Maria and Kevin

Maria and Kevin tied the knot on September 28, 2024, on a journey to find a wedding venue that fully captured their vision. They sought something truly unique—an alternative to the usual catering hall or hotel—but without the intense pressure of a DIY setup that often feels overwhelming. It was important for them to strike the perfect balance, a challenge in the NYC landscape where reasonable options are rare.

After hours of searching, they serendipitously discovered Celebrate at Snug, and in that moment, Maria just knew this was the place. Their connection to Snug Harbor ran deeper; a few years ago, they had visited the grounds to collect free compost for their beloved backyard garden, a shared passion that brought them immense joy. This nostalgic link transformed their wedding venue search into a heartfelt experience. When Maria learned that Snug Harbor offered wedding services through Celebrate, it felt like destiny. It met all their desires seamlessly, making it the ideal choice for their special day. The fulfillment of their vision was truly a wonderful bonus!

Maria and Kevin’s wedding embraced a stunning botanical theme with dried flowers, reflecting the richness of fall. They envisioned an earthy and organic atmosphere that resonated with the season’s transformation, choosing a palette of browns, oranges, and greens. The bridesmaids, dressed in elegant burnt orange velvet, added a beautiful dimension to the overall tone. With the artistry of Jelo Flowers & Decor, their unique vision was brought to life beautifully!

Maria and Kevin confidently chose not to hire an outside wedding planner, relying instead on the invaluable support of their family and friends and the Celebrate Team. When chatting with the bride and groom about their big day they wanted to share: “We sought out wedding vendors that we felt completely at ease with, ensuring seamless coordination and communication throughout the planning process. Our DIY projects were standout elements, particularly our wedding favors and invitations. Our unique resin coasters, crafted by one of our talented bridesmaids, featured beautiful, dried flowers along with our wedding date and initials, making them both memorable and personal. The bride took the lead in designing our invitations and inserts using Canva and Zazzle, ensuring that both our families felt included by providing all information in English and Spanish. Our goal was to maintain a visually clean and elegant look, avoiding any clutter in the invitation suite. We took it a step further by having them printed in Colombia, the bride’s home country, on exquisite handmade paper embedded with marigold seeds—truly embracing our commitment to sustainability and a plantable vision.” 

Maria and Kevin chose “Futile Devices (Doveman Remix)” by Sufjan Stevens for their unforgettable first dance. Determined to make it memorable, they dedicated nearly six months to dance lessons at a local center, honing their skills with precision. They opted for a simple routine, wanting to master it so well that it felt second nature on their big day. Understanding the nerves that often accompany such a moment, they were committed to avoiding any missteps. Their efforts paid off, as their performance was nothing short of breathtaking!

Maria and Kevin truly wished their dogs could have joined them on their special day. Understanding that their pups didn’t thrive in crowds, they made the difficult decision to leave them at home for their comfort. To honor their beloved companions, they decided to name their signature cocktail after them, ensuring their presence was still felt throughout the celebration. They also created delightful signs featuring drawings of their dogs and made fun photobooth props with their faces so guests could enjoy taking pictures with them. This thoughtful tribute brought warmth to the occasion and celebrated the love they have for their furry family members.

When asked to give future wedding advice, the couple responded with heartfelt sincerity: “Take a moment to soak it ALL in. Everyone will tell you the same thing, but trust me, it’s so important, and the best advice I received.  This was truly the most beautiful and unforgettable day of our lives thus far. We were able to share such an important step in our lives with our absolute favorite people and having them all in one room supporting us was so special and might never happen again. So cherish every single second of it, from planning until the end of your wedding day, take time to speak to all your guests, thank them for being there, and dance your heart away! “

We feel incredibly fortunate to partner with amazing couples like Maria and Kevin at Celebrate Snug Harbor. A heartfelt thank you to their exceptional team of vendors who contributed to making their wedding an unforgettable celebration. Reach out to us today, and let’s bring your dream wedding to life!

Vendor Team:

Posted in Couples Tribute