Tell us about your wedding day and surrounding events! Where did it all go down? Did you have any particular inspiration or musts when choosing the location?

Before our big 350+ person wedding weekend in Mexico, we always knew we wanted our civil ceremony to feel super intimate and so “us.” We chose to get legally married at the courthouse in Lower Manhattan, with a few of our closest friends in tow. My bestie Sarah came with me to my Happy Isles appointment when I picked out the dress, so it felt extra special to have her there the day I finally wore it. After our short and sweet “I do,” we headed uptown to Columbia’s campus—where we met and fell in love as college students. It was low-key, personal, and honestly perfect.

How did you and your partner meet? What was the proposal like?

We met the way so many great love stories begin—at a college frat party. Ethan proposed years later, after the most magical day in Big Sur. He totally faked me out by letting me think we were going to Napa, but when I landed in SFO, he was waiting with a rented convertible. We drove down the coast, and he popped the question in the most dreamy, cinematic setting. It was perfect. 

Describe your Happy Isles dress and/or dresses! When did you know it was the one?

The amazing team at Happy Isles pulled the dress for me after I mentioned our Mexico wedding, and truthfully, I wasn’t convinced at first glance. But when I slipped it on, Sarah—who was with me in person—was floored. She usually leans classic, so her reaction totally caught me off guard. Then I texted Michal, my other bestie, and her response sealed the deal. I knew if they were both this obsessed, it was coming home with me. It ended up being perfect for our courthouse day.

...gave off an old-school NYC-Mrs. Maisel-meets-Carrie Bradshaw vibe...

This vintage Geoffrey Beene from the 90's felt like a dream dress on all fronts: it felt reminiscent of my Mexican heritage (and our destination wedding in Mexico), as well as gave off an old-school NYC-Mrs. Maisel-meets-Carrie Bradshaw vibe, which perfectly honored the city in which we live and fell in love. It is just so unique, and feels like a piece of fashion history for sure – I can't believe it lives in my closet now! 

I actually wore another Happy Isles dress for our welcome fiesta in Playa del Carmen – I'm itching for those photos to be ready so that I can share!!! It's a vintage Naeem Khan gem that perfectly pays homage to traditional Mexican embroidery patterns, with a bridal twist. 

What did your partner wear down the aisle, and did you share outfit pics before the big day?

For our civil ceremony, Ethan wore a sharp Canali suit that was tailored to perfection. He was very clear that he didn’t want to see any of my looks ahead of time—not even sneak peeks. He wanted every outfit reveal to be a moment, and I happily played along.

My friends and I say I “yassified” him, because he truly embraces the fashion fun and still talks about how blown away he was by the looks.

How did your guests respond to your outfit(s)? Were there any standout reactions?

The night before the civil ceremony, I totally spiraled and FaceTimed my mom, convinced I had made the wrong choice. I was worried the dress wasn’t courthouse appropriate and that I was doing “too much”.

She was out on a walk with her friend Sarah, and they both reassured me I was being dramatic (in the best way) and that I absolutely had to wear the “Carrie Bradshaw dress.” They were right. And seeing my Sarah’s reaction that day—after being by my side through every major life moment—was everything.

Where did you shop for accessories, and how did you style your look(s)? Give us the deets!

For our civil wedding look, I kept the accessories elegant and understated since I wanted the dress to totally be the star of the show.

I wore diamond studs, a classic tennis bracelet, my Cartier Clou, and of course, my custom engagement ring that Ethan designed. On my feet: silver Manolo mules for a little sparkle. The dress had a playful, vintage, feminine energy, so for hair and makeup, I actually referenced a photo of Ariana Grande as Glinda. My glam girl Dasha at The Clyque nailed it.

What was the most memorable aspect of your dress shopping experience? Any tips for future Happy Isles brides?

Happy Isles = magic. Honestly, trust your stylists—they’re actual fairy godmothers. (Editor's note: Aw shucks! 😊) They see potential in pieces that you might totally overlook on the hanger. They brought so much creativity and care to the experience, and they really see you. Also, they’ll hype you up like you’re the star of your own rom-com.

Okay. Your HI wedding dress is a person. What’s their name and ideal date night?

Her name? The Marvelous Glinda Bradshaw. Her ideal date? A late-night snack at Tom’s Restaurant near Columbia, preferably post-show.

Getting serious for a sec. Did you ever feel like you were breaking the mold or challenging expectations during wedding planning?

Totally. With both our civil and destination ceremonies, I wanted everything to feel intentional. I checked in with myself constantly to make sure we were making decisions that reflected us—as a couple and as part of our families. I come from a really warm and lively Latin-Jewish community in Miami, so for the big Mexico weekend, we leaned into tradition and celebration. That’s why we kept the civil ceremony small—it helped build the excitement for the religious ceremony under the chuppah.

Every wedding has a “wild card” moment. Did anything surprise you during planning or the big day?

Oh, you mean besides our original hotel deciding to do a full-blown renovation mid-planning? We had to relocate the entire wedding party, but it ended up being such a blessing in disguise. Everything worked out, and I learned to trust the process—even when it’s chaotic!

HOT TAKES: Any wedding planning or dress shopping advice to pass on?

If you love it, buy it. Don’t hesitate, don’t second-guess. If it disappears while you’re thinking it over, you’ll be kicking yourself. (Speaking from experience—many, many times.) You can always resell it!!

Best memory from your civil ceremony day?

Walking around Columbia’s campus together as (legal!) husband and wife. It was quiet, nostalgic, and incredibly surreal. We’ve grown so much since those college days, and it felt like such a full-circle moment.

Now that the wedding chapter has closed, what are some dreams for your future together?

We want to keep growing, pushing each other, and finding new reasons to celebrate. Whether it’s career wins, quiet Sundays, or spontaneous adventures—our goal is to keep showing up for each other with love, humor, and great outfits.

And finally - shout out your vendors!

Photography: @alexskbrown

Floral: @stemsbrooklyn

Hair and Makeup: @dasha__nyc via @theclyque