Mood Board: Battery Gardens Wedding

As a follow up to yesterday's Battery Gardens Venue Crashing, I created a fun little mood board for my make-believe wedding there. 

Top Left, Top Middle, Top Right, Middle Left, Middle, Middle Right, Bottom Left, Bottom Middle, Bottom Right

I think it pulls together the modern, city, chic with hints of whimsy I was going for - right? The great thing about Battery Gardens is that with sweeping city views, you don't need a whole lot. And - the venue is a blank slate for brides to bring their inspiration too. So my look is just one option of I'm sure many more. Anyone out there have different ideas for this space? Tell me about them!

If your looking for more Battery Gardens inspiration, check out this beautiful wedding from one of my fav NYC photos. 

SOURCE: Christa Acosta

XOXO

Venue Crashing: Battery Gardens

It's completely normal to design and dream about a wedding you'll never have, right? To be clear, I will have a wedding, this just won't be it. The reason being, this gorgeous venue is out of my price range. But - a girl can dream right? Venue Crashing is going to be a feature on Spicy Margarita where I explore some of the many great wedding venues the Northeast has to offer. In addition to scoping out the venue, I'll also plan the wedding I would have at this location. Feel free to chime in with your own ideas!

Battery Gardens is located in Downtown Manhattan in the middle of Battery Park, a beautiful location for soaking up some sun and saying hello to Lady Liberty!

Top: SOURCE, Bottom Left: SOURCE, Right: SOURCE

You can just about spot Battery Gardens in the top picture, it's the green rooftop in the bottom right corner of the park. 

The location serves as a restaurant and wedding venue. I've actually attended a wedding here, and it was truly beautiful. The waterside location takes one out of the hustle and bustle of NYC, but come night time when the city lights up there is no denying that this place of chock full of Manhattan glamor.

My favorite aspect of this venue is the on-site ceremony location. Is there anything more New York then getting married in view of the Statue of Liberty? While the patio is private to the venue, park go-ers can catch a glimpse of the scene - something to keep in mind if privacy is important to you. However - I think it'd be worth it for ceremony shots like this.

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How beautiful is that? Inside, the space is modern - think lots of white and natural light. Somewhat of a blank canvas for Brides to build on. 

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 If I were planning a wedding here - which I totally am in my mind, I would embrace the natural look. with such a gorgeous setting, why distract with bright linens and decor? I love the table-scape below, those centerpieces are the perfect touch.

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If you did want to bring in color, I would bring it in in pops - and use natural textures to bring the outdoors in. I love what Moss and Rose did for a fall wedding there at Battery Gardens. 

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 The colors are warm, but not overpowering, and the burlap brings in a hint of rustic elements.

Last but not least, let's talk fashion. A modern, downtown, New York City venue calls for a modern dress right? I can see something like this Reem Acra hitting the right note. It's modern, but elegant, and has a touch of whimsy. Much like Battery Gardens. 

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An ivory version of this dress is actually available on Shop Bop now.

That concludes for digital daydream for now. Anyone else attend a wedding at Battery Gardens and want to weigh in? 

XOXO

Fashion Moment: 2013 Academy Awards

I love film, but let's face it - I watched the 2013 Academy Awards for one thing and one thing only: the fashion. And Jennifer Lawrence's fall was just the cherry on top. I tuned in early just to watch the gorgeous gowns celebrities walk the red carpet. 

Many of these beauties gave me heart palpitations and filled my brain with visions of future wedding gowns. I also feel a lot of these gave us a glimpse of wedding dress trends to come. Let's take a look shall we? 

First up, the girl of the night - J. Law. In my eyes, she can do no wrong. She's beautiful, talented, and seems like such an independent spirit. 

Photo Credit: RCFA

The fit and shape of this Dior gown is pure perfection. I love drop waist gowns, and they are perfect for Jennifer Lawrence's figure. It's classic, and just right for the Oscar winner. Do I love the patterned fabric or huge train? Meh. But both worked for her, and I anticipate seeing more drop waist gowns in the bridal world soon. Personally, it's a shape I'm looking forward to trying on. I feel it's a good fit for curvy girls looking to accentuate the curves, but still be feminine and not too sultry.

Next, the original Jenn - Jennifer Aniston. I think this red Valentino ballgown was stunning on her.

Photo Credit: TIME

I love that this is a modern take on the ballgown. The straight neckline is very on-trend right now (see my homegirl  J. Law above). My only critique with this look is the hair. I know it's Jenn's signature, but I would have love to see her try out something new. Bridal fashion has moved more towards mermaid and fit and flare gowns, but hopefully the two Jenn's can influence a moment back towards modern ballgowns - they don't always have to be princess/cupcake-esque.

This rose gold Armani gown on Jessica Chastain may have caused me to squeal. Out loud.

Photo Credit: TIME

The color, shape, design - it's all just so so wonderful. I could see a gown like this making a huge statement at a wedding. It's different, but jaw-droppingly gorgeous. This could also make for a stunning reception/party dress. I'm seeing a modern NYC wedding, perhaps a ceremony at The Highline followed by a reception at one of the Rockefeller Center venues or a downtown loft ala Tribeca Rooftop. Sounds like a good time, huh?.

Last, but not least, I have to talk about Kristen Stewart. 

Photo Credit: TIME

 I love Reem Acra and I think this gown had so much potentional. I wish it fit her better, and was more dramatic on the bottom. Or less? Where it stands now is in the middle - uncommitted. It's like the bottom couldn't decide to go for Oscar glam, or be laid-back elegance. It's the Oscars - always go for the glam! Either way, I could absolutely see this lace and nude gown going down the aisle. Without the dramatic bottom it would work well for a simple ceremony under the Brooklyn bridge. If the bottom was really amped up for maximum wow factor, this would be a beautiful St. Patrick's cathedral worthy show-stopper of a gown.  

There were so many gorgeous gowns on the red carpet, but these four really stood out to me. Anyone out there agree? Disagree? 

XOXO