. This is why the destination wedding in New York suited them so well, “when you marry later in life you realize that every moment your two families have together is precious, especially when they all live so far from one another. The bonding that was created over four days in New York were memories that will live forever.” Many couples who have a destination wedding with their families feel this way, what better way to start your married lives together but with all the people you love together and getting to know each other?
Central Park was an ideal location for Alicia and PJ, “it represents our mutual love for the outdoors and the vibrancy of such an incredible city. We knew New York City would be our guest of honor and it did not disappoint. The talent and energy around us was incredible and the weather and natural beauty divine. We were very lucky to have such an extraordinary yet simple day,” said Alicia.
They began their day by going together to the New York City Flower District at sunrise to pick out all their flowers for the day. They had a lovely breakfast together while they arranged and created the bouquets, boutonnieres and table flowers. “It was the perfect morning zen activity to do together before we went our separate ways,” said Alicia.
The ceremony was held on Bow Bridge. They had pictures taken in various locations in Central Park afterwards. Alicia said, “there were so many incredible locations and to our delight pleasant surprises. It was such a beautiful day!”
Their wedding guests were their intimate family, fourteen in total. While they were visiting Alicia’s parents celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary and PJ’s sister and brother-in law celebrated the news that their bid for a new house went through. They were thrilled to be in New York together to celebrate not just this wedding, but also these other things to celebrate together as a family. Many of them had never visited New York City before and they loved the city.
Sephora on Madison did Alicia’s make-up. “Janel was amazing. I was more than impressed,” said Alicia, “Giselle from Aveda came to our hotel and did my hair there. She was also excellent,” she said. Alicia looked stunning in her custom made dress by Hoax Couture in Toronto. “These guys are absolute stars,” she said. PJ wore a midnight blue Hugo Boss suit.
They stayed at the Refinery Hotel, “wow, did they take care of us. I absolutely recommend them,” said Alicia.
After the ceremony and photographs in Central Park they went to the Top of The Rock to watch the sun set. “It was an unforgettable experience,” said Alicia. “We were treated like royalty when we arrived, and swept through through the VIP line to the top where we were greeted by a talented young man who sang his heart out to us. Then we took in the fabulous view and enjoyed the soft sunset,” she told me. This sounds like a fabulous thing to do after a wedding in Central Park, partly because you can see your wedding location from there!
“Having this planning service from Wed in Central Park was so convenient and easy. You made the logistics simple and options were great, said Alicia. “Our officiant was lovely, flexible and did a fantastic job,” she said. Thanks, Mr and Mrs Stephen for sharing your story with us, I wish you lots of luck for your future together. For more information on planning your own Central Park wedding, visit our website, or “like” us on Facebook for photos and more inspiring stories.