Rachel and Bobby, both from the same hometown, met through a dating app in 2019. The pandemic’s slow pace allowed them to deepen their connection over FaceTime dates, and when they finally reunited, there was no doubt they were in love. Just a few short years later, their union was celebrated in style at the Pine Hollow Club, an event marked by a discerning attention to detail and notable decadence.
From an endearing first look to a traditional Jewish ceremony, Rachel and Bobby’s wedding was a luxurious celebration teeming with uniqueness and exceptional design. Statement floral installations, custom details such as monograms on the dance floor and drinks, and a reflective mirror aisle left a lasting impression on every guest. The groom, a third-generation florist, utilized his professional background and passion for flowers to bring their dream wedding to life.
The Couple’s Vision
A Luxurious Floral-Filled Wedding at Pine Hollow Country Club
For Rachel and Bobby, an opulent wedding graced with luxurious flowers was their ultimate aspiration. Drawing on his career in architecture and family legacy in the floral business, Bobby took on this project as a labor of love collaborating with his father and the Flowers by Burton team. Together with Rachel’s meticulous planning, they left no detail untouched, ensuring their shared excitement shone through every aspect of their wedding day. The primary goal was to create a sense of warmth and togetherness, prioritizing the overall feeling of each event. Inspired by their experiences as wedding guests, they emphasized that the emotional atmosphere is what truly gets remembered.
The Venue
Pine Hollow Country Club | East Norwich, NY
Nestled in East Norwich, NY, Pine Hollow Country Club served as the perfect venue for this event. The historic site, surrounded by lovely views, winding paths, and peaceful ponds, offered a charming setting for their big day. Pine Hollow’s appeal wasn’t just in its natural beauty but also in its varied event spaces, especially the grand ballroom with its sparkling chandeliers and high ceilings. The couple chose the venue for its suitability for their large-scale celebration and the convenience of bringing in kosher catering, making it the ideal place for their wedding weekend.
Getting Ready Moments
The Girls | Pine Hollow Bridal Suite
On the morning of their wedding, Rachel readied herself in the bridal suite at Pine Hollow Country Club, surrounded by her sisters and mothers. She wore a beautiful a-line gown with a sweetheart neckline, sourced from Wedding Salon of Manhasset, and added a lovely lace bridal topper for the finishing touch. Makeup by Val and hair by Liz Ash perfected her look.
The Guys | Club Locker Room
Meanwhile, Bobby and his groomsmen gathered in the men’s locker room, getting ready for the day ahead. Bobby chose a classic black suit and bowtie, embodying timeless style as he prepared for the big event.
First Look & Portraits
And a Sneaky Surprise from the Best Man
Rachel and Bobby had a surprise first look on their wedding day. To lighten the mood, Bobby’s best friend and Best Man showed up in a wedding dress before Rachel came out, bringing some laughs and calming Bobby’s nerves. The real first look, however, was pure perfection. As Rachel made her way towards Bobby, the genuine love and joy between the two was unmistakable. Their loved ones, watching eagerly from inside, couldn’t contain their excitement for the couple! After the first look, we captured bride and groom portraits, utilizing the stunning views and intricate details of the venue and florals.
Pre-Ceremony Ketubah Signing
Honoring Jewish Traditions and Commitment
Before the ceremony, Rachel and Bobby honored Jewish traditions by hosting a Bedeken and Ketubah signing in a side room with close friends and family. The Bedeken involved Bobby veiling Rachel, symbolizing his commitment to appreciate her inner beauty. The Ketubah signing formalized the marriage contract details. These rituals not only added cultural richness to their wedding but also emphasized their respect for tradition and commitment to each other.
Traditional Jewish Ceremony
With a Reflective Aisle and Ethereal Florals
The ceremony was truly remarkable – a botanical wonderland that mesmerized everyone with its intricate details and overflowing love woven into the arrangements. The reflective floor, and the floral-lined aisle adorned with flickering candles, created an ambiance of ethereal beauty. But what truly brought the “wow” factor were the hanging installations, elegantly draping the aisle from above and flowing towards a floral chuppah.
The traditional Jewish ceremony commenced with the Rabbi and Hazzan, beginning with the heartfelt “Oseh Shalom” prayer, a meaningful choice for Rachel’s late father. Rachel, accompanied by her mom, walked down the aisle to the soulful notes of “Circle” by Harry Chapin, a touching tribute to her father. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Cocktail Hour
Live Music and Abundant Food Stations
Transitioning from the ceremony, cocktail hour kicked off with with live music that really brought the energy. Rachel and Bobby joined their guests, mingling and enjoying passed appetizers and abundant food stations including a sushi bar. Drinks and signature cocktails – espresso martinis for Rachel and smoky margaritas for Bobby – kept the good vibes flowing!
The Reception
Dinner, Dancing and Luxurious Florals
As the evening smoothly transitioned into the reception, guests were welcomed with a breathtaking sight upon entering the ballroom space. The handcrafted floral arrangements and installations, personally curated by Bobby, left everyone (including us) in awe. The dinner proceeded in classic fashion, with a plated meal and heartfelt speeches paying tribute to the couple. Every aspect was meticulously planned and flawlessly executed.
Party & Send-Off
With a Special Confetti Exit
To kickstart the dance party, the bride and groom took to the floor for their first dance, followed by parent dances and the traditional Jewish Hora dance. The high energy of the celebration lasted all night, thanks to the incredible band that truly brought the heat. Wrapping up the festivities, the couple orchestrated a special exit, featuring balloons, lights, and confetti, creating a final celebratory moment at the top of the stairs as the night drew to a close.
| VENDORS |
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| Flowers: Flowers by Burton || Coordinator: Eventful Days || Venue: Pine Hollow Club || Videography: First Day Films || Wedding Dress: Wedding Salon of Manhasset || Makeup: Makeup by Val || Hair: Liz Ash || Band: Hank Lane – Dylan Matthews || Jewelry: Cantor Jewelry || Rentals: Luxe Rentals, Great Neck Games || Invitations: Harley Blue Design |
