Gail Simmons and Jeremy Abrams's Modern and Formal Foodie Wedding in New York

Gail Simmons and Jeremy Abrams

As a judge on Top Chef, Gail Simmons could easily have gone the fancy gourmand route for her wedding to Jeremy Abrams. Instead, the couple opted for a convivial affair inspired by the carefree charm and colorful bounty of a farmers' market. Refreshing -- and delicious.

Here, Gail and Jeremy exchange vows under a wood and cloth huppa with quince branches and passionflower vines.

A Summery Bouquet

Dinner-plate dahlias, roses, zinnias, geraniums, and ornamental oregano made for a summery bouquet.

The Flower Girls

The bride's nieces, Brooke and Elle Simmons, make adorable flower girls.

A Family Portrait

The newlyweds pose with family before the ceremony.

Here Comes the Bride

Gail's parents walk her down the aisle.

A Vintage Wedding Veil

Gail donned a floaty Carolina Herrera gown and the veil her mother wore at her own wedding 42 years earlier.

Fresh Vegetable Centerpieces

Radishes, carrots, parsnips, snap peas, and tomatoes were ripe for the eating during cocktail hour.

Cheery Place Cards

Sunny yellow place cards sit atop flower-filled metal crates.

The Wedding Menu

Menus double as napkin bands, while wrapped baguettes hold tags printed with each guest's name.

Intimate Reception Tables

Long candlelit tables helped spark conversation. The lively centerpieces were wrapped in kraft paper after dinner and the resulting bouquets given to guests to take home as keepsakes.

The Dinner

To maximize interaction among the 175 guests, celebrated chef Daniel Boulud masterminded a conversation-conducive menu that began with a trio of chilled soups. "Every other person got a different soup, so people could taste each other's or trade," Gail explains. A second course included an array of crisp seasonal vegetable salads served family style, with a platter in the center of each table to promote sharing and, of course, chatting.

A Famous Wedding Guest

Guests, including "Top Chef"'s Tom Colicchio, converse as they dine.

Specialty Wedding Drinks

Guests sipped peach-mint iced tea and strawberry lemonade.

Tote Bag Favor

One of the favors: a farmers' market tote bag.

Jarred Pickle Favors

As a token of the couple's appreciation, guests were given jars of sour or spicy-sour pickles, a local summer favorite and Simmons family staple.

The Happy Couple

Gail and Jeremy stop to pose for a loving photo.

Fruit Wedding Desserts

Fruit tartlets are a delicious dessert option.

The Wedding Speeches

The newlyweds listen to speeches in their honor.

Sources

Location: The Foundry
Event Planning: Kimberlee Bendeck, Boutique Events
Wedding Consultant: Marcy Blum
Catering: Feast & Fetes from Restaurant Daniel
Flowers: Naomi de Manana
Stationery: Design, ThussFarrell; printing, Julie Holcomb Printers
Music: Matt Creed
Wedding Photography: Timothy K. Lee
Gown: Carolina Herrera
Menswear: Groom's suit, Paul Smith; tie, Thomas Pink
Hair and Makeup: Jessie Riley and Jeff Chastain of Jeff Chastain Parlor
Rentals: Party Rental, Ltd.