Episode 28 Claire Stern Milch

In this episode of Weddings-ish with Jove, Jove Meyer sits down with Claire Stern, Digital Director at Elle, to discuss her wedding journey, from her serendipitous love story to the intricacies of wedding planning. Claire and her husband, David, first met in 2019 in their New York City apartment building. Their initial encounter was cinematic—Claire had just returned from a bad date and was on the phone with a friend when David appeared in the stairwell. Their connection grew over time, and although they had mutual crushes, they didn’t officially start dating until September 2020, when the pandemic brought them back home and allowed their relationship to flourish.

David’s proposal was intimate and low-key, perfectly suited to Claire’s personality. During a casual dinner at Daphne’s in Westhampton Beach, he simply asked, “Are you sure you want to get married?”—a moment that Claire cherished for its sincerity. When it came to their wedding, the couple chose The Lighthouse at Chelsea in NYC for its accessibility and sentimental value. Claire envisioned a minimal, modern, and elegant aesthetic, incorporating white flowers and tea lights to create a timeless atmosphere. Their celebrations included a rehearsal dinner at Buddakan, inspired by Sex and the City, and late-night Joe’s Pizza, adding a classic New York touch.

Fashion was an essential part of Claire’s wedding experience. She wore a custom Andrew Kwan dress for the ceremony, showcasing her fashion-forward sensibilities, and later changed into a sparkly Markarian gown for the after-party. For their first dance, Claire and David took lessons and incorporated fun lifts into their routine, performing to The Longest Time by Billy Joel. Claire admits that wedding planning was overwhelming but manageable with the support of her mother and a planner, emphasizing that it truly felt like a full-time job.

As Elle’s Digital Director, Claire shares her insights into modern weddings, noting the decline of traditional wedding publications and encouraging couples to focus on fashion, photography, and a unique love story when submitting their weddings for editorial features. On a personal note, Claire chose to take David’s last name, valuing the significance behind the decision. She also shares some fun facts about herself—her go-to karaoke song is "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia, and her happy place is Negril, Jamaica, where her family has deep-rooted ties.

This episode blends romance, fashion, and industry expertise, offering a fresh perspective on what makes a modern wedding truly special. Whether it’s the importance of staying organized or embracing a personalized, stylish approach, Claire’s story is an inspiring listen for couples planning their own celebrations.

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