A Chic, Black-Tie Wedding at The Mandarin Oriental in New York, New York

Marissa and Ryan Maddern were first introduced at a shared ski house in Killington, Vermont on New Year’s Eve 2012. “After meeting through mutual friends, there was an immediate connection as we danced the night away,” Marissa describes. “A few weeks passed by; and after celebrating my 25th birthday in January and his 25th birthday in February, we soon became inseparable. It wasn’t long before we realized how much we both had in common. A shared love of travel, music, food and wine, sports, and most importantly, family and friends.”

Over the course of their relationship, the couple traveled across Europe, drove the California coast line, and fell in love all over again in Hawaii. Marissa’s favorite adventure together, however, was in Paris. “After exploring the city and indulging in much cheese and wine along the way, Ryan proposed just off the steps of the Sacre Coure Basilica in Montmartre and made my lifelong dream come true,” she says. “I felt that feeling I always dreamt of – total happiness. I knew my life was always going to be one filled with love, support, happiness, and my very best friend by my side to conquer the world with.”

Ryan and Marissa’s wedding day began with a sunny October morning in New York City. Having spent the night in separate rooms after their rehearsal dinner, they were both filled with excitement and anticipation when it was time for the ceremony. “When I walked down the aisle of St. Francis Xavier, his was the only face I saw out of a room of 250,” the bride reminisces. “To see him crying happy tears at the end of the aisle as my father gave me away was the greatest moment of my life.”

After being announced as husband and wife, the bride and groom were whisked away to the Mandarin Oriental for a sneak peak of their reception space – an incredible reveal that led to even more happy tears. “Golf at Tantawan Bloom completely went above and beyond to make our room absolutely perfect,” says the bride. “Our theme was Modern Romance. We wanted the mood to reflect our love for one another.”

Staying true to their passion for great food, the couple treated their guests to a generous array of food stations with a sushi bar, dim sum, seafood, and pasta. Passed hors d’oeuvres included chorizo empanadas, baby lamb chops, mini wagyu beef burgers, and lobster rolls, and everything was followed by a gourmet four-course sit-down dinner. For dessert, everyone satisfied their sweet tooth with a wedding cake by Ron Ben-Israel, a dessert bar, mini chocolate chip cookies and milk shots, and passed mini ice cream cones.

“To have every single person we love under one roof – the people who have brought so much love to our lives – that was the highlight of our night,” Marissa reflects. “All 250 people were up on that dance floor beneath a ceiling dripping in florals all night long. It doesn’t get more special than that!”

The next day, the newlyweds set off on their honeymoon which included exploring the desert and vibrant city of Dubai, relaxing in a private Maldives hut, and finishing in Abu Dhabi.