hello@gavinlawfilms.com
What is your story?
After ten years of dating, we exchanged vows and rings in the company of our closest friends and family on September 19, 2021. Our commitment to one another is to make the most of this life we share, for each of us and for both of us.
How did the two of you meet?
We met at a dinner party during our senior year of college. Despite having many mutual friends, our paths had never crossed until then! We both arrived early to set up, arrange name cards, and make sure everything was in order. When the time came to take our seats, we weren’t meant to be at the same table… but a friend grabbed Aaron and plopped him down across from Samm. Samm texted another friend under the table saying, “Aaron’s cute!” We went out on our first date two nights later… and the rest is history.
What was your favorite memory of your wedding day?
There were so many amazing moments. Among our favorites was the period immediately following the ceremony, where we performed the traditional Jewish ritual of Yichud – when newlyweds share some time together in seclusion – and enjoyed a traditional Korean dish called janchi guksu (잔치국수) – a warm noodle soup eaten on celebratory occasions that symbolizes longevity in life and marriage.
What were the main influences behind the style of your wedding, its location and your venue choice for your big day?
We wanted the day to represent not only the decade we’d spent together but also the future we’d be creating as husband and wife. We thought a lot about how we could incorporate elements from each of our cultures into the day through the ceremony, food, ornaments, and favors… a process which naturally led to larger discussions about how we’d want to do the same in our home, with our kids, and more. A place of gathering and joyful memories for the Rosenbergs for more than 30 years, Aaron’s family country house in upstate New York was the perfect location for the wedding. What’s more, we held the ceremony in the backyard beneath a willow tree, which is also the meaning of Samm’s last name (Yu).
What would your top tips be for somebody planning their wedding?
After being engaged for over a year, we decided in March that we wanted to get married in September. We met Copper + Cream in April and they are entirely responsible for us having the incredible day we did. Their brilliance, creativity, patience, and support made it possible for us to enjoy planning a wedding… in 5 months… from another country (as we live in London)… during a pandemic. No small feat! If you’re at the start of your planning process, and you find someone great who fits into your budget, we definitely recommend working with a planner. As we were nearing the wedding day, the forecast showed rain, which would have meant squishy, muddy, grounds. We checked the forecast hourly and anxiously… and even warned our guests that they may have to pack boots as an alternative. What helped the most, though, was refocusing our energies on what we knew would make us the happiest: That we were going to be married surrounded by friends and family. So our top tip would be to remember that your day will be incredible. No matter what.
What made you decide to hire a wedding videographer? Any tips for couples on the fence for a film?
Samm was, admittedly, on the fence for a film for some time. But as we were watching films from Gavin’s portfolio, Samm was clearly very moved, tearing up — and Aaron pointed out that we didn’t even know these people! If these were the kinds of feelings that could be evoked from watching a stranger’s wedding film, imagine what would be felt watching our own. And imagine sharing that with our family, friends, kids, and beyond.
Wedding Planner – Copper + Cream
Photographer – Brian Hatton Photography
Film – Gavin Law Films
Hair, Make Up & Beauty – Ashleigh Ciucci
Florist – Viridescent Floral Design
Officiant – Cantor Ayelet Porzecanski
Linens – La Tavola
Rentals – Broadway Party Rental
Stationery – Papel & Co.
Catering – Marcey Brownstein Catering
Entertainment – Elan Artists String Quartet / Playlist by Audio Culture LLC
Cake – Pastry Garden
AV – Hudson Valley Audio Visual
Tent – Sperry Tents New Jersey
Dress – Simone Rocha
Her Shoes – Prada
Suit – Martin Greenfield
His Shoes – Johnston & Murphy
Wedding Rings – Leo Ingwer