Recently, the Hamptons was a backdrop for an extravagant wedding where Eric Lemonides, co-owner of the Almond restaurant group, exchanged vows with his long-term partner, real estate magnate Lee Felty. Lemonides and Felty spared no expense for their wedding, marked by extravagance and celebrity presence. Their elaborate weddings at the picturesque Foster Farm in Sagaponack featured a flash mob ceremony, spectacular drone show, and live performance by 80s pop icon Debbie Gibson – treating 400 guests, including celebrities like Don Lemon, Joy Behar, and Anthony Weiner, to a magical evening filled with surprises.
As aspiring Broadway actors suddenly appeared from the bushes and broke into choreographed dance moves, guests realized they were witnessing a flash mob ceremony officiated by journalist Linette Lopez. The creative twist added a delightfully modern spirit to the traditional wedding ritual. But the theatricality had only just begun. As the newlyweds headed outdoors for cocktail hour, the day turned to night, and all eyes turned skyward. A fleet of drones stole the show with an elaborately choreographed 15-minute spectacle synchronized to music.
The event, brought to life by Jill Gordon, was nothing short of spectacular. Gordon, known for her meticulous attention to detail, typically works with a select few clients annually. Planning a wedding is no small feat, especially one of such magnitude. But this day was proof of her exemplary capabilities. Gordon’s process is unique; she ensures that her clients’ visions align perfectly with hers, ensuring that the resultant celebrations are harmonious and captivating.
After treating guests to the cutting-edge drone show, the celebration seamlessly shifted to retro mode with 80s pop princess Debbie Gibson emerging to serenade the couple’s first dance with her smash ballad “Lost in Your Eyes.” Dressed in her signature oversized bow and form-fitting sequined mini dress, Gibson, 53, dazzled while performing her chart-topping hits.
Gibson followed up the first dance with a roof-raising 12-minute ABBA medley that kicked off three hours of nonstop dancing. As Gibson whipped up nostalgia among the older guests like B-52s frontman Fred Schneider and interior designer Jamie Drake, she also managed to get younger guests like events expert Bronson Van Wyck and artist Toni Ross to sing and groove right along to “Dancing Queen.”
Underneath all the spectacle, surprises, and celebrations was a powerful love story between two hugely successful Hamptons real estate experts who built an enduring partnership. Eric and Lee met in 2011 at the Almond on Main Street in Bridge. Eric noticed Lee at the sushi bar and they quickly hit it off. By dinner was halfway through, they considered it their “first date.” Their connection was strong, and within a week, they moved in together. Love triumphed when they finally made it official before family and friends in true fairytale fashion.
“It was an intimate gathering of their closest friends,” a source told reporters, despite the abundant scale of the event. Among those celebrating the union were political bigwigs like Robert Zimmerman and Huma Abedin, socialites like Pippa Cohen and Brooke Garber Neidich, and Almond co-founder Jason Weiner and wife Almond Zigmund.
The wedding was a grand celebration of love attended by friends, family, and celebrities. As guests left Foster Farm that night, it was evident that this Hamptons wedding would be remembered for years.
