Set against panoramic views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline, Caryn Simms and Shawn Sampson’s July wedding was a celebration that balanced elegance and unmistakable personality. Hosted in Jersey City, the event married timeless floral design with thoughtful modern elements – all in a space that reflected the couple’s deep New York roots and their shared love for meaningful experiences.

Caryn and Shawn’s story began as teenagers. “We met on a party bus through a mutual friend,” Caryn recalls. “I was 15; he was 16. Amid the energy and chaos of the night, what stood out most was his calm and composed presence.” That quiet grounding quality drew her in instantly, and after reconnecting soon after, the relationship began to take shape. “The rest,” she says, “is history.”

Years later, the proposal unfolded in Jamaica during a family wedding, which was an unforgettable surprise. Caryn, serving as a bridesmaid at Shawn’s cousin’s wedding, was completely unaware of what was coming. “Just as the bride was preparing to toss her bouquet, she turned and walked straight toward me instead,” Caryn explains. “She placed the bouquet in my hands, and Shawn stepped forward and proposed.” Surrounded by his family and with hers watching via FaceTime, it was a moment filled with emotion.

The couple spent over two years planning their wedding, an effort that tested even Caryn’s signature organization. Just as save the dates were being finalized, their original venue canceled due to renovations. “It felt like the worst-case scenario,” she says. “But it ended up being a blessing.” Their new venue offered sweeping city views and an atmosphere that elevated the entire vision.

“The reception design was grand and simply breathtaking.”

The ceremony began at 6PM and was anchored in a clean, elegant design. “I always saw white,” Caryn reveals. “Timeless, romantic, nature-inspired décor.” Together with her mother and her wedding-planning team, Caryn conceptualized a tunnel of four floral arches layered in white roses to create a striking entrance down the aisle. The result was both modern and ethereal. A butterfly release closed the ceremony: a symbolic nod to growth and transformation, representing their journey from teenage sweethearts to life partners and parents.

Caryn carried a bouquet of white garden roses, spray roses, viburnums, ranunculuses, and Italian ruscus greenery, while her bridesmaids – who wore striking seafoam-hued long gowns with high slits at the leg – held matching arrangements in soft white tones. The groom and groomsmen wore classic, but cool tuxedos in a shade of tan with black lapels. The bride stunned guests as she made her grand entrance in a form-fitting gown from Bridal Reflections made complete with a frothy skirt.

The reception venue was held in a light-filled space defined by floor-to-ceiling windows and soaring ceilings. The couple chose a modern, classic palette of sage green, white, tan, and black, which allowed the dramatic floral design to stand out. Impressive overhead installations of lush greenery and large white roses created a canopy effect above the two estate tables – one for the bridal party and one for immediate family. Surrounding guest tables featured complementary low arrangements, while the staircase leading to the upper level was completely draped in florals. “The reception design was grand and simply breathtaking,” Caryn shares.

One of the evening’s most personal details was the live saxophonist, a nod to Shawn’s background in music and the couple’s shared love of live performance. Another standout feature was the custom video confession booth. “It reminded me of old reality TV,” describes Caryn. “Guests could record messages for us to watch later. It was emotional, nostalgic, and something we’ll cherish forever.”

The five-tier wedding cake was designed as a sculptural piece of art, echoing the aesthetic of both of Caryn’s wedding gowns. Each tier featured a different flavor – from vanilla with Oreo filling to red velvet with white chocolate ganache – each providing a sweet fix of energy so that loved ones would stay on the dance floor throughout the festivities. In lieu of traditional wedding favors, guests were invited to take home fresh flower bouquets – an extension of the décor and a lasting reminder of the evening.

Looking back, Caryn admits her most memorable moments came from watching her family and friends enjoy the night. The couple elected to write each of their 150 guests a handwritten note left on their chairs; throughout the night, loved ones thanked them for the heartfelt gesture. “My husband was over the moon,” Caryn remembers of the evening. “My son, usually shy, stayed close by my side. I could tell he was happy to be part of it all. I truly lived in the moment and just watched everyone have an amazing time.”

Her advice for other couples is straightforward: “Don’t overwhelm yourself. Everything will get done. Start with a plan and surround yourself with someone you work well with – my person was my mom.”

The couple invested most heavily in floral and design, choosing not to set a strict spending limit. “I didn’t want to be boxed in. I wanted the focus to be on creating an experience that felt like us,” Caryn adds. That approach paid off. From the floral tunnel to the city views, and the live music to the intimate guest messages, the wedding was a curated reflection of who they are – and the life they’re building together.

This real wedding was originally published in the Fall 2025 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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