REAL WEDDING

  • Photography By:

    Brian Dorsey Studios

    DARIAN SOLIMINE & ZACHARY ABLON

    September 27, 2014 in New Jersey

    Some couples fall in love at first sight, and then there are those, like Darian Solimine and Zachary Ablon, who nurture a warm friendship until it becomes something more.

    They met through friends in a bar on a football Sunday and found that they worked two floors apart at the same New York City financial firm. "I was out of my element and Zach was so sweet explaining football and making me feel comfortable," says Darian.

    Afterwards, a group headed for Chinese food, and Zach invited Darian to ride there on his Vespa. "I mentioned that my dream Vespa would be mint green with a cashmere seat," explains Darian. Somehow, Zach found a picture of one matching that description, emailed it to her, and the friendship began.

    “THE DETAILS GAVE OUR WEDDING ITS SOUL”

    By Christmas, the relationship had reached a new level. Then, after dating for over two years, Zach took Darian to Paris for her first time. "My friends said he would propose there, but when it didn't happen the first few days, I stopped thinking about it," says Daria

    They met through friends in a bar on a football Sunday and found that they worked two floors apart at the same New York City financial firm. "I was out of my element and Zach was so sweet explaining football and making me feel comfortable," says Darian.

    Afterwards, a group headed for Chinese food, and Zach invited Darian to ride there on his Vespa. "I mentioned that my dream Vespa would be mint green with a cashmere seat," explains Darian. Somehow, Zach found a picture of one matching that description, emailed it to her, and the friendship began.

    By Christmas, the relationship had reached a new level. Then, after dating for over two years, Zach took Darian to Paris for her first time. "My friends said he would propose there, but when it didn't happen the first few days, I stopped thinking about it," says Darian.

    In an ode to the bride's Italian heritage, the cocktail hour featured a groaning board of traditional foods served in a wood-planked setting accompanied by a male crooner.

    The reception upheld the rustic, outdoorsy theme with farm tables, the greenery of trees, and warm candlelight. "I wanted it to echo the amazing memories of family picnics," says Darian.

    A bounty of food reflected "what Italian life is like," and the band kept guests on their feet all evening. Darian's parents presented the couple with a surprise fireworks display, followed by an after party around a large fire pit featuring a band, s'mores, and a pizza truck to keep revelers fueled.

    Because of Darian's "obsession" with elephants, the couple began their honeymoon at the Four Season's Golden Triangle Tent Camp in Thailand, where they could interact with the massive creatures, and ended with relaxing beach time in the Maldives.

    "The details gave our wedding its soul," says Darian. "We wanted it to speak of us, where we came from, the kind of people we are, and our love for each other. Even with all the people there, it still felt like an intimate family affair, and that's exactly what we wanted."


    WEDDING TALENT

    Location: Private Estate, New Jersey; Cake: Nine Cakes, Brooklyn, NY; Planner: JZ Events, New York, NY; Floral and Event Design, Linen and Rentals: Lewis Miller Design, New York, NY; Photography: Brian Dorsey Studios Tent: Stamford Tent & Event Services, Stamford, CT; Lighting: Levy Lighting, New York, NY; Fireworks: Fireworks by Grucci, Bellport, NY; Ceremony Dress and Veil: Monique Lhuillier; Reception Dress: Marcia Goncalves; Groom’s Attire: Ralph Lauren

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