Real Wedding Album: An Operatic Occasion for a Costume Designer and a Rabbi

Photo: Roey Yohai

“I approached my wedding like I would a grand-scale production,” says costume designer Haley Lieberman, 31. When her boyfriend, Michael Friedman, a 37-year-old rabbi, proposed in September 2013, Haley got to work. “I created a mood board of still-life flowers and sumptuous fabrics painted by the Dutch masters,” she says. “We wanted everything to be very romantic and elegant.” Choosing the venue was easy. Haley had gotten a peek at Skylight One Hanson in Brooklyn while working on an opera at BAM. “At the time it was a construction site,” she says. “But I peered in and saw these gorgeous marble columns and mosaics. When I found out I could get married there, that was it.” Haley and Michael wed at Central Synagogue in midtown, then bused guests over the Brooklyn Bridge for the lavish celebration. At the reception, friends and family enjoyed a local seafood feast by Kevin’s of Red Hook. At the end of the night, 350 balloons fell to the dance floor from the mezzanine. “We decided to throw some casual elements into the mix,” recalls Haley. “Hence, everyone dancing among balloons and me swapping my heels for pink Nike Dunks.”

The Details:
Flowers: Flowerful Events
Invitations: Bliss & Bone
Event planner: Tracy Taylor Ward
Dress: Haley Lieberman
Cake: Lulu Cakes
Photographs by Roey Yohai

Photo: Roey Yohai

Central Synagogue and Skylight One Hanson, May 3, 2014

Haley Lieberman and Michael Friedman

Photo: Roey Yohai

“The balloons told our guests that it was time to let their hair down.”

Photo: Roey Yohai
Photo: Roey Yohai
Photo: Roey Yohai

“My dress was inspired bya costume I designed for the opera I Capuleti e i Montecchi. Two dressmakers helped me bring it to life.”

Real Wedding Album: An Operatic Occasion