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This Guastavino’s Wedding Was a Sophisticated Ode to New York City

May 24, 2025 | justine

Planning a wedding that captures the magic of a city you love is a dream for many couples, and for Nick and Max, their Guastavino’s wedding was just that—a sophisticated ode to New York City.

What We Love About This Guastavino’s Wedding:

  • A completely personalized ceremony co-officiated by two close friends, making it deeply meaningful.
  • Their dog, Rummy, walking down the aisle and even inspiring one of their signature cocktails.
  • The unforgettable entrance with a high-energy dancing featuring their entire wedding party.
  • The blend of cultural traditions, including a chuppah and the iconic glass-breaking moment.

Featured Vendor:

Julian Ribinik Studios

Finding Love and Planning a Dream Wedding in New York

Nick and Max met the old-fashioned way (online!) in February 2022, and their connection was instant. Just a year and a half later, on August 28, 2023, Nick proposed to Max in their New York City apartment, creating an unforgettable surprise just days before their planned trip to Greece.

“We were leaving for a previously planned trip to Greece, and most of our friends and family expected that we would get engaged on that trip. Instead, we spent the trip celebrating and thinking about what kind of wedding we would like.”

A Guastavino’s Wedding Filled with Personal Touches

The couple’s vision for their Guastavino’s wedding was clear: a sophisticated celebration that captured the spirit of New York City. With classic black tuxedos, lush greenery, and white florals, their special day was a love letter to the city they both cherish.

Their ceremony was uniquely special. Co-officiated by two close friends, it was a blend of personal vows, cultural elements, and meaningful traditions. “We each wrote our vows and didn’t share them until the ceremony.”

In a heartfelt moment, Max met his parents halfway down the aisle and completed the walk together. The ceremony took place under a large arched chuppah, symbolizing their shared values and cultural heritage. To close, they both smashed glasses. A powerful tradition that added a touch of their Jewish roots.

Creative and Memorable Reception Moments

Nick and Max kept the energy high during their Guastavino’s wedding reception. Rather than a traditional first dance, they kicked off the evening with a lively group dance featuring their entire wedding party. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails like the Gin Rummy and Aperol Shvitz—playful nods to their dog, Nick’s Italian roots, and Max’s Jewish heritage.

“Our entrance was unrehearsed and fun,” the couple recalled. “And an unexpected invitation from the band to join them on stage brought the night to an unforgettable close.”

Final Reflections from the Couple

Looking back on their Guastavino’s wedding, Nick and Max are grateful for the support they received and the memories they created.

“We were lucky in that our wedding day truly felt perfect and exactly what we had hoped it would be. We are so grateful for everyone who helped to make it special.”

Their advice for couples planning their own weddings? “Start as early as you can, be clear about your vision, and spend the evening together so you have shared memories. And most importantly—don’t forget to have some fun!”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Julian Ribinik Studios
Venue – Guastavino’s
Floral Design – Ol’Thorn
Live Music – Hank Lane Music
Videography – Fiore Films
Photo Booth – Social Glam Booth
AV + Event Support – Gala Productions

 

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The Understated Beauty and Versatility of an Eternity Band

May 23, 2025 | marissa
Eternity bands stacked

All imagery provided by Diamond Mansion

When it comes to rings, you’ve probably seen plenty of oversized center stones and ultra-trendy designs. But we’re here to remind you that not every ring needs to be loud to make a statement. An eternity band, on the other hand, can still catch eyes without feeling overdone or expected.

These bands are classic for a reason. They blend beautiful design with real meaning. That endless circle of diamonds? It represents lasting love or commitment, whether it’s a promise to someone else or yourself. And if you’re thinking about getting one, Diamond Mansion is definitely a name to know. Their jewelry is handcrafted in LA, thoughtfully designed, and built to last. Ahead, we’re breaking down exactly why Diamond Mansion should be your go-to for an eternity band.

What is An Eternity Band, Exactly?

An eternity band is typically made of gold or platinum, with a line of diamonds or gemstones encircling the entire ring. No beginning, no end. That unbroken circle has come to represent enduring love or an unbreakable promise, which is why these bands are often used as wedding bands or given for anniversaries or personal milestones.

But their appeal isn’t only metaphorical. Eternity bands are also remarkably versatile. Some people pair them with an engagement ring as a wedding band. Others wear them alone, letting the design speak for itself. Increasingly, couples are choosing eternity bands in place of traditional engagement rings—an understated, chic choice that feels both modern and timeless.

The best rings share a few essential elements: precise settings, high-quality stones, and craftsmanship that lasts. Diamond Mansion upholds each of these standards in every piece. Their team crafts every eternity band in-house in Los Angeles and selects only diamonds they’ve personally vetted for quality. You never have to worry about a subpar stone slipping through. They rigorously inspect every diamond and reject thousands that don’t meet their standards before finalizing a design.

Choosing an Eternity Band That Reflects Your Style

Diamond Mansion thoughtfully designs or custom-crafts every eternity band to your unique vision. From the type of metal and setting to the diamond shape and carat weight, each detail can be refined to subtly transform the entire aesthetic of the ring. Whether your style leans clean and minimalist or bold and artistic, there’s a version that will feel just right.

They don’t have to shine solo, either. Eternity bands happen to be a dream for stacking. You can wear one alongside your engagement ring and wedding band for a layered, cohesive look. You can stack multiple bands together—matching or not—for extra impact. Or pair one with other rings already in your collection to create something that feels entirely your own. There’s an effortless versatility in how they fit in, stand out, or evolve with your style over time.

Eternity Band Designs We Love

Oval Cut

This handcrafted oval cut eternity band from Diamond Mansion is pure quiet luxury—7 carats of gleaming diamonds in a shared prong setting. This ring is available in white, yellow, or rose gold as well as platinum.

Emerald Cut

With 12 carats of GIA-certified emerald-cut diamonds, this V-prong eternity band is bold, architectural, and unapologetically glamorous—a modern heirloom in the making.

emerald eternity band

Micro Pavé

Classic with a twist, the round cut with micro pavé eternity band features 7 carats of GIA-certified round diamonds in a sleek U-prong setting, accented by 0.50 carats of delicate micro pavé along the sides.

Yellow Diamonds

Truly one of a kind, this 6 carat radiant cut yellow diamond eternity band sets natural canary diamonds in a luminous U-prong design. Vibrant, rare, and unforgettable—it’s a statement only a few will ever make.

 

Mixed Shape

Unexpected and effortlessly chic, this 2.80 carat multi-shaped diamond eternity band features a playful mix of round, pear, marquise, and emerald cuts—proof that elegance doesn’t have to follow the rules.

Round Cut

A forever favorite, this 5 carat round cut diamond eternity band features GIA-certified stones in a classic shared prong setting—understated yet radiant.

Why You Should Choose Diamond Mansion for Eternity Bands

When it comes to something as meaningful as an eternity band, the details matter. You want stones that shine bright, a trustworthy buying process, and a design that feels like you.

Diamond Mansion approaches fine jewelry with a level of transparency that’s still surprisingly rare. Their stones are rigorously screened, their pricing is straightforward, and their jewelry experts strive to treat you like family. They also offer fair, direct-to-you pricing with no hidden surprises, because they believe luxury shouldn’t come with hidden markups.

Importantly, their process is handled entirely in-house, which means fewer unknowns and more control over quality. The result is jewelry that feels intentional—both in how it’s made and in how it’s worn. And providing even more comfort, Diamond Mansion offers a lifetime warranty. Each piece is backed by a lifetime warranty, 30-day returns, and free shipping—because forever should come with confidence.

Eternity bands offer the best of both worlds, as equal parts stylish and sentimental. And when it’s made with real care—thoughtfully designed and built with respected craftsmanship—it can become more than just a ring. It can become an heirloom.

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This Villa Sylva Wedding Mastered Sophistication Without Skipping the Fun

May 21, 2025 | justine

Elina and Jack’s love story started in the charming streets of London, and it only seems fitting that their special day would unfold in one of the most cinematic spots in the world—Villa Sylva in Corfu. Famous for its appearance in the James Bond Film, For Your Eyes Only, this villa set the stage for a wedding that was all about fun, music, and sophistication.

What We Love About This Villa Sylva Wedding:

  • The fun-filled atmosphere, where guests were dancing on tables before dinner even started
  • Bridesmaids in sexy, romantic black and nude dresses, each one chosen for comfort
  • A sophisticated James Bond theme with “The Kendall” gown by Galia Lahav and black tuxedos
  • The grand entrance performance by The Function Band, getting everyone to their feet
  • The 50-seat “head table” that set the tone for a dance-on-the-table kind of night

In September 2014, Elina’s life took an unexpected turn while searching for a new apartment in Marylebone, London. Little did she know that fate was at play, bringing her together with Jack—a young, handsome agent who would soon show her the very flat she would call home. From that serendipitous meeting, it felt like magic was in the air.

“Me and Jack moved in together from our second month of dating,” Elina shared. “We always knew we were meant for each other, as we could be ourselves fully from the very beginning. “ After nearly a decade of love, the couple transformed their dream day into an unforgettable celebration with their closest friends and family.

Featured Vendor:
Deux Foskolos

Fashion: A James Bond-Inspired Dream

Fast forward to September 2023, and the streets of Marylebone once again played a pivotal role in Elina’s life. This time, her mission was to find the perfect wedding dress. After trying on three exquisite gowns, she finally found “The Kendall” by Galia Lahav, a breathtaking blend of glamour and sparkle. The gown perfectly embodied the couple’s James Bond theme, combining sophistication and allure.

“We wanted something beyond the traditional wedding dress,” Elina explained. “I wanted a glamorous gown that would capture the sophistication of the James Bond theme we envisioned.”

The bridesmaids wore sexy and romantic black and nude dresses, each chosen for comfort. “I’m not a traditional bride, so I wasn’t strict at all with this aspect. “ The groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos with bow ties, perfectly matching the Bond-inspired theme.

Why They Chose Villa Sylva Wedding

Villa Sylva wasn’t just a beautiful venue for Elina and Jack, it held personal significance. “It felt like the perfect place to bring our closest people together, with most of our guests traveling from the UK and Cyprus.” The villa’s cinematic history and breathtaking ocean views made it an obvious choice for their big day. “We loved the idea of a beautiful, minimalistic design that would blend seamlessly with the venue’s natural beauty.”

How They Made Their Ceremony Feel Personal and Powerful

Elina and Jack envisioned a ceremony that seamlessly blended playfulness with glamour. The aisle was adorned with soft white roses and baby’s breath, creating an elegant yet understated path to their vows. As they walked down the aisle to the sounds of a live quartet, surrounded by the lush greenery of Villa Sylva, the moment felt truly magical.

“We wanted it to feel authentic,” Elina shared. “Every detail was infused with our personal touch, making the ceremony as heartfelt as it was beautiful.” The minimalist  floral arrangements and clear acrylic chairs complemented the venue’s natural beauty, allowing the surroundings to take center stage.

Designing the Villa Sylva Wedding of Their Dreams

The couple focused on creating a reception space that was both stylish and energetic, with chandeliers adding glamour to the outdoor area. The floral designs were minimal yet striking, featuring soft blush roses and delicate white blooms that were complemented by the venue’s natural greenery.

One of the highlights was the 50-seat “head table,” where Elina and Jack gathered their closest friends. “By dinner time, we were all dancing on the chairs and table. It was the best decision we made.”

The Function Band played an integral role in keeping the energy high from start to finish. “We wanted our guests to have a good time. Our first dance was ‘Gangsta’s Paradise,’ performed by the live band. They were the main focus of the wedding. The energy they brought was contagious.”

Final Thoughts from a Couple Who Prioritized Fun

Elina and Jack were all about making their wedding fun from the start. They kicked things off with a pre-party at Imabari Corfu, where they set up a flower bar, served drinks, and enjoyed a relaxed dinner, all with Greek music playing in the background. The night ended with plate smashing and plenty of dancing.

Looking back on their Villa Sylva wedding, the couple reflected on the importance of staying true to themselves. “Do what makes you happy,” Elina advised. The day was all about celebrating their love in a way that felt authentic to them, from the fun pre-party to the glamorous James Bond-inspired theme.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Deux Foskolos
Event Planning – Belli Momenti
Ceremony Venue – Villa Sylva
Reception Venue – Imabari Corfu
Floral Design – Leonidas Rammos
Live Music – The Function Band
Videography – InOblivion Films
Wedding Dress – Galia Lahav
Bridal Accessories – Cult Gaia

 

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