REAL WEDDING

  • Photography By:

    Nannette Bedway Studio

    ELIZABETH BUCHENROTH AND KATHERINE PANTELAKIS

    August 31, 2014 in New York, New York

    Elizabeth Buchenroth and Katherine Pantelakis were introduced by a mutual friend at a restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. Elizabeth had recently moved back home from a five-year stint in Los Angeles. After the first meeting, it was as if fate took control.

     They continually crossed paths several times over the course of the next few months; restaurants, Starbucks, bank lines, art exhibits, etc. Each time they "ran into" one another, they kept asserting that they should meet for dinner or drinks. Finally, they actually planned a dinner on October 10, 2012. During the dinner, both could not deny the "off the charts" chemistry.

    “WE WILL STRIVE TO BE A MARVELOUS EXAMPLE OF LOVE, PRIDE, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.” ELIZABETH BUCHENROTH

    As two forty-something women, they never thought they would have an opportunity to marry for numerous reasons. First, they never thought they would find "the right one"; secondly, legal same-sex marriage was not available in their home state of Ohio; thirdly, they believed (especially Katherine) that their Midwestern family members would be uncomfortable with such union. 

    However, a few serendipitous things happened. They both met "the right girl.” DOMA was struck down by the Supreme Court allowing them to marry in a state in which same-sex marriages are legal and ensure that it is recognized federally, regardless of state of residence. The story would not be complete without mentioning the extraordinary love and support they received from their family and friends.

    At the same time of this amazing and rapidly budding romance, Katherine dealt with her father dying of lung cancer within two months. He died in December 2012. Elizabeth had never met him but attended the funeral. It was truly the best and worst of times.

    Elizabeth and Katherine were married in the SoHi room at Trump SoHo New York, forty-six stories above Lower Manhattan. The space was transformed to host an intimate and elegant black-tie affair with reflective vignettes of New York City, such as crystals and orchids strung above the dining table spanning the length of the room, mirrored runners on the tables with candles, and an abundance of flowers and ambient lighting to mimic the landscape of the City. 


    The result was a stunning, sensory experience. Seventy-five guests enjoyed the flowing champagne and the jazz standards performed by the Charles St. Paul Band.  Later in the evening, Elizabeth's nine-year-old niece Nina sang a tear-jerking rendition of  "All of Me" by John Legend.

    “To both our delight and surprise,” says Elizabeth “every single family member graced us with both their support and excitement in response to our wedding announcement. Our guests came from all over the country and all over the ideological spectrum to celebrate our marriage. “Our wedding,” continues Elizabeth “filled both of us with both enormous pleasure and gratitude.

    We are beyond thrilled that we'll experience a life together validated by our government. However, we are aware that with this, comes responsibility. Responsibility in knowing that our wedding represents probably the only same-sex wedding most of our guests will ever have an opportunity to attend. As such, we will strive to be a marvelous example of love, pride, and the pursuit of happiness.”  The couple honeymooned in the Hamptons.


    WEDDING TALENT

    Location, Caterer, Linen and Planner: Trump SoHo New York, New York, NY; Cake: Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, New York, NY; Floral and Event Design, Rentals: Christina Marraccini Inc., New York, NY; Floral and Event Design, Rentals: Raccini Design Assoc., New York, NY; Stationery: Peabody Papers, Columbus, Ohio

    Wedding Dress: Anna Maier; Wedding Dress: Alexander McQueen; Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo

    Honeymoon: Hamptons, New York; Registry: I Do Foundations

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