Real Long Island Wedding: Adelya and Gerard

We met through mutual friends while I was still in college. Our friends knew that I was planning on becoming an attorney and that he planned on becoming a police officer so they thought it was cute to introduce us. We definitely hit it off, but we were friends for a few years before we ever started dating.

For the proposal: He took me to NYC on January 8, 2010 and planned a horse and carriage ride through central park. In the back of my head I thought maybe today was the day but I wasn’t too sure. After about 30 minutes of riding around, I heard really pretty music, and I knew that he knows how much I love music, so I thought, “this is it, he is proposing!” It was just a restaurant, though, that was playing music. Then after another 10 minutes of riding around, the tour guide said, “We are now at Bethesda Terrace, one of the most beautiful and romantic places. You may want to hop off and take a picture.” So I thought “oh this is nice.” Then out of nowhere a guy started playing the saxophone, and he was playing what was supposed to be our first dance song, Michael Bolton’s “I promise you.” I started to smile, tear and all of that good stuff! He knew I wanted a very private proposal so he took me on the snowy steps of Bethesda Terrace and said something like ”you know I love you more than anything in the world, and that I have wanted to marry for a long time… will you marry me.” There were some tears, many smiles, and many, many kisses. After that he took me to the Top of the Tower restaurant where we had a very romantic dinner with gorgeous views. It was truly a great day

I wanted something that screamed regal, sophisticated fun & romantic. I know that’s not asking for too much! The colors I chose were White/cream, lavender and light pink. I think I more or less achieved my vision! My dress was designed by Galit Couture. She is a designer in Brooklyn who makes really blingy and stunning showstopper dresses. Ever since I found out about her in the early 2000’s I told my mother I wanted to get married in one of her dresses; if not her then Pnina Tornai. Galit’s store was the only store I went to: I was I beyond excited to see “the dress” in the store window!! It had a full Swarovski crystal bodice, tulle dropped waist skirt with floral appliqués with crystals on them. I told myself I would try on other dresses and I did. I want to say that I tried on 5 dresses: I remember Galit saying “I never had a bride try on so many.” But I wanted to be sure. I tried on “the dress” as the first dress and was in love like I always envisioned I would be. I didn’t cry, but I didn’t have to because I knew this was it! Galit also designed my cathedral veil, which matched the floral designs that were on the bottom part of my dress.

We also had an awesome reception with a great DJ who played Russian, Azeri, Arabic, and English music. I am a Russian Jewish Bride, originally from the country Azerbaijan, so I needed multi-cultural music at our wedding. We also hired an Arabic drummer who made the night fun and full of dancing! Everyone told me how awesome he was and how much he added to the reception. My gorgeous headpiece was designed by Bridal styles boutique in Brooklyn. They were my only choice because of their unique and stunning designs. My headpiece fit my theme & dress perfectly.

I have two favorite moments both took place during the ceremony. The first was when, after I walked down the aisle towards Gerard, he lifted my veil and kissed me on the forehead. He does it all the time, so it made it so beautiful. We didn’t see each other before the ceremony so it was very special to the both of us. Then, as the ceremony started, Gerard grabbed my hand and held it throughout the entire ceremony. We kept squeezing each other’s hand during the ceremony. The instant he grabbed it I started to tear!!

For Advice: Pick the right dress for you, one that you will have absolutely no regrets about! Even if your dress costs a little bit more, and you can swing it, do it because there is nothing worse than seeing your dress in pictures months or years down the line and regretting your choice. My other advice is to really take a moment and reflect on the day; whether it’s looking at your guests dancing or taking in the entire room in, just do it because the day will fly so fast that you will truly want this moment.

All photographs were taken by: Duet Photography.