Blogger Lauren Bruno and Vincent Capelli got engaged in front of the Bryant Park Christmas Tree on the ice rink. “We were surrounded by true NYC magic and all random people cheering us on,” Lauren remembers. “After I said yes, I turned around and all of our family and friends were waiting there for us with a sign that read, ‘SHE SAID YES,’ screaming of joy for us.”
The two had a micro-wedding on September 19, 2020 in Lauren’s parents’ backyard in New Jersey, as they waited for their postponed April 19, 2021 date. Vince had always wanted to get married in Italy or Spain, but since they also wanted all their friends and family to attend, they decided on hosting their bigger wedding at Pleasantdale Chateau. Lauren adds, “We wanted a unique, timeless, and modern wedding with a bit of tradition as well.”
While the couple was living in Seattle, the bride and her mother found a Galia Lahav trunk show. There, Lauren tried on a gown and fell in love with it. However, this design had a version with bows, but it wasn’t at the show. Thankfully, Bridal Reflections in New York had it, and when the bride put it on with her mom, aunt, and sisters, everyone agreed it was “the one.” For added customization, the designer made an overskirt for the ceremony that Lauren took off after saying, “I do,” and buttons that ran down the back.
She paired her bridal look with Jimmy Choo’s Sacora 100 sandals and a bouquet from Laurelwood Designs. And on the morning-of, Seneda K. and Glamour by Drita took care of Lauren’s beauty look, while bridesmaids complemented her in champagne cowl-neck dresses from Amsale. For the after-party, Lauren changed into a sleek Galvan London dress.
On the way to the church, the bride, with her parents, was nervous about being late. But when she met Vincent at the altar, all the nerves faded away, as her family priest married them in a special ceremony. “I felt so at peace, calm, happy to finally be there—extremely thankful and truly felt blessed,” Lauren says.
Once married, the reception kicked off with food stations, a cigar bar—Vincent’s request—bongo players, saxophonist Jason Nelson, and their DJ, Party with MVP. The newlyweds had their first dance to “From the Ground Up” by Dan + Shay, and the party didn’t stop until well past 2:00 a.m.
Lauren and Vincent went to bed at around 4:00 a.m. and four hours later, they were up and ready for their goodbye brunch. “Vin definitely had some wedding blues the next day,” Lauren shares. “I was just happy it all happened, and I could live through the pics and videos.”
