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CNN anchor Susan Hendricks marries Robin Fowler in true Big Apple style. See how they added special touches to reflect their personalities.

Photography: Gruber Photographers/gruberphotographers.com

Between the two of them, Susan Hendricks and Robin Fowler have lived in Atlanta—their current home—Alabama, California, Arizona and New Jersey, so deciding where to marry was the first challenge. In the end, New York won out. “I grew up in New Jersey, and I was always going into New York,” says Susan, a weekend anchor for CNN’s Headline News. “Plus, I fell in love with The St. Regis Hotel. That cinched it.”

The hotel, a Big Apple icon, is steeped in tradition, but Susan and Robin, an anesthesiologist, wanted their wedding décor to reflect diverse aesthetics. Susan says, “Since the venue was so formal, I wanted to add elements that would give it a light, airy, warm-weather feel, the kind that reminds me of L.A.” Rather than seek the help of a wedding planner to create that vibe, the pair asked Susan’s sister, Lynn, to helm the planning and hire some of the vendors she’d used for her own New York wedding, including florist Laura Clare.

The bride-to-be then set out to find the perfect dress—and she found it quickly. “With the help of my mom and sister, I tried on four or five gowns,” Susan says. As soon as she tried on a Vera Wang modified A-line gown with duchesse ribbon bands, her sister started to cry. That’s when Susan knew she’d found the one.

Susan's cascade bouquet of white phalaenopsis orchids, by Laura Clare.

For her six bridesmaids, she also chose Vera Wang: strapless A-line dresses in a flattering gold shade to complement their green orchid bouquets.

On the June wedding day, guests gathered at Saint Ignatius Loyola Church on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. “I grew up Catholic, so it was important to me to have a church wedding,” says Susan. Officiating the ceremony was a priest whom Susan has known since eighth grade. Along with his very personal sermon, friends and relatives offered readings.

After the couple was married, guests rode to the St. Regis in cars provided by the father of the bride. There they settled into the Louis XVI Suite, where they sipped Veuve Cliquot champagne and nibbled on mini crab cakes, foie gras canapés and steak on brioche.

For the reception, everyone headed to a ballroom decorated with gilded chandeliers and square glass vases of green, purple and white orchids surrounded by river rocks.

Before enjoying a steak dinner, Susan and Robin shared their first dance to Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love.” Then The Park Avenue Band had guests on their feet, dancing to hits from the ’70s and ’80s, such as “Dancing Queen.” “The floor was packed,” says Susan. “Even with people who don’t normally like to dance!”

After the party wound down, a few close friends joined the couple for cocktails in their suite. “I know that most girls have a vision of their wedding day, but not me,” says Susan. “Yet mine turned out to be exactly what I wanted. In fact, if I had to do it all again, I would have everything the same way—with family, friends and great memories.”

“I didn’t actually see it, because I was getting ready to enter the church, but I heard everyone laugh when our ring bearer, Hagan, walked down the aisle. He got nervous and put the pillow over his face. It was cute."

“Coming out of the church felt really good. The ceremony was over, and I was so happy and no longer nervous. We were ready to have fun.”

“My father’s speech was really hilarious and captivated everyone. My sister spoke too, mentioning how when I was a kid, I followed her around. She said that now it’s the opposite—she follows me!”

“Toward the end of the night the band played "Sweet Home Alabama" in honor of Robin’s home state. Everyone went nuts—no matter where they were from!”

The Feast

First Course
Butter Poached Maine Lobster, Warm Potato Salad,
Black Truffles, Beurre Blanc

Entrée
Filet Mignon with Carrots, Spring Onions, Truffle Jus

Dessert
Crisp Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramel Syrup
Chocolate Caramel Composition with Coffee Ice Cream

Wedding Cake
Vanilla Cake with Bananas and Coconut