Skyline-Inspired Roosevelt Island Wedding

This summer soiree held at The Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island features classic blue-and-white chinoiserie details, and gives nod to the beloved New York City skyline.

Terran and Michael’s wedding at The Sanctuary on New York’s Roosevelt Island was the perfect combination of elevated elegance and heartfelt celebration. From custom stationery nodding to the city skyline to a dance floor filled with love and laughter, every detail was thoughtfully planned and personally meaningful. While the weather had its own plans, this couple proved that love (and a great wedding planner!) can handle anything.

Terran and Michael’s love story started with a little digital persistence. After three dating apps were matching the pair, Terran finally messaged Michael saying, “I guess the universe really wants us to hang out.” That message turned into a first date … then a weekend … then a relationship. “Before we knew it—five years and one pandemic later—we realized how much it all helped us get to know each other better and really tested our relationship.”

Michael eventually proposed during one of their annual trips to Puerto Morelos, sealing the start of their next chapter.

While Terran and Michael knew their ceremony wouldn’t be traditional, they wanted it to honor their roots. “We had a wonderful officiant who combined Catholic and Jewish wedding traditions and allowed us to create space to represent our families and friendships. We felt we weren’t only celebrating our family’s unity but bringing together our two communities.”

“My favorite small detail was our lapel pocket bouquet,” said Terran. “I found some inspiration, and our florist did an incredible job. It’s now a keepsake in our memory box.”

Their invitation suite set the tone with skyline illustrations, custom monograms, and nods to the city that shaped their love story. That same monogram was used again on their favor boxes, adorned in a classic chinoiserie print that carried throughout the wedding decor.

From the start, their vision leaned into a summer formal affair with a blue-and-white palette. Their clear-tented reception exuded timeless style—tables were draped in white linens and surrounded by white chiavari chairs. The decor featured a mix of elevated centerpieces filled with white and blue florals, blue chinoiserie vases, stunning lighting, gold accents, and blue glassware. A jaw-dropping dessert table offered a variety of sweet treats to complete the experience.

Even with a weather hiccup that forced the outdoor parts to move indoors, the couple embraced every moment with grace and flexibility. “We can’t control everything. Life teaches you that—but it's how you choose to react!”