Years after meeting at Auburn University, Haley Walraven and Timothy Sheng got engaged during a road trip to Maine in 2020. The two began planning a romantic spring wedding with a ceremony at Central Presbyterian Church in New York City, followed by a reception at the iconic restaurant Tavern on the Green. It was sentimental since the pair shared a meal at the Central Park staple during their first trip to the city together.
To help bring their “elegant and romantic yet festive and fun” wedding weekend vision to life, they hired Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli. And Ceci New York set the tone with a beautiful invitation suite.
At Mark Ingram Atelier, Haley found her beautiful Mira Zwillinger organza gown with a lace overlay and fitted bodice and a matching veil. The bow on the bottom of her train was actually taken from her mother’s own wedding gown. “I plan to make this a tradition and pass the bow to my daughter when she gets married,” the bride shares. On the day-of, Haley got ready with makeup artist Evy Drew and a hairstylist from Salon Riz. Bridesmaids complemented her well in green dresses from BHLDN.
On May 14, 2022, the bride walked down the aisle with her father as “The Prayer” by Andre Botticelli played. After the traditional ceremony, flanked by white roses and orchids from Cerka Creative, the newlyweds exchanged vows and a kiss before walking back down the aisle, surrounded by family and friends.
At the tented reception, gold-accented chargers graced long and round tables set with gold-rimmed goblets and floral centerpieces. After the delicious meal featuring a seafood tower, sushi bar, and steak, the newlyweds had their first dance to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
The father-daughter dance featured a very special guest. “Sunshine of My Life” began playing, but then John Mayer came out to sing his hit “Daughters,” while Haley and her pop swayed on the dance floor.
Later on in the night, the couple cut their Ron Ben-Israel cake, and Levain cookies and an ice cream bar from Dolce and Gelato kept everyone energized and content. White cowboy hats were also passed around as a nod to the couple’s Texan roots. And Jordan Kahn Music Company made sure the dance floor stayed full as late as possible, riding the high of the “Gravity” singer’s surprise set.
