How did Q propose? Q, an accomplished procrastinator, finally decided to do something about all those “Sooo, when’s the enagaaagemeeent?” questions. He’d asked about 50 of our closest friends and family to write little notes to Carly. On August 23rd, one of those friends covertly distracted her with brunch and a manicure. She never suspected that meanwhile, Q with the help of a few good friends, was posting those notes (painstakingly handwritten) to trees, fences and light posts in Central Park — altogether about a mile worth of notes. At the end, there was a picnic by the pond featuring many of Carly’s favorite snacks: Milanos, pounds of cotton candy jelly beans, fudge stripes, chips, cinnamon toast crunch, pringles, basically a 5 year old’s dream. Also present were friends and family who had been anxiously awaiting this particular day.
After being led to the first note, Carly, dressed in red, ambled through the park, reading the notes one by one, as strangers curiously peeked at their contents and asked what was happening. She read the last note by the shore of the pond, where Q had been waiting and shooing away tourists, and ran toward him with glee.
He simply said, “Marry me?”
She simply said, “Of course!”
Their friends and family stashed across the pond revealed themselves with an eruption of cheers. So did strangers nearby, who yelled, “Go Carly!” finally matching the face to the name on the notes. The newly engaged pair walked around the pond toward the picnic where they were greeted with tears, hugs, and grins. Carly describes the day as “perfect.” The rest of the day was spent floating around, dreamlike and with cheeks sore from so much smiling.
Standout Memory of the night: Carly: all of them! Saying our vows to each other, which we had each written and kept secret until that moment. They fit together beautifully, and his were so perfectly romantic. And of course, dancing nonstop with all our favorite people. The whole night was beyond perfect.
Q: Saying our vows, and having our friends and family understand just how deep our love is. Being moved to tears by how happy we felt. The feeling that our wedding fit us perfectly and that everyone around us felt it too.
Honeymoon Location: Bali
One piece of advice that you could give to other couples: Don’t focus too much on what “should” be, focus instead on what you both want and what feels authentic to you. Make it your own. And in general, laugh often.
Wedding Dress: BHLDN, Anthropologie
Groom’s Tux: Bonobos
Groom’s Gift to Bride/ Bride’s Gift to Groom: Bridesmaids: Wary Meyers candles, Lost in Translation book, and an extra something special for each Groomsmen: Nice Laundry socks and Zelda Triforce cufflinks to wear with their suits
Something blue and something borrowed: Carly carried the handkerchief that my grandmother carried during her own wedding in my bouquet
What was the most surprising thing about the night? Q: I thought the wedding would be all about the party for me, but the ceremony was much more romantic and memorable than I expected; it ended up being the thing that stands out most for me. Carly: I was blown away by the tangible feeling of love and support from everyone around us. There was this beautiful energy in the room that I couldn’t have imagined.