REAL WEDDING

  • Photography By:

    Donna Newman Photography

    BROOKE COHEN & JASON PARKER

    June 21, 2014 in New York, New York

    Brooke Cohen and Jason Parker met in 2012. They were both members of the bridal party at the wedding of Brooke’s cousin who was marrying Jason’s close friend from college. When they first met, Jason was working and living in London.

    Brooke, who is very close with her family, kept thinking, “I like him, but he lives in London!” After meeting at the wedding, Jason stayed in New York on business for one month. Coincidentally, the next month, they would both be traveling to Palm Beach, Florida with their respective families. 

    “WE WERE ABLE TO TAKE EVERYTHING IN AND BE IN THE MOMENT JUST THE TWO OF US”

    Brooke was unsure as to what would unfold; however, in the weeks before they were to next see each other in Palm Beach, she was set up on blind dates with three men—one named Jason, one named Bradley (Jason’s middle name), and one named Parker (Jason’s last name.) She read the signs and knew that this must be something special. 

    This was only the first of many bizarre coincidences that pointed to the stars aligning for the couple during the first few months that they began to date. The couple had a transcontinental romance, he visiting New York, she visiting London, or rendezvousing in other European cities. 

    Due to Brooke’s teaching schedule, she was able to spend last summer in London until the school year began in the fall. It was a magical time (the warmest and sunniest London summer in UK history) and the couple knew that they were meant to be together.

    Shortly after Brooke returned to New York to begin the school year, Jason asked her parents for her hand in marriage.

    Since the couple fell in love in London, Jason fittingly proposed by hiding the ring inside a holiday gift for Brooke—an Alexander McQueen purse in the shape of the Union Jack. Brooke was so excited about the purse that Jason had to urge her to open it and look inside. As Brooke opened the purse, Jason got down on one knee and opened the ring box. Brooke was incredibly surprised.After Jason proposed in New York, he surprised Brooke with a suite at the St. Regis hotel. Naturally, having their wedding at the same place where they spent their first night as fiancĂ©s would be extra special. Summer was the most convenient time for their wedding. They also did not want to have a very long engagement since they were in a transcontinental relationship. 

    Because they had such a magical and romantic courtship, it only seemed right that they get married on the summer solstice, the most magical and romantic night of the year (a midsummer’s night eve) that is also said to be the strongest day for love and passion. Brooke grew up in Manhattan and being married in New York City was very important to her.

    After securing the venue and choosing their floral designer and photographer there were only two weeks to decide on a wedding dress-it was only a six month engagement.

    “Our wedding day would not have been as perfect as it was without the help of all our vendors” remarks Brooke. “We really felt like our wedding team was the dream team. We were so happy and so excited to spend our life together.”


    WEDDING TALENT

    Location and Caterer: The St. Regis New York, New York, NY; Cake: Ron Ben-Israel, New York, NY; Planner: Harriette Rose Katz/Gourmet Advisory Services, New York, NY; Floral and Event Design: Van Vliet & Trap, New York, NY; Stationery: Alpine Creative Group, New York, NY; Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier

    Veil: Vera WangBridal Salon: Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, New York, NY; Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

    Groom’s Tuxedo: Ralph Lauren; Cinematography: Hechler Photographers, New York, NY

    Honeymoon: Italy

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