For a couple whose relationship has been weaved by a serendipitous string of New York moments, Christine Paul Condello and Kunal Dashrath Mehta’s Plaza wedding could not be more perfect. For the past two years, they had dated both New York City and each other, practicing their first kiss from the seats of Yankee stadium, conversing over coquettish late-night cocktails downtown, and ultimately, proposing inside the empty walls of their first shared NYC apartment-to-be.
While a Plaza wedding seemed the certain choice for this quintessential New York couple, they also wanted a celebration that spoke to their unique traits as well. His Hindu faith; her Catholic upbringing... His love of grand gestures, her passion for creative details... The melding of faiths and families in a classic fête, albeit with an unexpected twist...
On September 19th, 2010, Christine and Kunal celebrated with the perfect combination: The Plaza, but at brunch. In truth, there is nothing more New York than a proper Plaza brunch on a sunny September Sunday, but the fact that this would be a wedding made it all the more special.
As principal planner of Christine Paul Events, (a full service event planning company that specializes in weddings), Christine crafted a wedding that spoke to surprises and symbolism, both of which were captured through her discerning eye for detail.
The Ceremony
As CPS Events’ Chef Jack Kiggins prepared an innovative menu of brunch-specific delicacies, Christine and Kunal’s symbolic ceremony took place in the intimate Centennial room. Christine’s parents escorted her down the aisle to an instrumental version of “You Are My Sunshine,” a favorite song they would sing to her as a child. She and Kunal stood in the center of the room, with guests circled around them from all angles. As the interfaith ceremony progressed, guests were invited to open personal, hand-written gratitude cards that expressed the couple’s love and appreciation for being a part of their lives.
The Décor
As guests transitioned into the Grand Ballroom, they were greeted by a wash of gorgeous jewel tones, indicative of the event design inspiration: “The Regal Peacock.” First introduced to the theme when they received a solitary peacock bloom in their invitation, Christine and Kunal’s guests learned of the symbolism during the ceremony:
“The peacock is the bird of India... Its feathers represent auspiciousness, blessing and protection.” Rev. Susanna Macomb said. “In St. Augustine's time, Christianity also adopted the peacock feather as a symbol of renewal, rebirth and immortality.”
The esteemed New York event designer David Beahm had created a life-sized peacock out of gorgeous late summer blooms, which greeted guests with certain distinction as they found their seats at the tables. Beautiful dinner plate dahlias, hydrangea and orchids decorated the tablescapes as well as the wedding cake, which was designed by Ron Ben-Israel and inspired by the ribbons on Christine’s Marchesa gown.
The Surprises
While the decadent aromas of the brunch buffet wafted through the air, the band’s strings section serenaded guests. Unsuspecting of any extended entertainment, the speeches commenced and Christine and Kunal took to the dance floor for their first dance. Slowly, the curtains of the stage opened to an elegant, full eight-piece band. Needless to say, the couple danced ever so elegantly to John Legend’s “Stay with You,” as guests stood surprised by the grand reveal.
Christine wanted to incorporate traditional Indian music into the celebration, so to add another layer of surprise to the festivities, a handful of family and friends hit the dance floor with their Bollywood best – a colorfully choreographed and festive performance that put a smile on the face of every guest!
The Menu 
Christine and Kunal’s custom-tailored brunch buffet began with a deconstructed yogurt parfait, plated at the guests’ arrival. The presentation included organic Greek yogurt in a Cosmo glass, with shot glasses of raspberries, blueberries and granola on the side. Throughout the event, guests were also treated to a trio of smoked salmon, as well as Indian inspired lamb carvings and omelet station with gruyere and tomato fondue.
The main buffet served a delicious assortment of decadent brunch favorites, including Mascarpone French toast with blueberry sauce, an all-organic vegetable frittata, turkey sausage and pancetta, freshly scrambled eggs and an à la minute Belgian waffle station with sweet accoutrements.
The meal commenced, not only with a gorgeous Ron Ben-Israel designed wedding cake, but also with an expansive dessert station including raspberry & apricot frangipane, chocolate caramel bars, Key Lime chocolate tartufo, a tequila lime tartlet, mini crème brulee, peanut butter chocolate squares, miniature apple pie, double fudge brownies and butterscotch blondies, cannolis, Crumbs-style miniature cupcakes, and sliced seasonal fruits and berries.
Another Special Touch…
As Christine and Kunal celebrated late into the day, Christine glanced down at her hands. Sparkling up at her was her beautiful engagement ring, her stunning wedding band, and one other very special “something borrowed,” her great grandmother Margaret’s ring. The stunning four-stone ring was given to Margaret on Mother’s Day in the 1930s, each stone representing one of her four children. Now, as Christine hugged each of her guests goodbye, the rings on her hand sparkled back, softly symbolizing, love, commitment and family. And like all of Christine and Kunal’s moments together, it was absolutely beautiful.
Special Ingredients:
Venue: The Grand Ballroom at The Plaza Hotel
Style: Classic Sunday Brunch
Photographer: Brian Dorsey, Brian Dorsey Studios
Flowers: David Beahm Designs
Lighting: Bentley Meeker
Cake: Ron Ben-Israel Cakes - the ribbons on the cake matched those on the Bride's gown
Invitations: Alpine Creative Group
Band: Aroundtown Entertainment
Officiate: Rev. Susanna Stefanachi Macomb
After Party: The Rose Club at The Plaza
Rehearsal Dinner 9/18: The Oak Room at The Plaza
Pre-Wedding Pampering: Warren-Tricomi Salon
Photo credit: Brian Dorsey
http://www.briandorseystudios.com/