Virginia “Gigi” Burris and Evan O’Hara are the epitome of the cool, quirky NYC couple—the kind that maintains their whole existence below 14th Street. She’s the owner of namesake millinery brand Gigi Burris Millinery. He’s the man behind Vereda, a company that creates American alligator belts, wallets, shoes, and other products from wild alligators harvested in Florida. You’ll rarely see her walking around the Lower East Side without one of her own beautiful creations situated on top of her head, and he similarly serves as his brand’s best ambassador, often wearing his alligator jacket on the streets of downtown. Fittingly, the two were introduced at the perfect setting for the beginning of their Big Apple love story: a pizza parlor called Rubirosa in Nolita. “I ate four slices of our shared pie, and Evan only ate one,” remembers Gigi. “What a first impression!”
The couple had been dating for two years when Evan orchestrated a surprise proposal. “Some close friends and I had gotten together to watch the sunset over some drinks at the Boom Boom Room,” says Gigi. “Evan planned with my best friend Kate for this to be a special evening! He came out of hiding and got down on one knee as we looked over the Hudson River. A bottle of Champagne immediately arrived, and we all celebrated together.”
Growing up, when Gigi dreamed about her wedding day, she always imagined herself wearing a Vera Wang gown. “To me, both then and now, it’s classic and timeless,” she says. “The dress I landed on had an elegant drape but also captured this nonchalance and modern spirit at the same time.” Being a milliner, the pressure was on for a very special headpiece. “I created a soft dusk blue straw boater hat adorned with vintage tulle and a diamond hat pin,” says Gigi. Her hair was a nod to classic ’70s waves, and for beauty, she went with a fresh face and a natural lip. Friend and fellow former CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund contestant Paul Andrew created blue suede high heels to match. Evan wore a Zegna couture tuxedo and an alligator boutonniere and belt.
Gigi and Evan knew that they wanted their wedding to feel intimate, relaxed, and personal. “Both of us were born and raised in Florida, but now call New York City our home, and knew it had to be a city wedding,” says Gigi. “Small nods to our Florida upbringing made our special day feel rooted in both places.” They felt strongly about having their ceremony outside and close to nature so the lush garden at The Standard, East Village was the perfect place for them to host the gathering of 60 guests.
After the ceremony, guests relocated to the penthouse for a celebration organized by Adrianne Mellen Ramstack of Adrianne Elizabeth. Once there, everyone mingled and danced to a playlist the couple had created that ranged from Elvis to Gary Clark Jr. Casual comfort food like lobster rolls, alligator croquettes, sliders, deviled eggs, and mini caviar potatoes were served up, and signature drinks of whiskey and a nod to the Moscow Mule were also on hand. “We even had beer brought up from this brewery that we adore in Florida,” says Gigi. The newlyweds danced to “Chapel of Love” by the Dixie Cups, and then the boys smoked cigars while the ladies selfied against the city skyline. “My dad gave a very tender speech before we cut the cake,” remembers Gigi. After the reception, the group moved to Wise Men, where Rubirosa pizzas (of course) and jalapeño margaritas were served, and the DJ spun hip-hop and ’90s until late night. Two days later, after fully recovering from the wedding festivities, the new Mr. and Mrs. O’Hara jetted off to Cuba for a honeymoon adventure that was full of salsa, mojitos, and taking in a new culture together as husband and wife.Read more at:pink prom dresses | graduation gowns
