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APRIL 23 • BROOKLYN

merary & jonPHOTOGR APHY BY

SASITHON PHOTOGRAPHY

THEIR STORYBRIDE Merary Soto, 35, a global VP at Andela GROOM Jon Saunders, 34, a chief operating officer HOW THEY MET On Hinge WEDDING STYLE Intimacy was key for Merary and Jon, who remotely planned their Brooklyn bash from their new home in Nairobi, Kenya. —RS

An inviting palette of rose gold and navy blue warmed up the wood interior of Brooklyn Winery, an urban space the couple selected due to its rustic charm. To solidify their status as husband and wife, the pair honored the African tradition of jumping a broom handcrafted by the bride.

“I fell in love with all of its romantic

lace,” Merary says of her mermaid-style sheath, which she

accessorized with a refined cape topper.

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“We wanted the room to feel thoughtful and warm,” Merary says of their inviting aesthetic. Clusters of cherry blossoms played up the venue’s existing potted plant inlays, and fresh blooms dotted the couple’s German chocolate, passionfruit and dulce de leche cake.

MER ARY & JON

108K Laser-cut place cards marked each guest’s seat at wood dining tables lined with taper

candles and delicate bud vases. “We wanted our guests to feel like they were coming over to have dinner with us,” Merary says of treating their company to a family-style meal.

MERARY & JON’S WEDDING INGREDIENTS

CEREMONY & RECEPTION SITE Brooklyn

Winery, Brooklyn PHOTOGRAPHY

Sasithon Pooviriyakul/Sasithon Photography

DAY-OF COORDINATOR Emily Dolan-Leach/

Brooklyn Winery FLOWERS by Elias

OFFICIANT Lisa Rubin (friend) GOWN &

CAPE Pronovias, Barcelona HAIR

Amika Styleblow MAKEUP Dre Brown

SHOES Stuart Weitzman ENGAGEMENT

RING Ruberg Jewellery WEDDING RINGS

BlueNile.com EARRINGS Oscar de la

Renta BRIDESMAID DRESSES twobirds

Bridesmaid MENSWEAR Groom: Ralph

Lauren; groomsmen: TheBlackTux.com

STATIONERY Escort cards: Etsy.com;

menu cards: Brooklyn Winery CATERING

Brooklyn Winery CAKE Momofuku Milk

Bar MUSIC DJ KAOS PHOTO BOOTH

The Bosco ACCOMMODATIONS The

William Vale REGISTRY Honeyfund.com

GUESTS 124 BUDGET $$$ (see key, p. 10)

MER ARY & JON