LUANN DE LESSEPS & THOMAS D’AGOSTINO JR.
December 31, 2016 Palm Beach, Florida Photographed by Patricia Dash for Revery Weddings
LUANN DE LESSEPS & THOMAS D’AGOSTINO JR.
When your schedule is as full as that of Luann de Lesseps, it can be difficult to squeeze in a romantic date. As such, when The Real Housewives of New York City star was introduced to Thomas D’Agostino, through co-star Dorinda Medley, via phone call in June 2015, the two couldn’t connect in person until that November. “Either I was traveling or he was traveling, so we texted back and forth,” Luann shares. “But when we did finally get together, it was magical.”
After their delayed meeting, Tom didn’t want to waste any more time. Around Valentine’s Day, he hinted that their upcoming ski trip to picturesque Vail, Colorado, would be particularly special. Knowing a proposal might be in her near future, Luann was excited to depart for their snow-filled vacation.
However, the night before they planned to leave, over a late-night glass of Champagne by the crackling fireplace, Tom decided to get on bended knee. “He said that the ring was burning a hole in his pocket, and though he planned on giving it to me on our trip, he just couldn’t wait!” laughs Luann.
The couple quickly realized that the perfect date on which to wed would be December 31st, as it was to be Tom’s 50th birthday, New Year’s Eve, and a celebration of love wrapped into one event.
Upon the bride and groom’s venue selection – a lovely boutique hotel in Palm Beach, Florida – the event staff of the location quickly went to work designing their dreamy space. “It was important to us that everything was in one location so that it flowed seamlessly: the ceremony, cocktails, reception, birthday, and the New Year celebrations,” muses the bride.
Following nine months of planning, friends and family gathered in the alfresco courtyard to witness the vow exchange. Attendees found their seats in gilt chairs on either side of the stone aisle lined with candles, lanterns, and clusters of ivory roses and hydrangea blooms. Suspended overhead from grand palm trees were stunning crystal chandeliers, which framed the altar perfectly. “I wanted everything to be in white with hints of pale blush,” notes Luann. Tom awaited his bride under an arch made up of verdure and snowy perennials as opera singer Gregor Trachet serenaded the crowd. In addition to their traditional wedding party, the daughter and son of the bride, Victoria and Noel, walked down the aisle as flower girl and ring bearer. At long last, the bride entered the space to the tune of “Something” by The Beatles, dressed in a sophisticated sheath dress with illusion sleeve detailing, custom designed by Randi Rahm.
After the “I dos,” guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the cool, open air of Palm Beach. At dusk, they took their seats at circular tables featuring sleek, patterned linens, and lush arrangements. Each centerpiece was artfully made from votives, strands of crystals, foliage, and garden roses, orchids, gardenias, and hydrangea blossoms in shades of crème brûlée. Attendees, including fellow “Housewives” Marysol Patton, Jill Zarin, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Dorinda Medley, and Cynthia Bailey, showed off their black-tie ensembles while dancing on the custom dance floor. “Everyone was dressed to the nines!” exclaims Luann.
Eventually, the night progressed into the groom’s birthday party, which included a surprise from Luann in the form of a giant faux cake with a Marilyn Monroe performer hiding inside. At midnight, the newlyweds shared a meaningful kiss, happy to ring in 2017 as husband and wife.