Sometimes fate has to work a little overtime. Such was the case of Alexandra (Alex) Stathis and Brian Tsao, who first met while each was working in a different company involved in a New York Red Bulls ad. But it wasn’t until Brian joined Alex’s team—“completely by chance,” says the couple—a few months later that they clicked. In short order, Brian had convinced long-time Manhattanite Alex to make the move to Brooklyn and had proposed on a getaway in upstate New York. But when it came time to plan their Big Day, it was Alex’s turn to take the reins; she aimed south and chose her family’s longtime vacation spot—Kiawah Island—to play host. “We picked that particular weekend because we felt that it was past hurricane season, but also warm enough for our guests to enjoy an outdoor cocktail and explore the island,” says Alex. Kristin Doggett of Bellafare made sure one and all enjoyed just that with a low-key, yet glamorous ceremony and reception that suited Alex and Brian just so.
Top Tips from This Wedding
• Make room for surprises. Brian and his mom, Lily, christened the dance floor with a performance inspired by Beyoncé. “The crowd went wild and the party took off,” says Kristin.
• Go analog to capture candid memories. Partygoers were encouraged to snap away with Polaroid cameras, and the miniature shots were featured alongside personal notes in the guest book.
• Embrace spare elegance. A decadent sailcloth tent paired with extravagant hardwood floors and scaled back bistro chairs equal upscale style that’s not a bit ostentatious.
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