Author of the newsletter Link in Bio and former social media lead at Bon Appétit Rachel Karten and Greg Costanzo met through Rachel’s work colleague, Alex Delany. Alex was Greg’s roommate, and every time Rachel and Greg would see each other at a party or at his apartment, they’d naturally gravitate toward each other. “Eventually, we never left each other’s side,” Rachel says.
After two years together, Greg intimately proposed on an early summer evening in New York on a balcony that overlooked the sweeping city skyline. Once engaged, Greg revealed that he had flown her parents across the country to surprise Rachel. “We then did my favorite thing: two dinners,” the bride reveals. The night started at Cervo’s—an early date spot in their relationship—and ended at Contra.
Rachel’s parents live in Los Olivos, California, and after the couple moved to Los Angeles in 2020, they ended up spending a lot of time there, and it naturally became a special spot for them. Rachel and Greg went to dinner at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern a few nights after it reopened in the area. “Not only was the hotel beautiful, but the food was outstanding!” the bride says of what ultimately became her wedding venue. “It really checked all the boxes.”
To help plan the wedding of her dreams, Rachel enlisted Nina Moore’s help, and Bliss Katherine was behind the lens all weekend.
Once Rachel saw the Rosalie dress by Danielle Frankel online, she knew it was meant to be her ceremony look. “It felt like the bridal version of dresses I already wear, in the best way,” she shares. At Danielle Frankel’s studio in New York, Rachel said yes to her dress on the spot.
On the day-of, Rachel got ready with Marla & Co., who gave her a natural beauty look to truly let the dress shine. She paired the Rosalie with Aeyde’s Melis pumps and Mizuki teardrop pearl earrings. And later on in the evening, the bride changed into Sandy Liang’s Arden dress and Aeyde’s Darya metallic flats.
On September 9, 2023, Rachel and Greg’s wedding guests walked into the ceremony space and were greeted by a memory box with photos and mementos of the couple’s loved ones who were no longer with them—an idea Rachel got from Danielle Frankel’s atelier. Rachel’s friend, Elizabeth Jaime of Calma Floral, flew in from Miami to create a captivating floral arrangement that the couple exchanged personal vows in front of.
Rachel’s best friend officiated the special ceremony, which ended with both the bride and groom breaking the glass—a modern take on the Jewish tradition. Then, the newlyweds recessed to “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure. “We actually kissed too early and cut our officiant off at the end,” Rachel admits. “We were clearly too excited to finally seal the deal!”
After a chic cocktail hour at the hotel’s outdoor bar, everyone sat at long communal tables to create a lively dinner party vibe. Menus by Epoch Design were inspired by the iconic ones at Chez Panisse, and the delicious dinner was served family style.
Rachel’s parents kicked things off with an epic speech that ended in surprising the bride with the couple’s two dogs, Nancy and Pepper, who Rachel unfortunately thought couldn’t be there to celebrate. “It was just the best, and I’ll cherish that memory forever,” the bride smiles.
Once dinner ended, the shades in the barn lifted, revealing the inviting red glow of the party waiting for everyone. “We had a real vision for that barn—sexy red disco—and it was amazing to see it come to life,” Rachel shares.
After changing into her second look, Rachel and Greg cut their Roxanne Rosensteel wedding sheet cake that was covered in florals. And the bride surprised her husband with an affogato cart. Rachel beams, “He was so surprised and so happy.”
The pair had their first dance to “Never In My Wildest Dreams” by Dan Auerbach—a song Greg included in a playlist that he sent to Rachel early on in their relationship. “Greg would later tell me that the song was how he felt about me when we were just getting to know each other and falling in love,” Rachel reveals. “I still listen to all of Greg’s playlists and he is always who I look to for new music.”
The party formally ended at 11:00 p.m. with Dart Collective, but the revelry continued until nearly 1:00 a.m. in the couple’s cottage on the property. “Going into the night, we had taken the stance that we did not want to plan an after-party, but if it happened organically, we would keep celebrating,” the groom explains. “Everyone who wanted to keep hanging stuck around, and it could not have been more natural.” Rachel adds, “Greg and I ended the night in the bath, each with a slice of cake.”
