When Hurricane Katrina hit, it had a massive impact on Adrian Cohn’s life. While he grew up in New York, his family goes back seven generations in Louisiana. Consequently, he felt a deep sense of commitment and obligation to rebuild the homes and lives of the Katrina victims. During high school, college, and later as an AmeriCorps member and manager at SBP, Adrian fundraised, organized, and participated in the rebuilding efforts.
It was on March 6, 2013 that Samantha Wolf walked in as a volunteer, and met Adrian while he was managing the SBP program. Over the course of two months, Adrian courted Samantha, and they connected over the shared interest in building community and bringing out the best in people.
“KEEPING WITH THE “FESTIVE AND COLORFUL” THEME, THE DÉCOR INCLUDED TABLES TOPPED WITH DIFFERENT FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS”
Samantha relocated from New York to live with Adrian in New Orleans, and the couple established themselves in the community, joining not-for-profit boards, volunteering, and fundraising.
In 2015, Samantha and Adrian moved back to New York in pursuit of new career opportunities, and got engaged that December at their East End Avenue apartment in the company of their dog, Fitz.
Samantha manages multi-million dollar fundraisers at City Harvest, so planning a wedding was a walk in the park. The couple and their families agreed the wedding would be held at Wave Hill in NYC, and Adrian’s father – an architect and graphic designer – worked with them to create an experience and theme: festive and colorful.
The most challenging component of the wedding planning process was finding the right photographer. Samantha and Adrian wanted someone whose work spoke volumes, and who they’d be comfortable with. When they met Bénédicte Verley, a Rhode Island-based photographer who captures weddings worldwide, they knew it was the perfect fit.
On their wedding day, the bride and groom were married overlooking the glistening water of the Hudson River – the bride wearing a wedding dress by Romona Keveza, and the groom wearing a suit by Isaia. To add a pop of color, the groom and his groomsmen wore red, but distinctly different ties by Salvatore Ferragamo.
Keeping with the “festive and colorful” theme, the reception décor included tables topped with different floral arrangements, and alternating shades of the same color for seat cushions. Guests were served an array of dishes featuring colorful fruits, vegetables, and the appropriate summer preparation of fish. The wedding cake, created by Ana Parzych, also featured a gorgeous display of colorful sugar flowers.
At the end of the night, the newlyweds simply felt grateful. Their special day turned out to be more beautiful than they could have imagined, and they were incredibly thankful for everyone who made the trip to wish them well as husband and wife.
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Wave Hill, Bronx, NY; Event Design: Diversity: Architecture & Design, New York, NY; Floral Design: Richard Salome Flowers, New York, NY; Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza; Groom’s Attire: Isaia Napoli; Cake: Ana Parzych Cakes, Greenwich, CT; Caterer, Rentals, Linen and Lighting: Great Performances, New York, NY
