When planning a special pair's dream wedding, Sojourner Auguste – founder and creative director of Erganic Design – worked her magic to create a gorgeous September soirée in New York City. "The couple wanted to find a raw-space venue that could be transformed into an immersive atmosphere... City views were also a must!" shares Sojourner. 

Wanting to take full advantage of the city views from the rooftop of the Hudson Mercantile, both the ceremony and cocktail hour took place alfresco in order for loved ones to fully experience the iconic New York City skyline. The sunset ceremony overlooked a number of Manhattan’s landmarks, including the Hudson River, the famous red New Yorker sign, and of course, the Empire State Building. 

Friends and family found their seats facing the city lights, and the spot for the vow exchange was marked with lush arrangements of pampas grass. "During the design process, it was clear the bride leaned toward modern design elements, but there was also an organic sensibility, which felt like a marriage of bohemian and whimsical," explains Sojourner, who not only planned the wedding but also designed the floral arrangements and décor. "The final design style we called, 'Modern Boho Whimsy.'"

"During the design process, it was clear the bride leaned toward modern design elements, but there was also an organic sensibility, which felt like a marriage of bohemian and whimsical... The final design style we called, 'Modern Boho Whimsy.'"

After the pair was pronounced husband and wife, guests enjoyed a rooftop cocktail hour complete with a Southern food station featuring artisan mac and cheese, fried chicken and waffles, and more, as well as passed hors d’oeuvres, such as tasty cacio e pepe fingerling potatoes, mini fish tacos and burgers, and even miniature spaghetti and meatballs. 

As loved ones entered the reception space, they were in awe of the stunning décor. The loft-style venue was adorned with décor in muted tones of grey and copper accented with taupe, putty, and blush, which was exactly what the bride envisioned. "She loved pampas grass and dusty miller, so we made sure to incorporate them into the floral arrangements," shares Sojourner of the desired look. "We created custom vases for the table centerpieces that were hand-sprayed with copper. These picked up the copper foil stamping of the dinner menus, as well as the copper charger plates and flatware."

Guest tables showcased either towering centerpiece arrangements of greenery, textured berries, Earl Grey and Quicksand roses, and pampas grass or low arrangements of similar florals and foliage. "We played up the ceiling height by creating hanging 'clouds' of pampas grass, greenery, florals, and lights," confirms Sojourner.

Bright violet and blue lighting also filled the room, setting the tone for the festivities that lasted until midnight. In lieu of a traditional wedding cake, passed desserts were offered to loved ones throughout the night, so guests could easily continue dancing. Then in true New Yorker style, the newlyweds and their friends and family ended the night with Shake Shack burgers, fries, and shakes. Take a look at the inspiring décor in the slideshow above!