A Modern Wedding AT OHEKA CASTLE Filled with cascading Orchids, ballet-inspired moments and regal elegance.
“To us, the arches represented continuity, unity, and the life we are building together,”
Erica and Ben first connected through a dating app during the pandemic in Los Angeles. For their first date, Ben picked up Erica from her apartment and brought takeout from Jon & Vinny’s, her favorite restaurant at the time.
“My absolute favorite dish is their famous spicy fusilli,” Erica adds, “and of course, that’s exactly what he ordered. We spent the evening on the rooftop of his building during sunset, with panoramic views over West Hollywood as the sky shifted into shades of pink and gold. Sitting beside a gas fire pit, we talked for hours, completely at ease. For the circumstances of Covid, it was my idea of a perfect date and, looking back, it truly was the first step toward forever.”
“Orchids have always represented beauty, rarity, and uniqueness to me, which is why I knew they had to be everywhere.”
A LAKE COMO ENGAGEMENT AT VILLA d' ESTE
In August of 2024, Erica’s longtime dream of a Lake Como engagement came true in the most spectacular way. She and Ben were staying at the beautiful Villa d’Este for a wedding, which was a fairytale experience in and of itself. That morning, Ben suggested they take some photos in the villa’s gardens.
“The gardens were completely still and empty,” Erica describes, “which made it feel like they belonged just to us. As we were walking, Ben asked to take my picture, but instead he got down on one knee. The photographer then walked up to us and began taking our photo, capturing the moment exactly as it unfolded. It was surreal, quiet, romantic, and more perfect than I could have ever imagined. Afterward, we spent time doing a photo shoot around the hotel and in the gardens, which was unbelievably beautiful. We had lunch at Villa d’Este, shared a bottle of 2013 Dom Pérignon, and then took a boat ride around Lake Como. Everything about that day was perfect from start to finish, and it will forever be one of the most special moments of my life.”
A Year of Wedding Planning
The couple spent a year planning their big day, partnering with Karyn LoCicero to bring their vision of a modern castle wedding to fruition. Having selected the iconic Oheka Castle in New York as their wedding venue, they knew Karyn—an expert in Oheka Castle weddings—would be the perfect planner for their celebration.
“With her incredible experience at Oheka Castle,” Erica explains, “she understood our vision immediately and worked tirelessly to bring it to life. Karyn was patient, attentive, and always one step ahead. She recommended the best vendors, ensured every detail was flawless, and made the entire process feel effortless. On our wedding day, everything ran seamlessly and was exactly what we had dreamed of. We truly could not have done it without her.”
A MODERN CASTLE WEDDING FILLED WITH ORCHIDS
When the wedding day arrived, the bride and groom exchanged vows at Oheka Castle amid an exquisite ceremony space. The ceremony décor included three floral arches featuring an abundance of white orchids, multiple shades of hydrangeas, and white roses—a symbol of the couple’s past, present, and future.
“To us, the arches represented continuity, unity, and the life we are building together,” shares the bride. “It was about honoring where we’ve been, cherishing where we are, and celebrating all that is yet to come.”
Cocktail hour was one of Erica’s favorite parts of the wedding day, as it was inspired by her childhood passion for ballet. Chic white lounge furniture created a setting that was elegant yet inviting, beckoning guests to relax while signature drinks were served at a sleek white cocktail bar. As the sun set, four ballerinas performed atop white pedestals while golden hour cast a warm glow over the Oheka Castle grounds.
Each ballerina wore subtle blue accessories, which tied in perfectly with the couple’s color palette, and their graceful movements added the most magical touch to the entire experience.
The wedding reception successfully captured the couple’s intention of blending regal, castle elegance with a modern, chic twist. Oheka Castle’s ballroom came to life with towering white orchid trees, heavy dark blue draping, and lush floral arrangements in rich shades of green, purple, white, and blue.
“Orchids have always represented beauty, rarity, and uniqueness to me,” says Erica, “which is why I knew they had to be everywhere. They lined the grand wedding arches, graced the king’s table, and appeared throughout the decor, creating a beautiful thread of meaning from start to finish. The combination of bold colors, luxurious textures, and those endless orchids made the entire space feel timeless, romantic, and truly magical.”
For their honeymoon, Erica and Ben are planning a trip to South Africa that will include time in Cape Town, a safari, a helicopter ride over the Blyde River Canyon, wine tours, and a visit to a beach to see penguins in their natural habitat.
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Oheka Castle; Planner & Event Design: Karyn Michael Events; Floral Design: Pedestal Floral Decorators; Cake: Daniel Andreotti; Rentals: Luxe Event Rentals; Lighting: Hart to Hart Entertainment; Entertainment: Starlight Music; Ballerinas: Phoenix Entertainment; Fireworks: Fireworks by Grucci; Ceremony Dress: Vera Wang; Reception Dress: Custom Design; Groom’s Watch: Rolex; Shoes: Christian Louboutin; Hair: Beauty Icon NYC; Makeup: All Brides New York; Photography & Cinematography: Fred Marcus Studio