Weddings played a big part in Elizabeth Steel’s life. She was a producer for OTM-favorite planner Van Wyck & Van Wyck before studying at Sotheby’s and Le Cordon Bleu, and she even met her future husband Arnold Bauer at her best friend—and his sister—Floriana’s wedding. “Unbeknownst to me, Arnold claims he fell in love with me right away,” Elizabeth says. “But I suppose it’s for the best that he didn’t steal his sister’s thunder then and there.”
Two years later, Elizabeth joined the Bauer family on holiday in Sardinia and asked Floriana (and Arnold’s) mother to help her find a husband. Ever the matchmaker, the matriarch said the search was done. Elizabeth should marry Arnold! It was a flattering offer, but Elizabeth didn’t think it was an actual proposal.
One year later, Elizabeth was in Germany for the baptism of her goddaughter—and Arnold’s niece—when she and Arnold started talking. She realized just how much they liked each other and how they had already spent so many momentous family occasions together in different countries. Naturally, a first date at L’ami Louis in Paris was in order.
By 2022, Arnold brought Elizabeth back to France for a dreamy proposal at the Ritz Paris. “Given that he proposed in Paris, it only made sense that we’d select another French territory for the wedding itself,” she adds. They immediately considered the sun-soaked city of St. Barthélémy. “Upon arriving in St. Barth, all of life’s difficulties seem to wash away with the tides–a feeling I now will always tie to my marriage.” From there, wedding planning flowed from the fantasy of the island by drawing from the vibrant, calming colors. The couple also wanted design touches that reflect the life they’ve built together in Europe and America. The reception featured classic English-inspired patterns, a nod to their home in London, while the interior fabric for the tent was inspired by Schumacher, the renowned fabric mill near Elizabeth’s old home in New York. French cuisine offered tastes of Elizabeth’s time living in Paris. German dishes paid homage to Arnold’s upbringing.
“There is only one designer I knew could understand and elevate the exact wedding we wanted: Bronson van Wyck,” Elizabeth says. “I worked for Bronson at his company when I lived in New York City. There, with my colleague, Kari Bien, I helped the firm plan weddings for both of my sisters, Alexandra and Charlotte.” She knew full well that this team could handle the daunting assignment of a wedding overseas—and even find the joy.
The bride-to-be reveled in selecting looks for her events. “I wanted each look to set a bold tone for that specific moment, and to let me disappear into a distinct side of my own personality,” she notes. Her wardrobe included sentimental pieces like the Olympia Le-Tan clutch she wore while first meeting Arnold and a custom Emilia Wickstead ceremony dress that complemented her matrons of honor and flower girls’ outfits. She also donned Chanel, Zuhair Murad, PatBO, and Mish Fine Jewelry that weekend. Pamela Lugo applied her glowing makeup, and Marc Mena and Zach Murad styled her hair.
To bring all seven wedding events together, the Van Wyck team cleverly introduced a visual motif: sea turtles. Depictions of the whimsical creatures appeared everywhere throughout the weekend, from printed materials to the windshield of the pink guest Mokes, to a weathervane sitting atop the reception tent. “Along with their tie-in to our island setting, we loved how these turtles evoke steady, solid longevity,” Elizabeth muses. “As well as a touch of whimsy.” David Bastianoni captured the picturesque moments on his digital camera, while Lara Porzak photographed everything in black and white film.
Arnold’s family hosted a rehearsal dinner at Bonito overlooking the harbor. More guests arrived the next day for welcome cocktails and dinner at Gyp Sea Beach Club. And if rattan décor wasn’t enough to get guests in the mood, there were customized maracas and tambourines at each seat, along with bottles of Casa Azul and a beachside after-party. Everyone took the hint, as the party moved to the beach after dinner to dance.
Friday afternoon was spent recuperating at Le Toiny Beach Club, where all could swim, relax, and enjoy a decadent lunch with ice cream in “Arnold & Elizabeth” cups. That evening, they hosted a dinner party at Tamarin.
The stars aligned for the February 4, 2023 ceremony. “Bronson has always said there are two parts to a wedding: the sacred and the profane,” Elizabeth shares. “I never felt this more than when we planned this day.” As she and her father stepped out of the car and walked to Gustavia Anglican Church on Rue Samuel Fahlberg, the skies opened and a sun shower commenced. Guests donned their summer best with an emphasis on “Pastels and Lilies,” as per the dress code.
The reception followed at a private home with guests in black-tie attire. After sunset cocktails, a bridge over the pool led guests to the custom-designed tent with a scenic façade reminiscent of Oliver Messel inspired by Caribbean architecture. Inside, however, was a romantic atmosphere with indigo and magenta hues.
“Having recently graduated from Le Cordon Bleu, I cared deeply about the wedding menu,” Elizabeth says before clarifying, “Curating it, that is. I had no intention of cooking on my wedding night.” Guests were regaled with a feast of foie gras, port wine onion jam, gratin dauphinois, and so much more by Oui Chef St. Barths before trying the seven-tier Eden Roc wedding cake of chocolate mousse and pistachio pastry crème, lemon Victoria sponge with raspberry jam, and chocolate with strawberry and chocolate mousse.
And then, dancing. The newlyweds shared their first dance to the tune of Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed.” The Festival Mibely Band from Paris performed in white tuxedos, and DJ William Grand held court over a disco dance floor at the after-party. Meanwhile, the Collective You portrait studio took guest portraits all weekend long.
Flo and Scott Miller at Le Sereno hosted the farewell brunch the following morning, providing one last “island casual” moment for guests before flights back home.
