As the saying goes, home is where the heart is—just ask Cynthia Cadeau and Stevens Desir. Though the couple officially met through mutual friends, they actually lived in the same neighborhood several years apart. So, when Stevens got down on one knee and proposed at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden in August 2020, the couple knew they wanted to plan a wedding that was close to their homes and hearts. Their main inspiration? Edith Piaf’s “La Vie En Rose.”
“The song held a special place in our heart, so we decided to center the theme and décor around it,” the bride explains. “We wanted to have a grand party and to really celebrate and have a great time. We wanted opulence and luxurious sophistication.”
On September 19, 2021, 100 of their friends and family members watched Cynthia and Stevens tie the knot at Current at Chelsea Piers in New York City. With a little help from wedding planner Jeff Stillwell, the day was glamorous, romantic, and in full bloom—as if one of Piaf’s lyrics was personified through a wedding day.
Read on for an intimate look at the festivities, as photographed by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography.
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
On her wedding day, Cynthia dazzled in a mermaid dress from Galia Lahav. “I tried on eight dresses and when I [put] on my dress, it just felt right,” the bride shares. “My sisters said I had to pick it.” Shoes from Jimmy Choo, Verstolo, and a veil from the wedding dress designer completed the look in style.
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
The bride spent the wedding toasting her bridesmaids and getting her glam on, courtesy of Glamour by Shaniqua and Felicia Graham. Though Cynthia wanted to keep her makeup as natural as possible—“I wanted to look like myself,” she shares—the bride went for an old Hollywood-inspired hairdo.
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
And just like that, Cynthia and her bridesmaids—who sported black gowns from Amsale—were wedding-ready.
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
Stevens looked dapper in an ivory tuxedo jacket and pants from J.Crew, a Tom Ford bowtie, and a shirt by Hugo Boss. His favorite watch offered the perfect finishing touch.
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
Meanwhile, his groomsmen dressed to the nines in Calvin Klein tuxedos.
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
“We decided to do a first look to calm our nerves,” the couple shares. “It [was] also a great way to get a lot out of the way so we can enjoy the reception.”
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
Before heading to the ceremony, Cynthia and Stevens captured some precious Kodak moments with photographers Danila and Lana Mednikov. “It was such a fun, but emotional moment,” the bride adds. “I [was] trying my best not to cry because I was missing my mom. Nonetheless, I remember how exciting it was for myself and everyone around me.”
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
Cynthia started to research vendors as soon as Stevens proposed, but she knew she wanted to hire Ivie Joy from day one. “Her work really blew me away,” the bride shares. The florist brought the “La Vie en Rose” vibes to life with installations filled with blush blooms, white accents, and plenty of greenery.
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
The bride and her father glided down the aisle to the tune of “Her” by Isaac Caree.
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
Stevens’ vows made people cry. I remember people just walking up to us telling him how amazing his vows were.
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
Cynthia and Stevens tapped The Vow Whisperer to help them write their personalized promises. “By this time, we already walked down the aisle and both of us were feeling comfortable,” Cynthia shares. “Stevens’ vows made people cry. I remember people just walking up to us telling him how amazing his vows were.”
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
The couple sealed their lasting love with a kiss and recessed back down the aisle as husband and wife.
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
Before the reception started, the couple snuck away to take some extra pictures with their entire wedding party.
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
During their wedding day, Cynthia and Stevens made it a point to trade any wedding stress for smiles—literally. “All the planning is done,” the groom shares. “Just trust in your team, have fun, and take as many pictures as possible.”
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
Guests moseyed over to the reception area, which was filled with tall candles, botanical linens, and lush displays of garden roses, hydrangeas, orchids, lisianthus, and dahlias.
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
According to Cynthia and Stevens, what sealed the deal on their venue was knowing their reception would be catered by Abigail Kirsch. With a Southern comfort food station during cocktail hour, crispy potato and chive-crusted salmon for dinner, and signature blood orange jalapeño margaritas, the menu did not disappoint.
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
For dessert, the couple enlisted Everything LuLu to create a confectionery creation of crème fraiche yellow, chocolate devil’s food, and red velvet cake.
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
Photo by Danila and Lana’s NYC Wedding Photography
The newlyweds entered the reception area and shared a sweet first dance to “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green. Of course, the fun didn’t end there: TSG Productions kept the party going with a lively setlist.
“Everyone danced and ate pretty much all night,” the couple recalls. “When the reception was over, some people hung out for the whole night, not wanting to leave.” Having an unforgettable night with the people you love? Now that’s what home is all about.
