Hi, hi, hi! It’s Rachel (yes, that Rachel — hair still bouncy, latte still venti, and yes, shoes still not appropriate for chasing cabs). Today I have a story that I swear I didn’t plan. But like most things fabulous in life, it happened completely by accident.
How I Went for a Juice and Ended Up Toasting a Groom
Sundays in New York are made for long walks, big sunglasses, and overthinking your entire dating life with a lavender matcha in hand. So there I was: strolling through Central Park, fully zen, listening to Nora Ephron quotes on my AirPods like the main character I am, when I heard music.
Not just any music — like, violins and Coldplay’s “Yellow” which, let’s face it, will get me every time. So obviously, I followed the sound because what if this was a movie and I was about to meet my future husband at an open-air symphony?
Spoiler: It was a wedding. And spoiler #2: I stayed.
Is It Crashing If the Champagne Was Handed to Me?
I know, I know. Crashing someone’s wedding is technically frowned upon. But let me paint the scene:
- I’m wearing a flowy floral Reformation dress — practically screams “Professional Plus One.”
- There’s no gate, no signs, just a very charming little setup near the Bow Bridge.
- The bride looked like Amal Clooney meets Pinterest, and honestly? I couldn’t just walk away from that level of commitment to an aesthetic.
A woman (who may or may not have thought I was someone’s ex-girlfriend) handed me a glass of champagne and winked. In that moment I realized: I wasn’t crashing. I was… participating.
The Vows, The Vibes, The Very Unexpected Dance Circle
Moments that will live rent-free in my head forever:
- The groom quoted Taylor Swift during his vows. (“I’d marry you with paper rings…” Honestly, I cried. Like, real tears. Thank god for waterproof mascara. Thanks, Sephora.)
- Someone’s aunt taught me how to do an Irish jig. I don’t think I nailed it, but she said I had “spirit.”
- The father of the bride tried to guess what part of Long Island I was from. I let him guess.
At one point, I found myself in an impromptu dance circle, twirling with a groomsman who looked disturbingly like Jude Law in “The Holiday.” I asked him if this was fate and he said, “You tell me.” Plot twist: he was married. But still, a moment.
Things I Learned About Love (and Snacks) in Central Park That Day
“New York gives you exactly what you didn’t know you needed — usually while you're wearing the wrong shoes.”
Let’s just say, leaving the wedding felt like waking up from a very stylish dream. I wasn’t meant to be there, and yet, I was. And isn’t that kind of what this city does? It puts you in places you never saw coming, with people who dance like no one's watching and cry during Coldplay covers.
Takeaways:
- Always say yes to a walk in the park.
- No one questions you if you hold a glass like you own the place.
- Invite strangers to your wedding. They might write fabulous blog posts about it.
Postscript: If This Was Your Wedding…
…call me. I’m the brunette with the oversized sunglasses and the excellent taste in rosé. I’ll Venmo for the champagne.
Until then, stay fabulous, stay curious, and remember — love is in the air. Especially near the Bow Bridge.
XOXO,
Rachel 💋
🍾🥂👰💃💐
P.S. I found a sequin clutch near the dessert table. If it’s yours, I’m keeping it. It’s Chanel. And in this city? Possession is nine-tenths of the cocktail story.
