Beautiful Giselle | A real Halfpenny London bride
Like many other couples, beautiful bride Giselle and her husband Mark had to completely pivot their plans due to the pandemic.
“We’d spent over a year planning a minimal wedding celebration with our friends and family from all over the world at a stunning 12th century Cistercian monastery that had been restored by two Portuguese Pritzker Prize winning architects—Eduardo Souto de Moura and Álvaro Siza Vieira. As artists and designers, we really feel in love with our venue and the party that we’d planned for our loved ones. But, like so many, the pandemic forced us to change our plans and we had to reschedule and eventually cancel all of our Portugal celebrations and our New York City Hall events with immediate family.”
Nevertheless, the couple were determined to celebrate their love, so decided to plan a simple, laid-back, yet utterly joyful and elegant celebration. The had an opportunity to go ahead with their ceremony during the summer when the Covid numbers had lowered in New York City and chose to tie the knot on Governor’s Island. Starting with a margaritas and tacos welcome at Taco Vista, a Taco truck with a view of Lower Manhattan, guests moved down to Picnic Point on the other side of the island for the couple’s DIY, rustic ceremony right in front of the Statue of Liberty.
“We incorporated brightly coloured flowers and bold cobalt ‘Mogador’ blue in our flower arrangements, the bouquet and the boutonnières; a symbolic colour from my father’s hometown in Morocco, since couldn’t be with us due to travel restrictions.”
Giselle’s wedding dress search brought her to us where she found her perfect combo in the Coral Dress with the Blossom Top.
“[Before finding Halfpenny] nothing felt like me or anything remotely close to what I wanted to get married in. It took me some time to find my way to Halfpenny London, but when I finally did, I knew they were different. When I came to London for work, I jumped at the chance to visit their gorgeous Bloomsbury atelier. I felt completely at home in an individual room in the gorgeous showroom and all the pieces felt modern and easy to wear. The fabrics are so thick, flattering and luxe (and many are matte, a big plus in my book!). I loved the practical Halfpenny approach to mixing and matching and saw so many pieces that I could see myself wearing again after the wedding for other occasions. I loved so many that it was really hard to choose!
The Coral Dress is timeless, elegant and was incredibly flattering right off the rack. I was looking for a beautifully structured minimalist gown and this hit it out of the park—it also has a distinctly Carolyn Bessette Kennedy vibe. I love the flattering deep V back and did not want to take it off in the showroom. I’ve never seen anything like the Blossom top for a wedding. It is stunning in its construction as it has delicate tulle, but the leather appliqué makes it strong and unique. It hugs the body and sits perfectly on the Coral Dress, so you can’t even tell they are separates, but I could wear the Blossom top for so many other occasions in the future.
I knew it was “the one” because I didn’t want to take off the Coral Dress at the end of our appointment! I left it on until the very end and I kept thinking about it even after I went back home to New York. When I saw it again at (Halfpenny stockist) En Blanc in LA, I jumped at the change to get it. I still think about wearing it on my roof deck just to look out over the City or to enjoy Brooklyn. It just fits and flatters my body and didn’t require any tailoring at all, save for some minor hemming. It is so different and elegant that I feel so lucky to have found it and been able to wear it at our different but incredibly special wedding.”
Giselle looks radiant in these beautiful images by Tonhya Kae. I’m so glad they decided to go for it and tie the knot the way they did. Huge congratulations to Giselle and Mark! Sending you so much love for your new adventures together.
Love,
Kate & the Halfpennys xxx
CREDITS
Photographer: Tonhya Kae Photography
Venue: Picnic Point + The Collective, Governors Island
Florist: Edelweiss Floral Atelier
Cake: Butter & Scotch
Cupcakes: Sprinkles
Catering: Collective Governors Island
Graphic Design: Giselle + Mark
Letterpress: Penelope’s Press
Bride
Hair: Erin Acker, E.M.A. Hairstyling
Makeup: Allison Brooke MacPherson
Gown: Halfpenny London
Shoes: Loeffler Randall
Hair Flowers: Les Couronnes de Victoire
Veil: Ever
Belt: Mara Hoffman
Earrings: Peet Dullaert
Cuff: Slantt
Rings: Blanca Monrós Gómez
Groom
Attire: Club Monaco
Shoes: Hudson London
Watch: BOCA MMXII
Sunglasses: FORA
Ring: Satomi Kawakita