Filipino Food, Italian Desserts, and a Brooklyn Wedding at MyMoon
Kristin (she/her) and Zen’s (she/her) wedding at MyMoon Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York was the opposite. Imagine a vintage yellow taxi pulling up from FilmCars, a doo-wop band kicking off cocktail hour, disco balls sparkling across the reception tables, and a cake baked by Kristin herself through her bakery Buttah. That’s the kind of wedding we’re talking about here: playful, heartfelt, and rooted in both Filipino and Italian traditions. With photography by Emily Denny Photo and planning support from Grace Kelly Events, the day came together in vibrant style.
How did you two first meet?
Kristin: We met on August 16, 2019 at Henrietta Hudson. It was both of our first time there, and we were each alone. Zen sat next to me at the bar, and I ended up complimenting her earrings. We chatted for more than an hour and before I left, Zen made sure to grab my number. From there, everything took off.
Zen: At the time, I was visiting from Rome, and neither of us could have predicted a global pandemic and lockdown were around the corner. But we found a way to make it work.
Tell us about the proposal.
On June 12, 2023 I surprised Kristin with a proposal at Jane’s Carousel in DUMBO Brooklyn. It was sentimental because our second date was there, so it felt like a full-circle moment. We got engaged exactly 362 days before the wedding. Kristin said yes with a ring from Artemer, and later we chose our wedding bands from Holden.
Why did you choose My Moon in Brooklyn as your wedding venue?
It was really important for us to get married in Williamsburg, where I grew up and where my family still lives. MyMoon Restaurant had the perfect mix of character, great food, and the vibe we were looking for.
What was wedding planning like for you?
Honestly, it was stressful and expensive. There’s just so much to think about. My sister helped with a lot of the planning, which was a lifesaver. We also found most of our vendors through Instagram, our venue, or local recommendations.
We didn’t exactly stick to a budget. Everything cost more than expected, but we kept reminding ourselves this was something we were only doing once, so we went for it.
Did you include any cultural traditions in the day?
Yes, food and fashion were big ways we brought our cultures together. We served a whole lechon, Buko Pandan, and Ube Tres Leche to honor my Filipino background. Kristin baked Italian desserts with her Buttah bakery team, including a giant cookie tray. Our wedding party wore Barongs, and many of our guests wore Filipinianas. For the Italian side, we entered dinner with a napkin wave dance.
What were some of your favorite parts of the wedding day?
Kristin: We got ready separately with our families at a nearby hotel with glam from Lemondy for hair and makeup, then took a vintage NYC taxi from FilmCars to the venue. The ceremony flowed right into cocktail hour with a live doo-wop band, a retro Majestic Photo Booth, and a live sketch artist, Sara Stolow, for the guests.
Zen: One of my favorite moments was surprising Kristin with her nephews performing “MMMbop.” She and her friends have been Hanson fans since childhood, so it was a perfect surprise. Later that night, DJ Marcus Ho kept the dance floor going.
Did you do any DIY projects?
Kristin: Yes! I baked our three-tier wedding cake along with all the desserts for the table at Buttah. We also designed a custom newspaper that we gave to guests as a favor, along with coffee and bagels for the next morning.
How did you approach the ceremony and vows?
Our friend Byron married us, and we each wrote our own vows. They were really personal and mixed humor with heartfelt promises. We wanted it to feel like us rather than following a traditional script.
Any advice for couples planning their wedding?
Don’t stress too much about sticking to a strict budget. Things are going to cost more than you think, but remember what matters most.
Surround yourself with people who can help. Having Kristin’s sister involved made such a difference. And add in touches that are personal to you, whether that’s food, music, or outfits. Those details are what make the day feel authentic.
Photography by Emily Denny Photo
Artist Sara Stolow
Beverage/Dessert Brooklyn Seltzer Boys
Cake Maker Buttah
DJ DJ Marcus Ho
Dress Boutique Lovely Bride NYC
Dress Designer Louvienne
Florist Hanato
Hair & Makeup Lemondy
Live Music Cover Story DooWop
Photobooth Majestic Photo Booths
Rings Artemer & Holden
Signage The Endiy Shop
Suit Designer Indochino
Transportation FilmCars
Venue MyMoon Restaurant
Videographer Tom Leung
Wedding Planner Grace Kelly Events
