MELANY AVRUT & MATTHEW ORGERA 72
September 17, 2016 New York, New York Photographed by Roey Yohai Photography
MELANY AVRUT & MATTHEW ORGERA
Seinfeld was often described as “a show about nothing,” but to Melany Avrut and Matthew Orgera, it was the original basis for their relationship. Matt noticed that Melany’s dating profile mentioned she was a big fan of the classic sitcom, so on their first outing, he brought along a quiz about the program. “She won,” the groom admits. The date was a hit, and the couple now displays the framed quiz in their home. Seinfeld would continue to be a factor in their love story after they were engaged. “Steve Hytner, who played the minor character Kenny Bania, was even at City Hall when we got our marriage license!” Melany exclaims. The lovebirds also chose to include a quote from the show on the back of their ceremony program to pay tribute to the beginning of their relationship.
RESOURCES
Beauty
Christopher Marrero - hair Rebecca Robles - makeup
Bridal Gown/Veil
Oscar de la Renta
Bridal Salon
Mark Ingram Atelier
Cake
Lulu Cake Boutique
Calligraphy
Belles Lettres Calligraphy Entertainment
Hank Lane Music and Productions Floral Design
Tracy Taylor Ward Design Formalwear
Hickey Freeman
Honeymoon
Fairmont Dubai
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Invitations
Tracy Taylor Ward Design Jewelry
Designs by G&G
Lighting Design
Pegasus Productions
PSAV
Linens
Party Rental Ltd.
Mothers’ Gowns
St. John
Photography
Roey Yohai Photography
Planning & Event Design
Tracy Taylor Ward Design Registries
Bloomingdale’s
Crate and Barrel
Rehearsal Dinner
Parm Battery Park City
Rentals
Alan Party & Tent Rentals
Party Rental Ltd.
Shoes
Stubbs and Wootton
Valentino
Venue/Catering
Conrad New York
After attending the wedding of Melany’s cousin as a couple, Matt realized this was the woman he wanted to spend his life with. “We had a fantastic night together and I just knew I was ready,” he confirms. He asked his beloved to show him some ring styles she liked, and then he was off to the jeweler. “I got the stone from my late grandma, Laura Orgera,” Matt shares. Once he picked the ring, he spoke to Melany’s mother to get her blessing – as well as approval of the sparkler. The down-to-earth couple was never the type to have a grand spectacle of a proposal, but her darling’s plan was more than enough to make Melany swoon. “I opened the door to find Matt holding our dog and wearing a suit with a tee shirt that read: ‘Will you marry me?’” tells the bride. In addition to the proclamation on his clothing, the groom also prepared a ketubah with “M+M” at the top that listed promises such as “cleaning the dishes.” As befitting tradition, the faux marriage contract was signed by a witness – their pup.
Now engaged, the sweethearts had no trouble selecting a venue. “We live downtown and love going to the movie theater in the same building as the Conrad Hotel,” Melany explains. “Also, we figured it’d be great to walk to our own wedding!” The mother of the bride also played a role in the planning, particularly in making sure décor was the focus, by attending all design and planning meetings with the bride. Bright colors and an ombré pattern of petals lining the aisle made the ceremony resemble a sunset. The stunning chuppah was a work of art, with Lucite columns encasing the vibrant blossoms at the base and making the florals and foliage atop the structure almost appear to float.
“I loved dancing all night to great music under candlelight and flowers.”
Melany and Matt were each walked down the aisle by their parents, per Jewish tradition. It was important to the couple that their families were included in the ceremony, so wine glasses from the grandmothers of both the bride and groom were included in the service, and Melany used a ring belonging to her grandmother for the vow exchange. The bride donned a mermaid gown – purchased from Mark Ingram Atelier in New York – with a dramatic and eyecatching bow on the back, while her soon-to-be husband sported a bespoke tuxedo and custom shoes featuring his initials. “I wanted to look like James Bond!” he smiles. Along with his groomsmen, Matt wore a kippah with the logo of the Grateful Dead, which coordinated with the Grateful Dead socks and cuff links that he gifted his attendants. The bridesmaids wore elegant navy frocks of their own choosing, though each dress had its own unique detail.
For the reception, guests found their tables etched onto a modern acrylic sheet held in a wooden base adorned with garden roses, dahlias, tulips, chrysanthemums, and lisianthus blooms in various warm tones. The centerpieces complemented the chuppah – some floral arrangements of yellow, orange, coral, and pink were encased in Lucite cubes while others were held aloft by similar vessels. Ghost chairs and ivory taper candles tied together the fresh-and-modern look.
Given the groom’s desire to bear a resemblance to James Bond, it is fitting that the newlyweds played Sam Smith’s Oscar-winning song “Writing’s on the Wall” from the most recent film in the franchise for their first dance. Describing her favorite part of the evening, Melany says, “I loved dancing all night to great music under candlelight and flowers.” In addition to a live band playing 1980s rock and 1990s rap, revelers enjoyed the stylish cake. The confection featured airbrushed hues to match the floral design, along with a large sugar flower. One additional feature held a special place in the bride’s heart: “A miniature replica of our dog digging on the side!”
For sweethearts planning their own celebrations, Matt encourages hiring a professional planner, with Melany noting that “it’s important to make sure you hire a team that really understands your vision and personality so that they can help you make your wedding as personalized and special as possible!”