In a world where lavish weddings often dominate the headlines, Carly and Karl’s celebration stood out not for its extravagance, but for its warmth, intimacy, and heartfelt simplicity. Their story began in 2018 when they matched on a dating app, connected by an amusing coincidence—their shared name. This playful detail sparked a connection that soon blossomed into love, leading to a life filled with joyful milestones: adopting a dog, weathering a pandemic, and ultimately, a wedding that perfectly reflected their personalities.
Rather than a grand ballroom or sprawling event space, Carly and Karl chose the charming backyard of Cafe Spaghetti, a beloved Brooklyn neighborhood restaurant, to exchange their vows. The setting was intimate and relaxed, filled with close friends and family who came together to witness the couple’s unique celebration.
“I loved that we kept it local, in our own Brooklyn neighborhood,” Carly recalls fondly. “Before we went out to greet everyone, the staff surprised us with Aperol Spritz for me and an Old Fashioned for Karl. We shared a quick toast—nervous but excited—and then stepped into the garden where everyone was waiting.”
The ceremony was refreshingly genuine. As Carly began reciting her vows, emotions ran high, and a slip of a word—“shit!”—escaped her lips. The moment was lightened instantly by her young nephew’s innocent reminder, “Hey, there’s kids here!” Laughter rippled through the crowd, dissolving tension and setting a joyful tone.
While Carly and Karl’s wedding broke away from many traditional customs, they held on to two meaningful rituals: the breaking of the glass and the lighting of a unity candle. These symbolic acts spoke to their respect for tradition while embracing their own style. When they finally sealed their vows with a kiss, applause and cheers erupted, a celebratory climax to their heartfelt promises.
The children in attendance were equally part of the celebration’s charm. Carly’s nephews had been eagerly anticipating the day, especially excited to wear suits. One nephew, who shared a birthday with the wedding month, had hoped for a motorcycle gift. Though that wish was politely declined, his eyes lit up at the sight of a bright Vespa parked in the backyard, a playful nod to his dream and a small touch of whimsy that delighted the young guests.
Food, often a point of contention at weddings, was one of the highlights for Carly and Karl. Hosting their celebration in a restaurant meant the meal was not only convenient but truly delicious. “Wedding food can be bland, but this was amazing,” Carly says. “The eggplant dish was incredible, but honestly, everything was so good it’s hard to pick a favorite.”
Aware of how busy hosts can get caught up in socializing and forget to eat, the couple made a pact to sit down together and savor the meal. That simple decision added a layer of connection and enjoyment to their special day.
Carly’s choice of wedding attire was another reflection of their unconventional yet joyful spirit. She opted for a vintage 1970s sequined disco dress from Cha Cha Linda, foregoing traditional white in favor of sparkle and personality. Though her mother couldn’t join her for the initial dress shopping, she later picked out an elegant outfit from the same store during a visit to New York, proudly wearing white in support of her daughter’s unique vision.
Rather than a pricey guest book, the couple’s family chose a creative and interactive alternative. Guests signed pages of a coffee table book, making each signature a part of a cherished keepsake. Carly and Karl’s book focused on New York graffiti, perfectly reflecting their urban roots and artistic sensibilities.
To end the evening on a sweet note, homemade desserts crafted by the restaurant owner’s father—tiramisu, cannolis, and gelato—were served. The abundance of food meant plenty of leftovers, thoughtfully packed by the staff into to-go boxes, allowing guests to take a piece of the celebration home.
Carly and Karl’s wedding at Cafe Spaghetti wasn’t about grandeur or tradition—it was a true reflection of their love story: authentic, joyful, and full of personal touches. In a world often obsessed with spectacle, their day stands as a beautiful reminder that the most memorable celebrations come from the heart, shared with those who matter most, and flavored with the simple pleasures of food, laughter, and togetherness.
