When Zachary Fox received a text from a friend from high school exclaiming “Bro! We can be bros!” along with a picture of a pretty girl, he found himself both amused and intrigued. The friend explained it was his wife’s sister, and he thought they’d make a good match. He asked Kasey Southard to meet for dinner, and they’ve been together every day since.

Kasey admits she noticed immediately what a gentleman Zachary was. Only a week prior, Kasey had broken her wrist, underwent surgery, and was put in a cast, so she was smitten when Zachary offered to cut her food and then walked her all the way home across the city in the snow. “These moments alone were just a hint of how kind and caring he is,” describes Kasey.

Zachary secured the blessing of Kasey’s parents while he vacationed with their family in Florida. Next, he worked with a family friend who is a jeweler to create a dreamy oval diamond ring, complete with a pavé band – just like the photos his beloved had sent to him. “Like most things in life, Kasey knew exactly what she wanted,” smiles Zachary. The proposal took place outside the couple’s Brooklyn apartment with just the two of them and their pup Reese listening in on the intimate moment. “I was beyond shocked and excited,” admits the bride.

With 15 months to plan the big day, Kasey immediately got to work, and she surprised herself when she realized how much she enjoyed working through all of the details alongside her mother. The duo enlisted professional planner-and-designer Heather Thomas of HeatherLily to guide them. “Heather is an amazing party planner and truly led the charge. I trusted her every step of the way,” shares Kasey of her wonderful experience.

The betrothed knew they wanted to wed in New York City, so that they could honor the city in which they met and spent much time. The first venue they visited was ideal: “From the Manhattan skyline and view of the Statue of Liberty, to the warehouse feel, I knew we could make it into whatever we wanted,” expressed Kasey.

The bride desired a sophisticated color scheme of crisp white, lush green, blush pink, lilac, and French blue, and with the lovely choice came a plethora of florals in each hue. The dazzling palette first made its appearance in a custom invitation suite.

“Make it a point to look around the room many times to appreciate everything around you.”

An elaborate chuppah crafted from curving branches, vines, foliage, and an abundance of blooms, paired with the tallit of the bride’s grandfather serving as the ceiling of the structure, was arranged in front of the majestic skyline. The aisle was bedecked with a “running garden” of florals that mimicked those seen in the chuppah, which made for a gorgeous contrast against the exposed brick of the industrial site.

Bridesmaids, who wore personally selected gowns of their choosing in shades of pink, preceded the showstopping bunch of the youngest bridal-party members. “One of my favorite memories is having our nieces and nephews be such a large part of our celebration,” reveals the groom. “It was amazing getting to watch them walk down the aisle.”

Kasey made her grand entrance to the song “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. She wore a feminine gown from Mark Ingram Atelier featuring a sweetheart neckline, floral-inspired embellishments, and a full, frothy skirt. Zachary opted for a classic black-tie ensemble, as did each of his groomsmen.

After a sweet vow exchange, the newlyweds made their way to the reception space where the energy shifted the moment they entered the room. “We were led by Hudson Horns [brass band] to the dance floor and performed a high-energy dance set, then went straight into the Jewish hora, followed by the first dance,” tells the bride of the notable moments of the evening.

From the delightful escort-card planter box wall to the romantic sweetheart-table setup to the jaw-dropping flower installation suspended overhead, there was no corner of the room that had been overlooked. Champagne silk linens covered round tables surrounded by garden-style chairs, and tabletops were decorated with either large floral masterpieces featuring an eye-catching pop of color or low centerpieces with no visible vessel showing, wrapped around a stunning nine-arm candelabra that cast an amorous glow.

The bride’s vision of a stylish, chic celebration came into full fruition with all of their loved ones under one roof. “It was the most amazing day and truly everything I dreamed,” she emphasizes. “Make it a point to look around the room many times to appreciate everything around you.”

In addition to this great advice, the new Mrs. also shares a fun idea for other brides to try at their nuptials. “I had one of my bridesmaids record and take pictures of everything on my cell. This not only allowed me to be off my phone, but it also was a great way to relive my wedding from a more candid and casual point of view!”

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

To order a copy of the Spring 2025 issue, visit our library of Inside Weddings digital back issues available for purchase.