In a tale woven with destiny and serendipity, Lily Rivkin and Jack Friend, a couple whose lives were unexpectedly intertwined even before their birth, exchanged vows in a breathtaking winter ceremony at the historic Mus\u00e9e Rodin in Paris. Their union was not only a celebration of their love but also a testament to a remarkable family legacy, highlighted by a cherished diamond necklace that bridged generations. This enchanting event, held in a uniquely permitted winter setting, underscored the couple's deep personal connection to the city and their shared history.
The narrative of Lily and Jack's relationship is punctuated by an astonishing series of coincidences. Their fathers, through mutual acquaintances, shared connections dating back to Lily's father's diplomatic tenure in France. Furthermore, they discovered they had both attended the same high school as Lily's father and cousins, even appearing in childhood group photographs together. The most striking revelation came two years into their courtship: Lily's great-grandmother, Celia Hammerman, had purchased a diamond necklace from Jack's great-grandfather, Harry Levinson, a Chicago jeweler, in the 1950s. This heirloom would later become a central, symbolic element of their wedding day.
Despite these many intertwined threads, Lily and Jack's paths didn't formally cross until November 2021, when they connected on a dating application in New York City. Three years later, in November 2024, Jack orchestrated an elaborate and memorable proposal. What began as a planned anniversary trip to the Glenmere Mansion in New York evolved into a series of charming misdirections, eventually leading Lily to believe they were flying to Italy, only to find themselves en route to Paris. Jack's intention was to create such confusion that the eventual proposal would be a genuine surprise. Arriving in Paris, a casual brunch plan led them past the embassy where Lily had grown up. When Jack suggested they enter, and the doors unexpectedly opened, Lily's realization dawned as she spotted a photographer. Overcome with emotion, she accepted his proposal. The celebration continued with a champagne toast in another room, where their families were waiting, a final, touching surprise that highlighted Jack's thoughtful planning.
Choosing Paris for their wedding was a natural decision, given Lily's formative years in the city and her lifelong dream of marrying at the Mus\u00e9e Rodin. The couple envisioned a winter wedding, a challenging prospect as the museum typically restricts events on its lawn after October. However, through a special appeal to the City of Paris, they secured an unprecedented exemption, allowing them to host the first-ever winter wedding on the Rodin's grounds. This unique permission added an extraordinary layer of meaning to their day. Collaborating with planner Jean-Charles Vaneck of Sumptuous Events, they designed a transparent glass structure to ensure guests could enjoy the illuminated gardens and sky while remaining warm, creating an ambiance that felt both indoors and intimately connected to the Rodin's outdoor splendor. Lily, a restaurant owner, also aimed for a cozy, candlelit French bistro atmosphere, reflecting her culinary background.
The wedding festivities commenced with a welcome party at the H\u00f4tel de Crillon, where Lily donned a Khaite cocktail dress. For the rehearsal dinner, she chose a high-neck lace Oscar de la Renta gown. On her wedding day, she wore a semi-custom Monique Lhuillier Baby's Breath gown. The design of her wedding dress was meticulously chosen to complement her great-grandmother's diamond necklace, avoiding high necklines or heavy lace to allow the heirloom to be the focal point. Working closely with Monique Lhuillier's atelier, Lily requested significant modifications, including changes to the fabric, color, pattern removal, bodice reshaping, slit adjustment, sleeve redesign, and a completely open back, resulting in a gown that perfectly embodied her vision and felt uniquely her own. She completed her ensemble with sapphire drop earrings from her mother as her \u201csomething blue\u201d and \u201csomething borrowed,\u201d along with diamond bracelets lent by her mother-in-law. Jack wore a classic Tom Ford tuxedo and patent leather shoes. The entire celebration was a harmonious blend of personal history, romantic setting, and meticulous design, creating an unforgettable start to their married life.
