Six-and-a-half years after matching on Bumble, celebrity stylist and author of The Queer Advantage Andrew Gelwicks proposed to Daniel Salas, a director at the Natural Resources Defense Council and faculty member at Columbia University. He orchestrated the ask under the guise of a Thanksgiving celebration. “The night before the holiday, Andrew suggested dinner near Lincoln Center—a spot that holds deep significance for me as it’s my favorite spot and a reminder of my time as a professional ballet dancer,” Daniel says. While walking around the fountain, Daniel turned to find Andrew on one knee, diamond eternity band in hand.
When deciding on a wedding venue, Andrew and Daniel knew they wanted something with a personal connection. Working with planner Scott DeMarco, they decided on a 19th-century monastery in Andrew’s hometown of Cincinnati. The venue’s Mediterranean-inspired interiors effortlessly complemented the intimate atmosphere on the day, all of which Olga Polo artfully lensed.
As for their wardrobe, the grooms donned custom Brooks Brothers looks and accessorized with Tiffany & Co. and Cartier. Andrew chose a tailored single-breasted black tuxedo and Daniel a double-breasted style. After the ceremony, they switched to white dinner jackets. Blend Artistry took to all of the finishing touches.
The “women of honor” complemented in white dresses of differing designer and style. “The dresses showcased each of the women’s individual styles, but together they created a beautiful, elegant look that perfectly matched the timeless feel of the evening,” Andrew notes.
On September 7, 2024, Andrew and Daniel exchanged vows beneath a floral chuppah—courtesy of Katie’s Blooms—positioned at the center of the room to surround them with guests on all sides. “The ceremony was a surreal moment that was overwhelming with every person special to us together in one room,” Daniel shares. Following the breaking of the glass in a nod to Jewish tradition, the couple recessed to The Link Ensemble’s string quartet rendition of ABBA’s “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight),” setting the tone for an evening of celebration.
The newlyweds danced to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight,” before their parents offered heartwarming toasts. Seafood fare headlined the dinner menu and A Spoon Fulla Sugar’s white raspberry wedding cake capped it off delectably. DJ Thaddeus Eppley spun a list of the couple’s favorite songs. A highlight of the evening was the horah accented by a surprise saxophonist.
“Following the reception, wedding guests gathered with us for a nightcap at Knowledge Bar + Social Room in Hotel Covington,” Andrew explains. “But the evening was far from over. In true celebratory fashion, we soon whisked everyone upstairs to our Presidential Suite for an after-party with music, pizza, and an energy that lasted until sunrise.”
