Eric and Anastasia hosted their fete at Eric’s parents’ home. Their designers, Marisa Nicole Weddings & Events built the whole event space from scratch. The couple hosted a simple, intimate ceremony that beautifully integrated elements of both their cultural/religious. They tied the knot under a chuppah in the next-door neighbor’s garden backyard, where the flowers and decor were designed to feel natural, lush and plant-like. After the ceremony, guests were invited to join the couple for cocktails next door and were drawn in by the rhythm of a Caribbean band. Once again the menu and aesthetic were designed to bring the ease of the Caribbean into the home’s front yard.
Finally the curtain separating the front yard from the back was drawn back and the guests were transported into a whimsical backyard reception. A mix of greenery, neutral flowers and even potted herbs to create and gorgeous, casually elegant table scape, while bistro lighting hung from the many trees and the couple’s own signature “Homies Forever” lit marquee transformed the simple backyard into a land of enchantment. During their family style dinner feast, Anastasia’s mom surprised everyone with a group preforming traditional Panamanian dances. Once the dance floor opened, everyone danced to until they dropped, and when they thought they could no longer go on, we brought in a taco truck to keep the party going. The next day people were telling the couple it was the “best wedding ever!”
Tell us about what made your wedding special?
When we began planning, Eric and I decided pretty quickly that we wanted our ceremony to be deeply spiritual. But for our reception, we sought to capture the essence of a “grown-up house party” for our family and friends. We weren’t concerned about propriety or tradition. Our goal was to make that day a memorable and joyful experience for our loved ones and us. No one went to bed early, and we even got a few wedding crashers, so I think we nailed it.
What were some personal touches added to make the day unique?
Eric and I incorporated each of our religions and cultures into the wedding. Our ceremony was extremely spiritual; Reverend Michael Bernard Beckwith and Cantor Judy Greenfeld represented our faiths. To capture my father’s Trinidad, Eric and my dad made and bottled the hot sauce that we gave to our guests. They also made the chuppah! My mother surprised us by bringing a dance troupe from her native Panama.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
There were so many! The most touching moment was when our officiants told us to turn around and look at the sea of family and friends. It was then that I felt all of my nerves dissipate. Holding eachother’s hands, my husband and I breathed in the immense blessing and haven’t exhaled since.
The most epic moment was when my cousin Tyler used the Chicago Bulls entrance music to introduce Eric and I as Mr. and Mrs. Eric Noble.
How did you both meet?
At our alma mater, Brown University, Eric and I played on the same intramural softball team, Nogouchi’s Hoochies. We went out on a couple of dates but lost touch when I got a job in New York and Eric moved to Brazil on a Fulbright scholarship. At our five-year reunion, I waved to Eric from across the crowded lawn. Slowly, we rekindled our friendship and then began dating. 10 months later, we were engaged.
Vendors: Photography: Dennis Kwan Weddings // Event Planner: Marisa Nicole Weddings & Events // Caterer: Kitchen 12000 // Hair Stylist: Darico Jackson // Florals: Enchanted Garden Floral Design // Paper Goods: Whitney Ewen // Musicians: Sapadilla and Isaac Takeuchi // Cinema & Video: TKD Media // Cake: Portos Bakery // DJ: DJ Tendaji // Lighting: Impulse Entertainment // Rentals: A1 Event Rentals // Makeup Artist: DeeDee Kelly