ELLE’s digital director, Claire Stern, found love right under her own roof. She first encountered David Milch, the founder of Green Jacket Ventures, in the hallway of their downtown Manhattan building. They quickly discovered they both studied at Columbia University six years prior. With a shared love for New York and a preference for local weddings, they tied the knot close to home, with venues all within walking distance of their West Village apartment, just blocks from where they met.
The couple chose classic New York locations for their celebration, including Buddakan, The Standard High Line, The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, and Porchlight. The proximity of these venues allowed for seamless transitions between events. Their wedding in March benefited from unseasonably warm weather, adding to the magic of the day. Claire aimed to capture the essence of a quintessential New York wedding, drawing inspiration from her parents’ weddings in the city.
Claire opted for attire from local designers, including Khaite for the rehearsal dinner, a custom creation by Andrew Kwon for the wedding, and Markarian for the after-party. To add a touch of authenticity, they included elements like Dani Luv from Sammy’s Roumanian Steakhouse performing the hora and serving Joe’s Pizza to end the night. With meticulous documentation of the event, courtesy of content creator Lauren Ladouceur, their special day was well-captured.
Above all, Claire and David’s wedding celebrated their shared Jewish faith and their love for New York, with nods to iconic moments from “Sex and the City.”
The Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner took place at Buddakan, featuring a tasting menu at the large communal table reminiscent of a scene from the “Sex and the City” movie. Claire wore an off-the-shoulder long-sleeved minidress from Khaite, paired with a Rebecca Minkoff leather jacket. David sported a navy blue J.Crew velvet blazer and gray suit pants. The couple even recreated a moment from the movie, arriving 15 minutes late to be greeted by their guests, adding a touch of cinematic flair to the occasion.
The Morning Of
Claire prepared for the wedding with her mother at The Standard, High Line. Her makeup, done by Benoit Dumont from Dior, left her feeling unrecognizably beautiful. The attention to detail, including body spray to ensure seamless blending, highlighted the expertise of Dumont, who typically works with models at haute couture shows in Paris.
The Dress
Designer Andrew Kwon, known for dressing Regina Hall at the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards, agreed to create Claire’s wedding dress on a tight timeline. The result was a timeless yet modern gown featuring a full skirt, strapless corset-style bodice with a mesh back, and sweetheart neckline. Claire completed her look with blue Manolo Blahnik Hangisis, a nod to a memorable moment from “Sex and the City.”
The Tuxedo
David opted for a tuxedo borrowed from Ralph Lauren, paired with Del Toro loafers adorned with tassels. The groomsmen wore corresponding Del Toro slippers with suits from The Black Tux. Claire’s bridesmaids donned mismatched dresses by Markarian and pave diamond Stone & Strand initial charm necklaces. For the after-party, Claire changed into a white sequined Markarian minidress and matching Nike Air Force 1s, ensuring both style and comfort for the festivities.
With meticulous attention to detail and nods to iconic New York moments, Claire and David’s wedding was a celebration of love, culture, and the vibrant spirit of the city they call home.
