Aziza and Faheem’s March wedding at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel was spectacular. L’Atelier Rouge handled all of the coordination leading up to the wedding, the complete design and the day of coordination. Needless to say this day was epic and was as beautiful as any of us could have dreamed. From a custom wood dance floor by Hi-Tech Events to a beautiful (and delicious!) cake by Heather Barranco Dreakcakes -no detail was missed. We asked Aziza a few questions about her wedding and her experience working with L’Atelier Rouge, below are her responses. We hope it gives you a glimpse into what a truly wondrous day it was!
Q: What were some of the highlights of your wedding day?
A: The design is the most memorable thing about my wedding. I felt like I was transported to a magical, elegant forest with twinkling lights and white flowers in the trees. It was breathtaking but not stuffy. I daydream about it often.
My parents were so proud of the wedding, so happy with everything from the food to the venue to the flowers. Seeing my dad’s face light up when he saw everything was a great feeling. It has been an entire month and my mother still mentions the wedding every single day.
My sister loved her flower bouquet so much. When I handed it to her she said, “I was hoping I would get to carry that. I have been eyeing it for the past hour!!”
Taking photos in Central Park. Everyone was so happy for us. New Yorkers are the best!
Q: Where did you get most of your ideas and inspiration?
A: Inspired by nature, light, understatement, night, New York.
Once we decided to celebrate at the Mandarin Oriental, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Columbus Circle, I was intrigued by the idea of a natural, forest atmosphere juxtaposed to the surrounding skyscrapers and city bustle. I enjoyed the idea of green leaves as opposed to an overly floral wedding. I knew I would have white flowers, clean but romantic lighting, Frank Sinatra at dinner but was afraid it could be stale. I respect the classics but recognize the necessity of modern elements to keep it fresh and current.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your experience working with L’Atelier Rouge.
A: I do not even know where to begin. I love flowers, giving, receiving, admiring. I knew the arrangements were going to be a very important part of my wedding but I didn’t know how to find a place that would do creative, unique florals. I searched online and came across L’Atlier Rouge. It was like I had created the wedding planner of my dreams. A floral designer who plans weddings. Then I met Caroline. The chemistry was there. She was professional, smart, beautiful, charming AND had an amazing French accent to top it all off. Who could resist? The meeting took place in her unassuming studio in Soho, surrounded by flowers, which I loved. I wasn’t looking for an over stylized, corporate affair. I could go on for days about how perfect she is but here’s the bottom line: Caroline knows everything about weddings. That is not an exaggeration (she is a chef on top of everything else). She is not a salesperson; L’Atelier Rouge is not an assembly line. Working with her is like commissioning a composer to write a piece or an artist to paint a painting. She is honest and opinionated but not pushy. She made my vision a reality. I can say with all sincerity, collaborating with L’Atlier Rouge was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
And Claire. Where do I even begin with Claire? Always pleasant, always professional, refined, cultured, lovely. Organized does not begin to describe her. Every detail was addressed. If she could tell I didn’t feel strongly about something, she took control and made a flawless decision. She kept me on track without harassing me, made me feel relaxed about everything. She was literally there to do everything for me the day of the wedding. I was honored to not only work with an incredible woman but to also gain a friend in the process of planning my wedding. I miss talking to her every day!
Credits:
Photography: Nathan Smith and Rebecca Walker for Ira Lippke Studios
Venue: Mandarin Oriental NYC
Cake: Heather Barranco Dreamcakes
Paper Goods: Ceci New York
Rentals: Party Rental NYC
Dance Floor: Hi-Tech Events
Lighting: L&M Sound and Lighting
DJ: Jason Fioto for Generation Events
Floral Design: L’Atelier Rouge
Event Design: L’Atelier Rouge
We loved working with you Aziza! We hope you move back to NYC one day.
Xoxox,
This wedding will be featured on Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Online.