Gurney’s Montauk Wedding Photos

Cody and Payal’s full Gurney’s wedding story was featured on Martha Stewart Weddings. On their first date, Cody Plofker, the director of e-commerce at Jones Road, and Payal Patel, a physical therapist and real estate entrepreneur, went through two bottles of wine during a dinner they didn't want to end; they were in Boston for a seminar, and the trip had inevitably produced their first date. They marked every ensuing anniversary over the next few years with an experience—a cooking class here, a sporting event there. On the eve of their fifth milestone, however, the world looked a little different: "Because of COVID-19, I knew it would be hard to plan anything indoors," explains Payal, which is why they found themselves on a hike with their pup, Parker. "At one point, I had walked ahead about 10 feet, and when I turned around, Cody was down on one knee. After saying yes, I remember telling Cody to be careful with the ring in the middle of the woods—I was so scared to wear it!"

The bride-to-be originally envisioned a far-flung destination wedding, but given the state of the pandemic, decided to focus on finding a closer-to-home spot that held personal meaning. The Hamptons checked that box—Cody grew up vacationing there with his brother and parents, Steven Plofker and beauty entrepreneur and makeup artist Bobbi Brown—and was within driving distance for most of their loved ones. Payal and Cody toured 10 venues before they arrived at Gurney's Resort & Seawater Spa, and when they stepped onto the property's terrace—with views of the peaceful, comforting waters ahead—they knew it was just the place. "It was the best oasis," says Payal.