Anita Lee & Mile Verovic
Saint Paul’s Chapel at Columbia University, Danube, and 632 on Hudson
September 29, 2007
I n New York City, it is a considerable feat to book your first-choice venue on your first-choice date, and Anita and Mile pulled it off—times three. For five months, they looked at places. “Lofts scared me because I can’t visualize the possibilities in an empty space. And I was turned off by the ‘one location’ thing,” says Anita. So that’s when they decided to choose three, and keep two a secret. (The invitations read “Reception venues to be announced.”) On the day-of, buses transported unsuspecting guests to Danube for dinner, and later, to 632 on Hudson for dancing. “The surprise was a great idea, and it was easy,” she says. “Danube has Klimt-inspired paintings, luxe velvet, deep, rich color; and 632 looks like a Tuscan villa. We didn’t need to add anything. They’re already beautiful.”
THE DETAILS
Bride’s Gown: Vera Wang
Hair and Makeup: Antonio Prieto Salon and Stevie Huynh Makeup
Groom’s Suit: Dolce & Gabbana
Music: Romashka Band; D.J. Toshi
Invitations: Julie Holcomb Printers (design by Mile Verovic)
Click to Read Their Story
Photographs by Alison Mayfield for Christian Oth
After the ceremony, we went to Danube” which has Austrian- and German-inspired food, like spaetzle (an egg-noodle dish) and Wiener schnitzel”a nod to Mile”s heritage. We wanted a real dinner experience, with our guests ordering as if they were at a restaurant ” off a menu of three appetizers, entrees, and wedding cake. We invited fewer people, but spent more money per person.
The croquembouche was by Payard. I was given this hammer-like instrument to hit it hard in order to crack it. Once you do, it tastes really good”they”re like doughy cream puffs you eat with your hands.
After dinner, we had Feast & F”tes cater the party at 632 on Hudson with light hors d”oeuvre, desserts, and drinks.
We had two cakes. Brides are always focused on their gowns; I was like that with my cakes. (My sister bought my wedding dress for me.) The pastry chef at Danube made the white cake.
We had great weather, so we drove downtown with the top down and everyone was honking, shouting: “Congratulations!” It”s the same car used in Britain to transport the Queen; for some reason, at the company we got it from, it was the car that no one ever chose. It was so roomy”great if your gown is huge. Mile must have spent 1,600 hours looking for the right getaway car. He called every single antique dealer in the city.