In January of 2007, Lauren Rachelle Levy, then an executive at Miramax, read a script that changed her life. The script was already in development at Fox Searchlight but, even if she couldn’t make the movie, she was eager to meet its writer, Scott Neustadter.
By the end of their first meeting, Scott had developed a crush on Lauren but she was all business. When the two ran into each other again six months later at a Hollywood party, they spent the evening getting to know each other better and, at the end of the night, she decided to ask him out.
Two-and-a-half years later, on November 7, 2009, Lauren was getting ready for a birthday dinner she organized for Scott. Little did she know, Scott was waiting in her living room with an engagement ring.
When he couldn’t wait any longer, he asked Lauren what she was planning to wear. She showed him a dress she bought earlier in the day, and he replied, “I think you should wear something else …” He pulled out a ring, and she said yes. They went to the birthday dinner-turned-engagement party, where there was another surprise in store for Lauren: Scott had arranged for his future mother-in-law, Sandy Levy, to fly in so she could be part of the celebration.
The wedding festivities began in New Orleans on the evening of Thursday, October 7, 2010. The wedding weekend kickoff was a cocktail buffet hosted by Joyce and Sidney Pulitzer in their lovely Audubon Place home. Andrea and Rabbi Edward Cohn; Patsy Kanter; Linda Green and Michael Brown; Ruth and Larry Kullman; Rickie and Gordon Nutik; Francine and Jerry Segal; Sue and Harold Singer; and Ellen and Marc Yellin were co-hosts.
On Friday, October 8, 2010, Sandy and Lauren hosted a bridesmaids’ luncheon at Restaurant August and later that night the Neustadters hosted the rehearsal dinner, which was Mardi Gras-themed, at the Federal Ballroom. The Neustadters and the bridal party gave toasts and speeches. As a surprise, the jazz band To Be Continued marched in at the end of the party and led a second-line to Pat O’Brien’s and back to the Ritz-Carlton.
The two wed at Congregation Temple Sinai on Saturday, October 9, 2010. This location is very special to Lauren because she grew up in the temple, and she shares a close bond with Rabbi Cohn who, along with Cantor Colman, officiated at the ceremony.
Lauren’s brother, Jonathan Levy, accompanied her down the aisle. Jonathan; Lauren’s mother, Saundra Katz Levy; her grandmother, Miriam “Micki” Katz; her uncle, Allan Katz; Scott’s parents, Anne and Michael Neustadter; his grandparents, Shirley and Milton Neustadter; and Shirley Goldberg sat under the chuppah during the ceremony at the temple.
Rabbi Cohn wrapped Lauren and Scott in Scott’s recently deceased grandfather’s prayer shawl (talit) when he blessed them. Lauren was especially happy that her grandmother, who’s 96, was able to share this special moment.
Lauren wore an ivory strapless Marisa bridal gown with Alençon lace, silk shantung lining and a modified fit-and-flair. The one-tier, cathedral-length veil was by Paloma and featured Alençon lace to match the gown. Both were purchased from Pearl’s Place.
After the cake was cut, Lauren changed into a strapless ivory dress by Moonlight Designs, also from Pearl’s Place.
A yellow butterfly was placed in Lauren’s bouquet in memory of her late uncle, Ron Katz. Christopher Kijko from Keith Noonan Salon did Lauren’s hair and Robert Hudson profided her makeup.
Lauren’s bridesmaids wore Bill Levkoff chiffon dresses in dark purple with empire waists, also purchased at Pearl’s Place. Anne Rachel Tobias stood as maid of honor.
Scott wore a custom-made black tuxedo by Astor and Black. His groomsmen wore their own single-breasted tuxedos with silver silk ties that were a gift from Scott. Scott’s best man was Dr. Sidney Jacoby.
After the ceremony, everyone headed to the Ritz-Carlton for dinner and dancing. They sipped signature cocktails and enjoyed a four-course dinner.
Perfect Presentations provided the flowers. Gambino’s Bakery created the almond wedding cake with chocolate doberge filling, decorated with gold ribbon and fresh flowers. The groom’s cake by the Ritz-Carlton was a film canister that said “Lauren and Scott: A Love Story.”
The Vieux Carre Band provided music for the reception. Lauren and Scott’s first dance was to “This Must Be The Place” by the Talking Heads.
Meg Baisden Photography from Pensacola, Fla., and Chad Dyle of Dyle Films videographed the rehearsal dinner and wedding. The wedding coordinators were Jerri Cullinan and Julie Miller Hart.
Lauren was called to oversee a movie being filmed in Vancouver, so Lauren and Scott will honeymoon in Hawaii in the spring.
Lauren is currently the Vice President of Production at Twentieth Century Fox, and Scott is a screenwriter who co-wrote (500) Days of Summer and Pink Panther 2. The two will continue to live in Los Angeles.
