Vintage Lebanese Fusion in Brooklyn

I’ve had this wedding in my arsenal for a while now, and was never quite sure when to feature it. I wasn’t sure why until the other day when someone asked me if I were to relive the last 29 years differently, would I accept a “Do-over”, and if so what would I change. Mmm…let me think? No, and nothing. I’ve got so much on my to-do list, but it’s life’s nuances – her moods, her tantrums, her nurture and even her wrath that have made me who I am today. And in that spirit of looking back, yet fantasizing about the future…I thought about today’s real wedding feature, by one of my favorite photographers – Diva Kella!

Setting: Brooklyn, NYC

Heroine/ Hero: “Southern Belle” bride – Elizabeth, and her Lebanese beau – Karim

Signature colors: Tiffany blue, ivory, black

Photographer: Kella MacPhee

SCENE # 1: ODE TO ANTIQUES

There’s a serene and nostalgic quality about Elizabeth and Karim’s vintage fusion wedding that I’m hesitant to describe, for fear of reducing it to something definitive. In truth, it’s an intangible thrill – a whirlwind of emotions that each photo evokes. It’s the subtlety in style and detail that draws you in like a good opening chapter.

I’ll let Elizabeth share her side of this vintage story, starting with her response to my question about style, heritage and the reflection of culture in her wedding.

I really love antiques and all things vintage (so do karim’s parents) so we decided to have a vintage theme. My mom and cousin handmade and embroidered our initials on ivory handkerchiefs for the ladies and pocket squares for the men. Each of them held 5 Jordan almonds and had a tag that told the meaning behind the almonds. My mom also crocheted ivory votive covers for the tables. We had a vintage jazz band perform music of the 30′s, 40′s, and 50′s at the reception. Vintage postcards of New York adorned the tables. Placecards had guests’ names written in English and Arabic.

SCENE # 2: ODE TO CEREMONY

As part of the Lebanese tradition I received an engagement band and did not receive a solitaire until the week of the wedding. Karim designed my wedding ring and band and they were made by his parents in their jewelry store. The ceremony was held at a Lebanese church where the mystery of the crowning was performed and readings were spoken in Arabic and English.

SCENE # 3: ODE TO FAMILY

Elizabeth also shared some of the challenges faced while planning the wedding for 45 invited guests and no event planner?

Finding a way to honor the traditions of each family and also explaining those traditions to everyone. Trying to choose the wedding location and not make either family feel excluded. We ended up with a ceremony and formal reception in Brooklyn (where we met and currently live) and we will also have informal receptions this summer in lebanon and north carolina for our full families featuring traditional foods. (Mediterranean food in Lebanon and Bar-B-Que at a barn in North Carolina).

My personal favorite detail, has to be the place cards handwritten in English and Arabic. (See Below)

{CREDITS: Photography by Kella MacPhee; Gown by Vera Wang; Jewelry by R. Mouzannar (necklace and earrings were designed by the groom’s mom and produced by the family’s jewelry boutique in Beirut, Lebanon; Groom’s suit by Paul Smith; Hair & make up by Sam Brocato Salon; Floral Arrangements by QuatreCoeur; Ceremony at Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Cathedral; Reception at The River Cafe}