FOR JORDAN, a subtle yet significant
squeeze of the hand from Andre was all it took for their journey to be set in motion. At a fundraiser after-party, Andre and Jordan teamed up to play a game of darts. Despite their landslide of a loss at the game, they had actually gained something much more rewarding. Andre’s gesture spoke for itself, resulting in a first date two weeks later. With root beer and coffee in hand, they spent a magical evening together watching the Olympics, realizing that this was the beginning of a very different and special kind of victory. Holding their ceremony and dessert reception at Union Train Station in Utica, N.Y., the couple knew this would be the ideal place to begin the rest of their forever together. “The local train station is filled with historic character and charm. Everything about it matched what we wanted our day to be,” says Jordan.
THE INSPIRATION Exchanging vows
under the high-arched, chandeliered ceilings and dancing amidst robust marble pillars, Andre and Jordan knew that Utica’s local train station had proven to be everything they had hoped for. “We love the Art Deco time period and everything it encompasses. We wanted the day to be glamorous but comfortable, like a big Gatsby party: respectable and wildly fun.” Glimmers of gold and classic black could be found in every detail of the day, from the tall candelabras, vintage cameras boasting their wedding hashtag, an antique
typewriter and golden flecks in the floral design. Andre and Jordan happily collaborated together to infuse their celebration with their own tastes and creative flair. “We brought antiques we already owned and supplemented with a ton of black and gold décor we bought on clearance right after Christmas.” The artsy couple designed a family crest that graced their stationery, created their own rehearsal dinner menu complete with a history of the venue and made placemats which included a custom word search and a seating chart. Jordan and one of her bridesmaids designed all of the boutonnieres and bouquets the morning of the wedding, efficiently working together as a team to get them all completed in less than two hours. “We purchased the flowers through a local supermarket and had every flower present in our wedding that we had ever dreamed of: an all-white palette of hydrangeas, lots of baby’s breath, full roses and gerber daisies with black centers. We had so much fun doing them together!”
THE FASHION On her birthday, Jordan
received the ultimate present ... the purchase of a timeless, classic Badgley Mischka lace dress that would transform her into a beautiful, blushing bride on her wedding day. Andre looked dashing in his black-on-black suited ensemble from Ralph Lauren, while the groomsmen sported classic black suits and ties over white shirts. The bridesmaids were at liberty to
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