An Unconventional, Fun-Filled Wedding at The Foundry LIC

As seen on Green Wedding Shoes

At Poppy + Lynn, we always say there are no rules for weddings. All you need are two people in love and someone licensed to officiate- the rest is optional. So when Sam and Justin came to us and said they wanted a wedding that was not really a wedding at all- we were hooked. The two met at an adults’ outdoor recess sports league and try to incorporate a childlike sense of fun in all aspects of their life. The Foundry LIC was the perfect spot to host their non-traditional wedding.

First and foremost, Justin and Sam were adamant that they did not have formal seating for dinner. They didn’t want to see any tablescapes- no long tables with chairs lined up and plated dinner. So, we worked with Fig and Pig to create a floating cocktail style dinner full of all their favorite things. We had stations set up as well as passed bites and bowls with a variety of different delicious things from their wide taste in cuisine. Instead of formal tables, we set up multiple lounge groupings throughout the courtyard. High top tables with bar stools and some low tops with seats were also available for those who wanted a stationary place to land.

They had a brief and personal ceremony outside in the courtyard before the festivities started. Sam and Justin stood hand in hand and recited vows to each other while guests watched standing room style. We worked with Joi Blooms to design a beautiful ceremony backdrop that felt whimsical and playful on the steps. After they said I do, guests transitioned immediately into the floating cocktail reception. And in true Justin and Sam form, they had a wide variety of activities for guests to entertain themselves with during dinner.

Since it was a summer wedding, Sam and Justin both loved the idea of a “splash zone”. We set up a kiddy pool with deck chairs for people to dip their toes in if they so pleased. A magician that they had seen at a local magic show walked around doing close up magic tricks. We also worked with Upstate Jamboree to bring in a variety of upscale yard games to play in the courtyard.

Inside the main room, we had stations set up in each of the alcoves. You could play one of their favorite board games, choose a silly hat to wear for the night, make Play Dough statues, or leave a silly message on their audio guest book. They loved the idea of having guest portraits done, but they didn’t resonate with the typical “fashion illustrations”. Instead, we got illustrator Jordan Sondler to come out and do abstract portraits, complete with googly eyes. And of course, we had an Easter Egg hunt set up for guests to try and find throughout the night.

Once the sun set, everyone headed in to the main room to watch their first dance as a married couple. Justin and Sam did a choreographed swing dance to Rubber Ducky, and ended it with throwing rubber ducks for guests to catch. Throughout the rest of the night, guests danced, posed with their favorite silly hat, and continued finding both figurative and literal Easter Eggs throughout the event. It’s safe to say this was probably the most fun wedding to have ever been thrown. Congratulations Sam and Justin, and thank you for cementing that weddings really have no rules!