field photo of wedding couple Credit: Bo Shim Photography
` Martha Stewart Weddings View All A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple’s Whimsical Garden Wedding in California 9 Wedding Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023 Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
field photo of wedding couple Credit: Bo Shim Photography
field photo of wedding couple Credit: Bo Shim Photography
field photo of wedding couple
Credit: Bo Shim Photography
Blind dates can lead to love—just ask Malissa Osei and Stephen Kovalcik. The couple have their dear friend, Christie, who was Malissa’s college roommate and Stephen’s colleague at a school in Brooklyn, N.Y., to thank for the set-up. Little did they know that a first date at a bar called Rosemary’s was the beginning of their forever.
On May 28, 2021, the couple went out to dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant, Miss Lucy’s. The space had once been a restaurant called Juniper, and, while it didn’t survive the pandemic, it was the spot where Malissa and Stephen first shared a meal. Since it was also the place where Malissa first told Stephen she loved him, it seemed only right that its new iteration would be the site of Stephen’s proposal (Malissa was delighted to say yes).
Exactly a year to the day later, the couple said “I do” in front of 175 friends and family at Hayfield Catskills in Maplecrest, N.Y. The scenic, spacious setting proved to be the serene, safe venue they hoped for, particularly following the spread of COVID-19. “We fell in love with the gorgeous, rolling green lawn that seemed to go on forever,” says the couple. “Also, the layout of the venue provided us with the opportunity to have an indoor and outdoor event.”
While the couple had a fabulous month-of coordinator—Kate Arel of A Charmed Affair—they handled all of the vendor sourcing, details, and vision on their own. Malissa and Stephen wanted an elegant, enchanting garden wedding in a palette of coral, blush, toffee, ivory, and dusty rose with pops of persimmon. Through a year of hard work (and Malissa’s talent for styling, DIY, and planning!), they saw it all come to life.
wedding landscape Credit: Bo Shim Photography
The Lush Landscape
During the pandemic, the couple purchased a home in the Saugerties area and fell in love with the Catskills. Hayfield Catskills, which embodied everything they treasure about their home state, was the perfect setting for the lush, romantic garden wedding they had in mind.
wedding invitations Credit: Bo Shim Photography
Timeless Invitations
The couple chose the timeless invites from Minted, which featured a coral foil font, and incorporated a custom monogram by LePenn Designs: The crest originally appeared on their save-the-dates and made its second appearance on the invitations and envelopes.
the bride's wedding dress Credit: Bo Shim Photography
“What I See, I Keep”
Malissa wore a Martina Liana wedding dress featuring lace, florals, and a bit of sparkle; the number was customized by Crystal Bridal Boutique. The team removed the tulle skirt, added straps, incorporated boning into the sheer bodice and top, and converted the neckline to a sweetheart design.
The bride also donned custom jewelry from Emefa Jewellery in Accra, Ghana, which was a gift from Stephen. “The necklace and earrings have an Adinkra symbol for wisdom in Twi. It is called ‘Mate Masie,’ with the literal translation being, ‘What I, See I Keep,’” she says.
bridal bouquet Credit: Bo Shim Photography
Garden-Inspired Bouquet
The bride’s white-and-coral garden-inspired bouquet by Flower Blossom Design mirrored the lush florals found at the venue’s estate. The abundant, but light arrangement featured Iceland poppies, peach-and-blush ranunculus, spiera, Duchess peony, toffee, shimmer, phoenix roses, and bali spray roses.
bride with her bridesmaids Credit: Bo Shim Photography
An Ombré Effect
The bridesmaids each wore dresses that fit within a coral, blush, toffee, ivory, and dusty rose color palette. While Malissa didn’t see the gowns together until the big day, they came together beautifully in an ombré mix of warm, nature-inspired colors. Each attendant carried a slightly different bouquet—but all echoed Malissa’s arrangement.
the wedding's flower girl Credit: Bo Shim Photography
The Sweetest Participants
The pair’s multiple flower girls wore darling dresses from BHLDN; their youngest attendant, pictured here, donned a flower crown from EllisOriginals501, a seller on Etsy.
wedding couple first look Credit: Bo Shim Photography
Tears of Joy
The pair opted to share their first look next to Tannery Brook in Woodstock, N.Y. Looking back, Malissa says she had no idea how she would react (though she didn’t want to ruin her makeup!), but, in that moment, she was overwhelmed with love and joy. “I definitely did cry. Not only did Stephen look so handsome, he looked like my husband,” says Malissa.
champagne setup Credit: Bo Shim Photography
Sip and Sit
Glasses of Champagne welcomed guests as they arrived at the venue and made their way into the barn for the pair’s ceremony.
guests talking at the barn wedding ceremony venue Credit: Bo Shim Photography
Plan B Was Meant to Be
Malissa and Stephen loved the indoor-outdoor option at their venue, and it came to the rescue when they woke up to cloudy skies on the morning of the wedding (storms were in the forecast). As heavy rains poured down that afternoon, they knew they had to make the call.
Kate went into overdrive, moving their outdoor ceremony space into the barn. This was no small task; the pair’s flower arbor was deconstructed, split in two, and used to frame the exterior and interior barn doors—but the result was breathtaking.
barn wedding ceremony procession Credit: Bo Shim Photography
An Intimate Setting
Malissa walked down the aisle on the arms of her mother and father; her uncle, Pastor Eric Ntim, officiated the ceremony. The couple exchanged their vows in an intimate, beautiful setting, and, as they stood in front of their loved ones, the sun came out, spilling light into the barn.
wedding portrait of couple Credit: Bo Shim Photography
Sentimental, Personal Touches
The couple wanted the day to feel personal. So, their dogs, Clementine and Mavis, made a few appearances throughout the day, Stephen wore a watch to remind him of his late grandfather, and Malissa donned the custom jewelry made just for her to ensure that the day was a reflection of their lives and love story.
wedding guests in traditional attire Credit: Bo Shim Photography
A Celebration With Loved Ones
Malissa is originally from Ghana, and nods to her heritage were woven throughout the day; several guests incorporated traditional African pieces into their big-day ensembles.
Seeing their friends and family come together was the reward of 365 days of planning, note the pair.
wedding reception tent setup Credit: Bo Shim Photography
“It Will All Fall Into Place”
Malissa and Stephen were blown away when they saw the venue on their wedding day—and they say hiring Kate and A Charmed Affair was one of their best decisions. Looking back at the process, their advice is to “just breathe and take things day by day—it will all fall into place.” With the right vision and vendors, everything will come together beautifully.
seating at the wedding reception Credit: Bo Shim Photography
A Vision Brought to Life
The couple trusted Kate to bring their vision to life, which involved finalizing linen selections, choosing furniture, and designing and executing the reception tent, as well as the lounge area and dinner tablescape.
wedding reception table aesthetic Credit: Bo Shim Photography
Sweet Clementine
A few months after the couple started dating, Malissa got Clementine, a King Charles Spaniel. While she didn’t make it to the reception, she was there in name—instead of place cards, each guest had a clementine at their spot with their name on it. Their cockapoo, Mavis, got his due, too. One of the signature drinks was named the “Mavis Mocktail.”
wedding reception place setting Credit: Bo Shim Photography
Florist to the Rescue
With just five weeks until the wedding, the couple found themselves in a tough spot: They had to find a new florist—and everyone was booked in the rush of 2022 weddings. Flowers were a critical part of the elegant, enchanted garden vision, and, thankfully, Flower Blossom Design came to the rescue. Using shimmer, quicksand, country home, cumbia, and toffee roses, peonies, ranunculus, snapdragons, freesias, and even fruit, the floral team created abundant, gorgeous centerpieces and reception décor.
wedding reception newlyweds table Credit: Bo Shim Photography
Cascading Flowers
A waterfall of flowers cascaded along the scene-stealing sweetheart table, creating the most romantic setting for the happy couple to enjoy their first meal as husband and wife.
the wedding couple's first dance Credit: Bo Shim Photography
Commitment and Teamwork
The couple chose “By Your Side” by Sade for their first dance, swaying to the words about commitment, teamwork, and how to have a successful, solid partnership. But that wasn’t the only musical highlight—Stephen performed Al Green’s “Love and Happiness” with the band, and it’s a memory they’ll treasure forever.
sparklers lit on a wedding night Credit: Bo Shim Photography
After-Party Activities
The ceremony and setting were pure romance, but there was also a big dose of fun. DJ Quaz, a Ghanaian DJ, alternated sets with the band, and, as the dance floor winded down, the after-party celebrants moved to Early Terrible Woodstock. Guests feasted on delicious late-night eats, including burger sliders, chicken quesadillas, and grilled cheese.
Meanwhile, Malissa danced the night away in a second dress, custom-made by Ghanian designer Mimmy Yeboah, which featured floral applique, a tulle train, and a sheer top.
wedding couple on a walk through field Credit: Bo Shim Photography
Sources
Photography, Bo Shim PhotographyVenue, Hayfield CatskillsMonth-Of Wedding Coordination, Kate Arel, A Charmed AffairEvent Design, Malissa Osei, ByOlivFlowers, Flower Blossom DesignInvitations and Paper Goods, LePenn Designs (save-the-dates), Minted (invitations)Menus and Seating Charts, ByOliv Officiant, Pastor Eric NtimBride’s Gown, Martina Liana, Crystal Bridal BoutiqueBride’s Second Gown, Mimmy YeboahBride’s Jewelry, Emefa JewelleryBride’s Shoes, Jimmy ChooHair, Trachouse Beauty SalonBride’s Hair and Makeup, SpicyLolaBridesmaids’ Dresses, BHLDN, Fame and PartnersGroom’s Attire, Brooks BrothersGroomsmens’ Attire, The Suit SpotEngagement Ring, Lorraine West JewelryWedding Bands, Fantasy Diamonds NYCMusic, The Hook Club, DJ QuazRentals, Events UnlimitedWelcome Bags, Malissa Osei, BbnycTransportation, Coxsackie TransportLighting, DJ QuazPhotobooth, BTTR Booths
wedding landscape Credit: Bo Shim Photography
wedding landscape
wedding invitations Credit: Bo Shim Photography
wedding invitations
the bride’s wedding dress Credit: Bo Shim Photography
the bride’s wedding dress
bridal bouquet Credit: Bo Shim Photography
bridal bouquet
bride with her bridesmaids Credit: Bo Shim Photography
bride with her bridesmaids
the wedding’s flower girl Credit: Bo Shim Photography
the wedding’s flower girl
wedding couple first look Credit: Bo Shim Photography
wedding couple first look
champagne setup Credit: Bo Shim Photography
champagne setup
guests talking at the barn wedding ceremony venue Credit: Bo Shim Photography
guests talking at the barn wedding ceremony venue
barn wedding ceremony procession Credit: Bo Shim Photography
barn wedding ceremony procession
wedding portrait of couple Credit: Bo Shim Photography
wedding portrait of couple
wedding guests in traditional attire Credit: Bo Shim Photography
wedding guests in traditional attire
wedding reception tent setup Credit: Bo Shim Photography
wedding reception tent setup
seating at the wedding reception Credit: Bo Shim Photography
seating at the wedding reception
wedding reception table aesthetic Credit: Bo Shim Photography
wedding reception table aesthetic
wedding reception place setting Credit: Bo Shim Photography
wedding reception place setting
wedding reception newlyweds table Credit: Bo Shim Photography
wedding reception newlyweds table
the wedding couple’s first dance Credit: Bo Shim Photography
the wedding couple’s first dance
sparklers lit on a wedding night Credit: Bo Shim Photography
sparklers lit on a wedding night
wedding couple on a walk through field Credit: Bo Shim Photography
wedding couple on a walk through field
` Martha Stewart Weddings View All A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple’s Whimsical Garden Wedding in California 9 Wedding Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023 Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
` Martha Stewart Weddings View All
A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple’s Whimsical Garden Wedding in California 9 Wedding Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023 Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
Martha Stewart Weddings View All
Martha Stewart Weddings
View All
Martha Stewart Weddings
Martha Stewart Weddings
