In 2008, eighth grader Gaby Novogratz took a bold step by friending Zach Spohler, a cute boy from another New York private school, on Facebook. After nine months of scrolling through each other’s tagged photos and writing on each other’s “walls,” they finally met outside the Pinkberry on 82nd Street and 2nd Avenue, where they shared their first kiss. Their official first date happened during their senior year of high school when Zach asked Gaby to dinner at Bubby’s in Tribeca. Despite her nerves, Gaby ordered a burger, even though she hadn’t eaten red meat in years. Following their dinner date, Zach asked Gaby to prom at Pinkberry.
Fifteen years later, Gaby, the founder of digital shopping encyclopedia The (Shop) Archive, and Zach, cofounder of cannabis aperitifs brand Artet, flew from Los Angeles to New York City to visit family. On a warm spring night, Zach asked Gaby to get a drink with his brother uptown, leading her to realize they were walking on 82nd and 2nd, where they first met. Zach then got down on one knee in front of the old Pinkberry and proposed. The moment was a relaxed and heartfelt one, with Zach feeling more at ease proposing to Gaby compared to their previous encounters.
In June 2024, Gaby and Zach threw a three-day wedding at the bride’s family home in Amagansett, planned by Melissa Sullivan of Studio Sully. The celebration started with a rehearsal dinner in the Novogratz’s backyard, where Gaby wore a stunning 1999 Chanel runway gown sourced from Tab Vintage, and Zach opted for a custom white suit from Bode with embroidery telling the story of their relationship. Following speeches, guests boarded buses to a local dive bar, Stephen Talkhouse, where their parents had bonded over tequila shots. The bride changed into a strapless dress from The Row to dance well into the morning.
The wedding weekend was filled with personal touches and special moments that reflected Gaby and Zach’s relationship. The rehearsal dinner in the backyard, the unique attire choices, and the visit to Stephen Talkhouse were all significant to the couple. Gaby’s vintage gown and Zach’s embroidered suit added a nostalgic and personalized touch to their wedding attire. The choice to change into a different dress for dancing reflected the couple’s desire to let loose and enjoy the celebration with their loved ones.
The proposal at the old Pinkberry symbolized the journey of Gaby and Zach’s relationship, from their teenage years to adulthood. The sentimental location and the heartfelt proposal captured the essence of their connection, marking a significant milestone in their lives. The couple’s decision to travel from Los Angeles to New York for the proposal and subsequent wedding highlighted their commitment to family and shared memories. Overall, Gaby and Zach’s love story is one of growth, nostalgia, and lifelong companionship, culminating in a beautiful wedding celebration filled with personal touches and meaningful moments.
