What makes the perfect registry? Our Dream Registry series answers just that, providing an endless source of inspiration for those putting together their own Over The Moon registries. We enlisted the help of some of our most stylish and in-the-know friends—whether they’re single, engaged, or already married. (Because we’re taking a page from Carrie Bradshaw’s playbook and saying one should be able to register for Manolos no matter what their relationship status!) Peek inside the registries of tastemakers, from editors and stylists to wedding planners and beyond. Your dream registry is just a click away.
Our August 2023 digital cover couple Isabella Sophia Ilgun and Elliot Stephenson got married in a summer, traditional Catholic ceremony at the more-than-250-year-old Iglesia de San Francisco in San Miguel de Allende. “I loved starting our marriage in such a peaceful way, incorporating the religious traditions that are so important to my family,” Isabel says. And not even a month after saying, “I do,” Isabella is sharing her Dream Registry with us.
Ahead of their nuptials, the Manhattan-based couple prioritized kitchen essentials for their wedding registry and made sure to update pieces for entertaining, like serving platters and fun appetizer plates. “My mom has beautiful fine china, so instead [of adding a new, traditional set], we selected the Star Fluted Christmas china by Royal Copenhagen,” Isabella shares. “I fell in love with the pattern and knew it was something that I could continue to add to throughout the years. I can’t wait to pull it out every December!”
The newlywed, who works in public relations, describes her aesthetic as “a mixture of modern and classic that is elegant, but inviting and comfortable at the same time.” She goes on to say, “I tend to avoid things that are too trendy or bright, as it can get overwhelming in a small Manhattan apartment.”
When Isabella decorates her own spaces, she loves to take her time and shop for pieces that add character. “I love texture, layers, and mixing the old with the new,” she says. “I always start with easy neutrals and then add pops of color with artwork, books, or objects that I’ve collected throughout my travels. Usually, I’ll find one thing—a painting or light fixture—that serves as inspiration for the rest of the room.”
For inspiration, Isabella has a saved album on Instagram filled with hundreds of pics from her favorite interior designers, like Clements Design, Alyssa Kapito, Thomas Hamel, and Steven Gambrel. She quickly chimes in, “Although if I lived outside of NYC, I would love to live in a Mediterranean, Nancy Meyers–inspired villa!”
Since she only moved into her now-husband’s apartment a few months ago, “there are quite a few different styles going on at the moment.” Isabella says, “It’s ‘eclectic’ right now!” They plan to move in a few months and really take the time to decide on a style and aesthetic that they both love. “We actually have similar tastes, so I think it will be fun and easy.”
For Isabella’s Dream Registry, she happily added lots of sets. “I love the Le Creuset Signature set, the Baccarat tumblers, and Aerin scalloped serving set,” Isabella shares. She also got lucky with her timing, as Ginori just arrived on Over The Moon. “I love the Ginori Voliere Tortora collection in taupe because although it’s Ginori, it’s a little different to the beloved Oriente Italiano pattern. The taupe color makes it easy to pair with colorful napkins or placemats for a pop of color!”
The frequent hostess loves to cook and after being introduced to a cruet, her life was forever changed. “It’s one of my favorite kitchen essentials, and so I had to add the elegant version by Match Pewter,” Isabella shares. “I love all things by Match—it’s such a timeless brand and really fun to collect.”
And for summer gatherings, Isabella has her eye on Amanda Lindroth’s rattan collection. “It’s casual yet chic, and the price point is really reasonable,” she says. “The pitcher and glasses were actually the first registry gift I received, and I have used them so much already. It’s a great set for serving up a fresh summer cocktail!”
Finally, Isabella leaves us with wise advice for couples creating their own Over The Moon Registries: “Take your time and have fun with it! Prioritize things that are important to the both of you, and make sure to include things in all price ranges. Oftentimes, friends or family members group together for the higher price point items, so don’t let that intimidate you. Also, we found that seeing things in-person, and then adding them to our online registry was really helpful. If that’s a possibility for you, I would highly suggest making a fun day out of it!”
Shop Isabella Ilgun’s Dream Registry below.
