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This Bride Wore a Customized Vera Wang Gown to Her Wedding at a Two-Star Michelin Restaurant

By Shayna Seid | Photography by 

Isaac Hernández

|Planning by 

Polka Dot Events

Cristina Manuela Beltran, founder and CEO of luxury skincare line ESTAS, and Scott Evan Musser knew they wanted to get married in New York but were stuck on a venue. “We didn’t want a typical event space or ballroom,” Cristina says. “And we were looking for a venue that would let us stay later than 11:00 p.m.”

As they were discussing wedding plans with her parents over her birthday dinner at Daniel, the general manager suggested they consider the restaurant for the reception. “We decided then and there to have our reception at Daniel,” Cristina says. “It made perfect sense; it’s one of our favorite places in the city, and we know the staff so well. It would be like getting married at home.”

For her wedding dress, Cristina really wanted to wear soft tulle and first visited Vera Wang. After trying on every tulle option, she finally found the one and added a black velvet ribbon to the waist and puffy sleeves. To complete the look, she also wore a silver and pearl headpiece, her mother’s pearl drop earrings, and white silk Christian Louboutin heels.

Cristina’s two sisters complemented her well in Oscar de la Renta. And Scott looked handsome in a black Dunhill tuxedo, Christian Louboutin black velvet loafers, and a Cartier watch.

On February 22nd, 2020 at St. Vincent Ferrer Church, Cristina walked down the floral-lined aisle with her father, as a trumpeter played “Trumpet Voluntary.” Their priest gave a beautiful homily, and three of the couple’s friends and family read passages. “Scott and I held hands the entire ceremony, and whenever something extra special happened, we’d give each other’s hand a little squeeze,” the bride says Once announced as husband and wife, the newlyweds headed straight to Daniel, which was conveniently only one block away. 

The cocktail hour commenced in the restaurant’s bar, while a jazz trio played American standards. And then the doors were opened to the main dining room. After a delicious three-course dinner, everyone made their way into the bar and dance area. The new Mr. and Mrs. had their first dance to “Our Love is Here to Stay,” and after a few songs, Cristina changed into a Lanvin dress.

An eight-piece band kicked things off, and around 11:00 p.m., a DJ joined in on the fun with Latin music. “Since my mom is Colombian and my dad is Spanish, this really got everyone dancing!” Cristina explains. 

Around midnight, guests were invited to the kitchen for late-night bites. At this time, the general manager pulled the newlyweds aside for champagne and two generous spoons of caviar. “We were beaming as we ate our caviar and sipped our champagne in our little corner of the kitchen,” Cristina says. “Not only was it a delicious, celebratory treat, but it was also the only moment Scott and I had alone during the entire reception. It was really special.”

The party ended around 2:00 a.m. “It felt like we never stopped dancing,” Cristina says. Afterward, the happy couple retreated to their suite at The Carlyle and ordered a bunch of room service for a mini after-party. “It was so much fun—wish we could do it all over again!”