The Wedding of Jessica Pantzer & Scott James
Their Vendors
Ceremony & Reception: The Wagner at the Battery, 212.344.0800 www.thewagnerhotel.com Gown: Henry Roth Bridesmaids: Brideside Tux: Neil Allyn Photographer: Loreto Caceres Cinematographer: AK Productions Makeup: Sarah Graalman Hair: Stephanie Roberts, Muze Salon Florist: Cornucopia Flowers, Dorothy Pfeiffer Cake: Butterfly Bakeshop Jeweler: Joe Boiadjian, Yale Jewelers Programs: Gaetano Aprea Veil: Alisha Jemelian, One Blushing Bride
“Upscale Ambiance”
Jessica: Scott and I met through mutual friends. We were given each other’s numbers two months after I moved to LA, and after a week of texting, we scheduled our first date. What was intended to be a two-hour date turned into 15 hours of spending time together, realizing we definitely liked each other. Within the next seven months we moved in together and Scott asked my father for my hand in marriage. It was New Year’s Eve and I was in my pajamas when he asked me to go for a walk. We eventually ended up where he had given me a big first-date hug seven months ago. On a whim, I suggested reenacting our hug scene. I pretended to be Scott, getting out of the car, walking over to him, and was just about to give him a hug when he dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him.
Scott: The Wagner at the Battery met many of our must-have criteria. We wanted a venue in NYC with a view of the water, an experienced and personable staff, turn-key operations, and an opportunity for Sunday brunch. We wanted to be the only event of the evening, to have all our events on the same floor, and to have bride and groom suites. The Wagner staff had an absolute attention to detail. They were focused on partnering with us to make our wedding incredibly special.From the beginning, Dino Bavaro, the director of catering sales, Analy Campos, the event services manager, and the entire Wagner team were professional, organized, and thoughtful. They communicated their experience and expertise through action, and we knew we would be in good hands. The stress of planning our wedding from Los Angeles was minimal because of the confidence we had in their team. We are both very detail-oriented and, in the end, they produced everything exactly as we planned it.
Jessica: Our ceremony was officiated by Rabbi Linda Henry Goodman, who was the rabbi at the synagogue I was affiliated with when living in Brooklyn. Scott’s parents escorted him down the aisle, my father walked me down the aisle, and we honored my dear mother’s memory. We wrote our own vows and were married under a chuppah decorated with white flowers and greenery. Our ceremony was in the same room as our reception, so the room was turned over during cocktail hour.
Scott: Following our ceremony, The Wagner staff brought several plates with some of our cocktail hour foods to our suite to make sure we ate before the reception. The Wagner made us a signature drink called, “The Scessica.” They asked us what alcohol we liked, put together a few options for us, and we chose a mix of sweet vermouth, bourbon, bitters, cherry, and orange peel. It was thoughtful of them and fun for us!
Jessica: We enhanced the ballroom with amber uplighting and had centerpieces of white flowers and a variety of light greens with votive candles placed around them. We selected every song played and danced to Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing” for our first dance. The Wagner team was very cognizant of any food allergies or dietary restrictions and every meal was a fantastic choice. Several of our guests stayed at The Wagner overnight, and the following day we had our brunch overlooking the Statue of Liberty. We loved the convenience, along with the beautiful view from every window.
Scott & Jessica: We want to thank all of our family and friends for coming to our wedding and everyone who helped make it unbelievably special. Dino, Analy, and the entire staff at The Wagner listened to our vision, preferences, and questions. They were organized enough to handle any last-minute additions or adjustments we requested and to give us the confidence to be calm in the days before our wedding. We thank them for their impeccable service. We have a special place in our hearts for The Wagner and look forward to spending a weekend there every year to celebrate our wedding anniversary.
The Wagner at the Battery, NYC, 212.344.0800, thewagnerhotel.com