Key Takeaways
- Patina Miller and David Mars blended Southern charm and city sophistication by choosing The Foundry in Queens for their wedding.
- Thoughtful details, like LEGO heart boutonnieres and a New Orleans-style second line, made their celebration personal and unique.
- The couple’s family-style dinner and choreographed first dance created a warm, fun atmosphere for their guests to enjoy.
Actress and Tony Award-winner Patina Miller knew David Mars was the One almost immediately. "It was on our first date," she remembers. "I felt like I could really be myself with him." After two years of dating, David decided it was time to propose as Patina was preparing for opening night of the Broadway revival of Pippin — in the starring role. "He proposed backstage after the show, surrounded by my cast mates and friends," Patina says. The pair decided to wed just over a year later, on June 14, 2014.
Patina is a longtime New Yorker, but her roots are in South Carolina, so she and David sought out a venue that would combine their city style with a hint of country charm. The Foundry in Long Island City, Queens, was just the place, with exposed brick and trailing ivy (and killer views of the Manhattan skyline). They worked with Tamra Sanford of Ever Swoon to create a southern-meets-city celebration that was warm, inviting, and a ton of fun. Keep reading to see how this The Hunger Games actress and her venture capitalist beau tied the knot, photographed by Tim Willoughby.
The night was so amazing. At one point, David and I looked at each other and just said, 'We did good'
Photo: Timwill Photography
Patina found her Monique Lhuillier wedding dress with a little help from Mark Ingram, who made an appearance on her wedding day to give the bride his best wishes. She paired the gown with sparkling Jimmy Choo heels, perfect for a Broadway star.
Photo: Timwill Photography
The bride's organic bouquet combined peonies, ranunculus, and garden roses in shades of blush and ivy, all tied together with a raw silk ribbon. Her bridesmaids carried posies of astilbe, which popped beautifully against their blush gowns.
Photo: Timwill Photography
Patina's open-back gown, complete with an illusion neckline and delicate cap sleeves, flattered her dancer's body and was the perfect contrast to David's navy blue Lanvin tux — which he paired with Lanvin sneakers!
Photo: Timwill Photography
Instead of boutonnieres, the groomsmen wore mint green and pink LEGO hearts pinned to their lapels. The bridesmaids wore blush chiffon gowns in a variety of silhouettes, and flower girls wore white dresses and crowns of baby's breath.
Photo: Timwill Photography
Patina's mother officiated the emotional ceremony. Says the bride, "She's always been our biggest supporter!" After the I Do's, everyone headed outside for a New Orleans-style second line — played by a phenomenal brass band Patina discovered one day on a subway platform!
Photo: Timwill Photography
"The air that night was so perfect," the bride remembers.
Photo: Timwill Photography
Guests found watercolor escort cards pinned to strands of pink ribbon. Industrial-style metal and wood tables were set beneath a clear-top tent on The Foundry's patio. Gray taper candles were scattered amongst centerpieces of white astilbe and peonies.
Photo: Timwill Photography
Each guest's seat featured a glass charger and a blush watercolor menu. Guests sipped Peach Ginger Lemonade, spiked with vodka, and snacked on crispy shrimp lollipops and mini chicken & waffles before taking their seats.
For dinner, the Southern-inspired menu featured seared sea bass and roasted rack of lamb alongside sweet yam cobbler and buttermilk biscuits, all served family-style.
Photo: Timwill Photography
Back inside, the ceremony space was transformed for the dance party, with a DJ taking over the music and strings of lights casting a glow over the space. The couple served Momofuku Milk Bar's iconic Birthday Cake, along with bourbon pecan tart, warm peanut butter fudge brownies, and a surprise groom's cake: Carvel's signature Fudgie the Whale ice cream cake.
Photo: Timwill Photography
Patina and David started their first dance with a waltz, before breakdancers disguised as waiters joined them for a choreographed hip-hop routine. Then the dance party really got started, with lots of Beyoncé and plenty of Soul Train lines. "The night was so amazing," says Patina. "At one point, David and I looked at each other and just said, 'We did good.'"
Want to see more weddings at this venue? Then check out another couple's bash at The Foundry in the video below.
