It only took one date for Liza Becker and Ian Lieberman to become an official couple—and less than a year to become officially engaged. After meeting in Malibu for a planned weekend together, the pair stopped for lunch at Nobu on the way to their resort, followed by a walk on the beach. "During our walk, I stopped and said, 'This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen,'" says Liza. "And Ian said, 'Let's take a picture here!'" After he took the photo, Ian asked Liza to inspect it and give her opinion, but when she looked back up from the image to reply, he was no longer standing over her. "He was down on one knee," Liza recalls of the surprise proposal, adding that she was in such a daze that she had to ask him to him repeat his whole speech so she could remember what he said.
Although their wedding took place in the fall, Liza had a very clear vision of what she wanted her wedding to be: timeless and sophisticated, sans traditional nods to the season. To that end, the pair selected Cedar Lakes Estate
in Port Jervis, New York, for their wedding venue. "We wanted our guests to feel at home in a rustic setting without forgoing a classic, elegant vibe," says the bride. "Cedar Lakes Estate was perfect." Even the unpredictable autumn weather cooperated. "It was snowing upon our arrival," says Angie McManimon of
SociaLife Wedding and Event Planning
, who coordinated the occasion. "Thankfully, the flurries cleared and we had gorgeous lighting throughout the day." With a view of the surrounding mountains, the couple exchanged vows as the sun began to set, followed by a classic cocktail hour and an extraordinary reception.
Though their event was full of beautiful details, the day truly stood out for the couple for other reasons. "Our wedding was special because it was the day that we promised to stand by each other through thick and thin for the rest of our lives," says Liza. "As amazing as the florals, band, and food were, it was truly the love that was felt throughout the day that made it special."
Watch Liza and Ian's wedding video
Live Picture Studios
Floral-Inspired Wedding Invitations
created the couple's stationery, giving guests their first glimpse of the wedding's sophisticated style to come. Letterpress and digital printing elevated the invites, while a custom envelope liner added a colorful accent. Additional components included response cards, booklets of the weekend events, and notes with rehearsal dinner details.
A Custom Wedding Dress
Liza's search for the perfect wedding dress resulted in her trying on 150 different gowns across the continental United States and London. It ended at New York's Bridal Fashion Week. "I knew I loved gowns by Mira Zwillinger
, but I didn't see a silhouette that fit anything I was looking for," she says. Approaching the designer herself, Liza explained her dilemma—and Mira offered to combine the bodice of one design with the skirt of another. "Who knew?" Liza says of the creative solution. "I had a custom Mira Zwillinger gown that I loved."
Bridesmaids were instructed to select their own gowns within a predetermined color palette—the result of which was beautifully muted with just a touch of sparkle.
Exquisite Wedding Rings
"I told Ian I wanted something simple," Liza says of her classic round diamond on a delicate eternity band. "He ended up choosing it himself and took my mom in to see it to make sure it would be something I would like. He did well!" Matching rose-gold bands rounded out the look for the bride and groom.
A Lush Bridal Bouquet
The bride's bouquet included anemones, ranunculus, and lisianthus blossoms, as well as four varieties of roses: distant drum, quicksand, koko loko, and cappuccino.
A Lavish Floral Chuppah
A nine-foot ceremonial chuppah created by Faye + Renee
was composed of four columns of greenery finished with flowers.
Beautiful Ceremony Flowers
The same blooms used in the bridal bouquet were included on the chuppah. Peonies—particularly difficult to find in the fall—also adorned the impressive structure.
Pretty Pashminas
Mindful of the dipping temperatures, Liza and Ian offered wraps to their guests during the ceremony.
A Basket of Yarmulkes
Wine-colored kippahs (a nod to the event's color palette) were also offered to male guests.
A Personalized Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony took place in a spot famous for its panoramic views of the Shawangunk Mountains; the traditional Jewish service—officiated by Ian's college rabbi—featured vows written by the couple. "We also released white, environmentally friendly balloons in honor of my father who passed away," says Liza. "It was a great way to recognize his memory in a happy and light way without depressing the mood of the ceremony."
Cozy Guests
During the service, loved ones snuggled under warm blankets to offset the low temperatures and sipped on hot apple cider that awaited them upon arrival.
Passed Hors D'oeuvres
The cocktail hour took place inside the site's pavilion, where guests enjoyed drinks and passed hors d'oeuvres. Crispy maple chicken on tiny buttered waffles was a particular favorite.
A Stunning Reception Space
The reception was held in the property's 5,400-square-foot barn, a vast, rustic space that contrasted beautifully with the classic, sophisticated vibe of the wedding. Crystal chandeliers and string lights were suspended from the sweeping ceiling, setting an elegant, but cozy mood.
Impressive Reception Tables
Cross-back chairs were placed around reclaimed wood tables set with floral displays of varying heights. "Half of the tables were adorned with oversized, high floral centerpieces with hanging glass orbs, while the other tables included crystal candelabras," says Angie of SociaLife. Acrylic risers created space for the food platters used during the family-style dinner, while white taper candles in crystal holders and hurricanes bathed tables in romantic candlelight.
Delicate Floral Displays
All tables featured miniature arrangements of roses at the base of each centerpiece.
Classic Table Settings
Each dinner plate was set with a white-on-white napkin and menu with place card. A sprig of greenery added an organic pop of color to each setting.
An Extraordinary Floral Installation
Faye + Renee designed this stunning 16-foot canopy of greenery, flowers, and crystal chandeliers, which was placed over the head table.
A Romantic First Dance
The couple took their first dance as husband and wife to "Say You Won't Let Go" by James Arthur, chosen because it "pretty much sums us up and our relationship in three minutes," says Liza.
Sources
Photography, Lauren Fair Photography
Location, Cedar Lakes Estate
Event planning, SociaLife Wedding and Event Planning
Catering, Cedar Lakes Estate
Flowers, Faye + Renee
Videography, Live Picture Studios
Stationery, Art Paper Scissors
Music, Rock & Soul led by Evan Tyler from Starlight Music
Rentals, Faye + Renee
Bride's gown, Mira Zwillinger
Bride's shoes, Christian Louboutin
Bride's hair, GloJe Salon & Spa
Bride's makeup, Tommy Napoli
Lighting, Eventlights, Inc.
Audio, Legato Productions