EDITOR’S LETTER
Above: The Gypsy Kings perform at the wedding of Constance Minc and Ralph Choufani during the reception after their wedding. Right: One of many stylish wedding gown sketches by Angel Sanchez.
A mystic Shape did move Behind me, and drew me backward by the hair; And a voice said in mastery, while I strove, “Guess now who holds thee?” “Death,” I said. But, there The silver answer rang… “Not Death, but Love.” ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING eloquently describes love as a primitive, unstoppable force. This might be a little heavy for the opener to our Weddings Issue, but there is a visceral beauty in her “Sonnets from the Portuguese” that every couple madly in love has experienced. For the couples in these pages, they have been amazed at the depth of their feelings for one another, and knew that the rest of their lives should be entwined. So why not throw a big, splashy party to celebrate! From Montana to Manhattan, France to the Bahamas, they gathered the other people they loved to mark the occasion. Daniel Cappello, Elizabeth Meigher, and I witnessed some of the most heartwarming, stunning, and splendid weddings this past year had to offer, and are happy to sneak in any readers who wanted to crash the festivities—metaphorically speaking, of course. Please be sure you’re invited before showing up to a wedding, or the bride will hurt you. Lucky for you, she won’t be able to run at full speed in her beautiful designer duds. Daniel Cappello looks at the creative forces behind those accoutrements, with sketches of gowns by Marchesa, Carolina Herrera, and many more. Then he follows up with happy newlyweds on their voyages de noces, looking at the lovely places they chose to spend their honeymoon. The sunny destinations sound like heaven while we’re stomping around the 18 QUEST
February slush in New York and wondering, “Can someone go on a honeymoon if they’re still single? Is that a thing yet?” Baubles for such important occasions are naturally needed, and some of the most famous and scintillating ones come from the legendary jeweler Harry Winston, which was recently acquired by the Swatch Group. From his amazing collection of historical gems, to the glamorous ladies who drape themselves with them, Mr. Winston’s legacy lives on through his company. And while a kiss may be grand, we all know who a girl really considers her best friend. So even those who believe that weddings are just another aspect of cultural hegemony have to appreciate the true feelings that are behind the unions and the aesthetical beauty the moments hold. Eclipsing the mundane, these days offer remarkable memories for all to hold dear. Also, champagne and cake.
Lily Hoagland
ON THE COVER: Constance Minc and Ralph Choufani on their wedding day in Louveniciennes, France, surrounded by their nieces and nephews. The bride is wearing a gorgeous dress by Celestina Agostino and the groom is wearing Ermenegildo Zegna. Photographed by Olivier Lalin.