High Times on the High Line

For a couple looking to have an outdoor wedding in a more urban setting, perhaps the “High Line,” a relatively new landmark, fits the bill.  As described in the Garden Guide: NYC by Nancy Berner and Susan Lowry, the High Line is a “21^st Century Promenade, having all the poetry and thrill of the street but none of the noise and hustle.”   In its original state, the elevated rail lines served commercial ventures running between Spring Street and 34^th.  It operated form some 90 years, beginning in the 1840s, serving industry and factories on the far west side of Manhattan.  The last train traversed the High Line 30 years ago, when the property was essentially abandoned.  

As the High Line languished, there were political factions advanced options for the rail artery that once served the City.  While there were some who wanted it demolished, others argued for its restoration as a working rail line.  But led by two young New Yorkers, an organization—Friends of the High Line—argued for an innovative public space.  A competition was held to select a vision for the park, and a plan devised by two New York City design firms combined an open, elevated public space that retained its industrial feel. Great attention was paid to allowing natural plant growth to continue decorating the space.  The High Line meanders over the course of numerous blocks, with plenty of little alcoves where a private wedding could be held, no doubt engaging passers-by.  As is evidenced by the photos, the High Line is a striking venue for either a ceremony or post wedding portraits, conveying the intersection of natural beauty and commerce in the Big Apple.

Hotel Giraffe: Perfect for your Wedding (or Honeymoon Stay!)

In my opinion, one of the bonuses of European travel is the generous selection of small, lovely hotels that dot the landscape of cities like Paris, London, Rome, and beyond.  I think of such boutique hotels as “homes away from home.”  These accommodations focus on the basics of hospitality (commonly overlooked by the gigantic corporate hotel chains) including well-appointed rooms, comfortable common areas, extremely attentive staff members, and those “little extras” (complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, etc.) that provide pleasant surprises after a long day of site-seeing. 

To replicate this experience, a New York tourist—or destination wedding couple—would be well-advised to visit one of the small hotels run by the HKH Corporation.  The constellation of hotels, including the Library, Hotel Giraffe, The Casablanca Hotel, and Hotel Elysse, are part of a family-owned company—and it shows.   The Library and Hotel Giraffe provide services for weddings (including reserving hotel room blocks), but all are fine places to stay in NYC. 

My first experience with an HK Hotel was last winter when I officiated the marriage of Gordon and Anne, a fabulous couple from Scotland.  The wedding was held on their top floor terrace area, and couldn’t have been any sweeter.  At the time the event coordinator for the Library was Jayla Hughes.  I was impressed by professionalism and warm personality, so I wasn't surprised to learn that she had received a promotion to serve as the Director of Sales at the Hotel Giraffe, another HK Hotel.   

The Hotel Giraffe is a stylized, chic spot at 365 Park Avenue (at 26th street).  The art deco inspired hotel is a stone’s throw away from many NYC attractions including the Empire State Building, Grand  Central Station,  Macy's at Herald Square, and New York's famous "boulevards" including Park, Madison and Fifth Avenues.  It is in close proximity to cultural stops ranging from the fashionable Gramercy Park, the NY Public Library, MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), and the International Center for Photography. Finally, the Hotel Giraffe is a stone’s throw from many of New York’s excellent restaurants such as Eleven Madison, Tabla, Union Square Café, and Gramercy Tavern.  The list goes on and on. 

This hotel will gladly host your wedding ceremony, rehearsal dinner, or guest accommodations.  Hotel Giraffe has put together affordable wedding packages that offer space for a NYC wedding (along with set up and breakdown), a well-appointed reception, and guest stays in the hotel.  Site selections include their roof-top garden and the piano suite penthouse.  If you are looking for a place for your wedding or simply a wonderful place to stay on your visit to The Big Apple—or maybe just a nice spot to enjoy a cocktail, head to the Hotel Giraffe and wait to pleasantly surprised....again and again!

Interested in learning more?  Contact Emily White, Sales Manager at the Hotel Giraffe at 212.894.0494 or by email at emily@hotelgiraffe.com.  Enjoy!

Wave Hill: Perfect in Any Season

While most people think of Central Park as the quintessential garden in New York, there are many other choices that offer stunning location for a ceremony.  One of our magnificent locations is the Wave Hill Garden in Riverdale, Overlooking the mighty Hudson.  Only a 20 minute ride from Grand Central Station, Wave Hill feels like it is a world away.  Wave Hill is a public garden with a mission to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscapes and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts. Perched high above the Hudson, this venue is breath-taking during any season.

With nearly 30 acres of garden space, Wave Hill boasts a Conservatory, wild flower garden, Alpine greenhouse, woodland, and flower garden as far as the eye can see.  There is a picture perfect pergola that functions as a focal point for a wedding party—or a chuppah for those honoring the Jewish faith.  All of this is situated with one of America’s great rivers in full view.

For an indoor wedding or reception, there is the English-inspired Wave Hill House, on the grounds.   This former estate has been the residence of Samuel Clemens , Theodore Roosevelt, Arturo Toscanini, and two British ambassadors and more.

Astor Center: A Fantastic Wedding Venue & More.....

I recently married a progressive, fun, smart, and creative couple who introduced me to Astor Center in NoHo.  The venue is not only an interesting wedding venue, but serves as a home to a variety of establishments and programs.  Many New Yorkers may be familiar with Astor Wine & Spirits, a gargantuan store serving the discerning tastes of downtowners.  The upper floors offer a range of meeting spaces, including open areas suitable for weddings and receptions. Astor Center has four specific spaces available for use:  the Study, the Kitchen, the Gallery, and the Lounge.  Detailed floorplans and other information about these rooms are found on the Astor Center website.

As with many other loft locations, Astor Center functions as a blank canvass on which a creative couple can overlay their unique sense of style and originality.  For my couple's wedding, the Gallery was organized with theatre style seating.  The couple and their attendants were on the elevated staging area, with sky high windows, featuring views to the south and west.  The entire area was blanketed with candles and simple, elegant flowers.  The decoration options for this area are simply limitless.  The cocktail hour was held in the Lounge (adjacent to the Gallery) with guests returning to the ceremony space for a seated dinner. 

As part of the unique character of the Astor Center, the facility hosts classes and lectures for those interested in wine, cooking and culture.  Astor Center doesn't just hold "events" in the culinary arts, but offers a forum for all manner of debate and dialogue in the culinary arts and wine industry.  This progressive operation embraces a sustainable and energy efficient building, unrivaled shopping and learning experiences, and top-notch services for those planning events in the City, all while serving as a fantastic neighbor and member of the NoHo community.

I highly recommend contacting Director of Private Events, Kathleen Laux at klaux@astorcenternyc.com to discuss your engagement parties, wedding ceremony, and/or a reception.  They are located at 399 Lafayette Street, at East 4th Street.  Their phone number is 212.674.7501.

P.S. You might consider purchasing a gift certificate for one or more classes at Astor Center as a fantastic engagement or wedding gift, too! 

3 West Club: In the Heart of Manhattan

One of the amazing things about New York is that no matter how long you live here, you can suddenly see treasures that have been right in front of you all along. I work squarely in midtown across the street from the famed Rockefeller Plaza. For years, I have walked the streets of that neighborhood—running errands, grabbing lunch, hailing cabs—but I somehow managed to miss 3 West Club, which is about two blocks away. It was only when I was asked to marry the wonderful couple Gina and David that I was made aware of this fabulous venue. The 3 West Club is on 51st street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It is a stone’s throw from many historic landmarks including St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Plaza, and Radio City Music Hall, among others. As their website illuminates, the Club has the classic feel of “Old New York” complete with crystal chandeliers, high ceilings, and art deco touches.

When I arrived at the Club, I was immediately struck by the ambiance—it was a cold, rainy day when I was to officiate the wedding, but the deep wood paneling and soft lighting somehow warmed me. Under the careful direction Kristina Garritano, Social Catering Sales Manager, the Club can host intimate gatherings, such as Gina and David’s wedding, or large events. Our ceremony (about 14 guests, in all) was set up in a small, sweet room—soft lighting, candles, subtle decorations, rose petals sprinkled on the bridal runner, theatre-style seating for the guests, and a lovely mantel in the front of the space...perfect for the distinguished British groom and his American bride. The adjacent library, where we signed the marriage license, took me back to my graduate school days at Yale. Information from their website details the various areas of the Club, from the cozy library, which accommodates two dozen people, to the Grand Ballroom, comfortably managing 200 guests. With so many “over the top” wedding venues in the metropolitan area, it was refreshing to be in a thoroughly traditional and elegant setting.

“Stumbling” upon the 3 West Club was a great find! I hope to work with Kristina and her staff again soon. 

Photos provided by Kristina Garritano, 3 West Club.

Gapstow Bridge, Central Park

Photograph by John Mazlish

For those who study celebrations and rituals, bridges have a special symbolism. Bridges provide a stunning visual of the transition from two single people into a newly married couple. Among the iconic bridges of Central Park is the Gapstow Bridge in the southern part of our Park, over the pond at about 59th Street. A ceremony can be held on the bridge or on one side or the other, but passersby will certainly be part of the wedding! Also, there are beautifully manicured areas below the bridge, with stunning flowers, rocks and of course the pond, that can set the stage for the ceremony, with the Bridge regally situated in the background. And, any direction you turn, a breathtaking backdrop awaits, with the cityscape of mid-town Manhattan appearing in photograph after photograph.

According to the official Central Park website, the bridge resembles the Ponte di San Francesco bridge in San Remo, Italy. South you will find the famous Plaza hotel as well as the Wollman Rink, filled with skaters during the winter months. Now almost 150 years old, the Gapstow bridge is 12 feet high and stretches 76 feet, spanning over 40 feet of water. Stunning!

Photos from John Mazlish Weddings.
See more photos by clicking through the slideshow below!

A Favorite Spot: Ladies Pavilion

One of the most popular wedding spots with my brides and grooms is the Ladies’ Pavilion in Central Park. The little structure is at 76th and Central Park West, easily accessible by the street. The ornate gazebo-type structure comfortably houses 20 or so guests and provides some covering for a rainy day. The Pavilion reminds me a bit of a gingerbread house, with ornate cast iron details. 
According to the Central Park Website, it is an excellent example of 19th Century decorative arts. Built in 1871 by architect Jacob Wrey Mould, it was erected to provide shelter for trolley passengers. It received a much-needed facelift some 30 years ago. Like the Cop Cot Gazebo, it lends itself to the analogy of the home being created by the newly married couple. The Pavilion provides for nice photo opportunities as it is immediately adjacent to the pond, with the cityscape (Central Park South area) in the background. The Pavilion has a sweet pathway leading to it, providing for a great processional walk for the bride and any attendants. An added bonus is its placement next to Hearnshead, the rocky point overlooking the water, another nice venue for photographs.

Hernshead, another popular open air area, juts out into the lake, with a flat “platform” at ground level and elevated rocks, about 12 feet above the ground (a perfect perch for exchanging vows!). To the great Mr. Olmstead who is responsible for our crown jewel, Central park, he thought the shape of the peninsula resembled a heron (hern in British translation). He brought horticultural attention to the site with herbaceous plants and shrubs and seasonal flowers including the blooming azaleas, a Mother’s day burst of color. In June enjoy the flowering Mount Laurel. The Hernshead was restored about a decade after the Pavilion.

See more photos by clicking through the slideshow below!

Belvedere Castle: Fit for a Royal Wedding

Photo by Laura Pennace

We stand in the Belvedere Castle, one of the grandest and oldest locations in the Park, built in 1865.  The Castle is located in the middle of the Park at 79^th Street.  Perched atop Vista Rock, this venue gives us sweeping views of the Park, including the Delacorte Theatre, Turtle Pond and the Ramble.  The translation of the Italian word Belvedere means “beautiful.” Created as a place of romantic fantasy, the Castle sets the stage for one of life’s magical moments--two individuals making lifelong commitments.

The Belvedere Castle was designed at the end of the Civil War by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould, as a “fantasy structure.”   With its strong stone façade, grand turret and flag, the castle was a stunning attraction in Central Park.   Like many landmarks in the Park, the Castle deteriorated for some time, but it was renovated by the Central Park Conservancy in 1983.  With its grand views, stunning overlook, and beautiful staircase it makes a fabulous setting for a ceremony and beautiful photographs, too!

See more photos by clicking through the slideshow below!

The Ravel Hotel: A View to Remember

I was overwhelmed by the generosity, today, of the wedding planner Natassa Contini at the Ravel Hotel in Long Island City.  I officiated a wedding there a number of months ago and was struck by this little gem “just across” the midtown bridge.  The venue felt like a cross between a traditional New York roof/loft space, with a touch of the exotic atmosphere of a Miami hotel, complete with beach cabanas. 

My original plan for the day was to officiate a private wedding of a lovely British couple, accompanied by the bride’s sister (who happened to be the matchmaker who brought the couple together) and her fiancé, in the outdoors.  Our expectation was that we could have the ceremony at one of the lovely spots in Central Park, or perhaps in the promenade area on the Brooklyn Bridge which held particular appeal to the groom.  With driving rainstorms, that simply was not possible.

After arriving at the Ravel Hotel, where the group was staying, I asked Natassa if there might be a location in the hotel where we could have the ceremony.   She enthusiastically offered to set up their rooftop, (now enclosed in glass for the autumn and winter seasons), for the couple’s special day.  She assisted with arranging furniture and rushed in fresh flowers that had been used in another wedding two days before.  The typically generous Britons (along with myself) were extremely grateful for her swift assistance.  In an era where customer service, even in the wedding business, can be spotty, Natassa demonstrated the utmost professionalism.  She clearly enjoys her work and serving hotel guests and clients. Thank you, Natassa! 

The Ravel is not only a chic boutique hotel with easy access to Manhattan, but the roof space provides breathtaking views of the NYC skyline.  The slideshow below features a spring wedding at the hotel which also included a fabulous set up for a reception dinner with guests sitting side-by-side to enjoy the dusk and evening views of the City, as well as our little ceremony in late September.  So for those looking for a unique wedding venue with top-notch staff, take a look at this spot.

See more photos by clicking through the slideshow below!

The Creative Little Garden

A few months ago, a beautiful couple introduced me to a gem in New York's "Alphabet City."  The bride and groom lived in the neighborhood and wanted a sweet, private ceremony with the bride's two adorable daughters and a handful of guests.  I was delighted when I saw the venue.  This nook is tucked between two walk-up apartments.  Unless a person knows of the little oasis, they would most certainly stroll by without noticing it. 

The Creative Little Garden is a tiny community resting spot, with minimal dues to "belong" ($20 per year, I believe.  The beauty of this space is that it can be reserved for a small block of time, perfect for a private ceremony.  Reserving the garden allows the couple to close the front gate, so their are no onlookers. 

Although small, it can well accommodate a few dozen people.  As a fairly narrow rectangle, it is perfect for a processional.  It is filled with beautiful plants and flowers, a swing, some benches, fountains and what not--spectacular for the wedding, as well as photographs before and after.  It is a community garden, in the best sense of the word.  Volunteers maintain the area and assist with reservations and opening and closing the park.  As a shared space, it has a special feel.  I highly recommend it!

For more photos, click through the slideshow below!

Three Coins in a Fountain

Without question, New York is the cultural capital of the U.S. Indeed, one could argue that it is a cultural center for the entire world. The list of impressive art museums in the Big Apple is impressive including the Metropolitan, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Whitney, Guggenheim, Frick, and Jewish Museum, among many others. We boast superb dance companies ranging from the New York City Ballet and Alvin Ailey, just to name a few. Likewise, our musical treasures include the Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, Rose Jazz Center and so much more. The epicenter of our cultural offerings is most certainly Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Lincoln Center was the dream of John D. Rockefeller and was created with the political vision and muscle of Robert Moses a half century ago. The U-shaped compound includes the David Koch Theatre, home of the New York City Opera and New York City Ballet on the southern side of the facility. Opposite Koch Theatre is the famed Alice Tully Hall, which is associated with the Julliard School of Music and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The Center component of the Center is Avery Fisher Hall, home of the New York Philharmonic, which seats nearly 3,000 patrons at each concert. While there are additional structures of the Lincoln Center area, these form the anchor for New York performing arts.

One part of the grandeur of Lincoln Center is the vast plaza that sits between these three buildings. During the summer months, open air concerts and community dances are held in this sweeping area. At holiday time, soft, sparkling lights abound. This entire location is a sparkling crystal welcoming all. Squarely in the center of the promenade is the famous fountain of Lincoln Center, which could be a perfect backdrop for the nuptials of a Renaissance couple, who appreciates the arts. The fountain has always been beautiful but was recently renovated by Mark Fuller, the engineer of celebrity status who developed Water Entertainment Technologies (WET Design). Mr. Fuller is responsible for the creation of the most breathtaking fountains providing thrills around the world—from the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas to the Dubai Fountain in the United Arab Emirates. Why not re-create the romance of the Trevi Fountain in Roman Holiday and marry under the mist and magical spell of New York’s most famous cultural institution?

Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown Manhattan

Rockefeller Plaza has always been a great tourist attraction—with the famous Christmas Tree and ice skating rink. In more recent years, Americans have become familiar with the area through the daily tapings of the Today Show, where NYC tourists gather to catch a glimpse of television personalities and a possible appearance on television, if even for a moment. While not a typical wedding venue for those eloping, it is a possibility! Last Christmas, I officiated a wedding for a delightful young couple from Ohio. The bride had her heart set on getting married in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, on Christmas Eve, no less!

The entire area is private property, so an interested couple is unable to apply for a license, as would be the case in Central Park. However, a sneaky officiant, like myself, can help scoot a couple into the area. My belief was that especially during a holiday, even a well-meaning police officer or security guard wouldn’t interrupt a quick wedding, and I was correct. Indeed, as I always say – everyone likes a wedding! And so it was, we hosted a fantastic wedding as the sun set on Christmas Eve. The bride looked like a fairy princess. This is not an officially sanctioned, well-promoted wedding location, but we will keep that between us. And who knows, maybe the Today Show will even come over to tape a bit of the ceremony! 

As a final coda, I should mention that with virtually every season and holiday, the landscapers of the Rockefeller Plaza and Promenade plant extravagant flowers and install other decorations which might make a great backdrop for a wedding.

Click through the slideshow below for additional photos!

Cop Cot Gazebo, Little House on the Crest of the Hill, Central Park

This little spot, on the south side of Central Park (at 6th Avenue and Central Park South, to be exact), is a favorite spot for small weddings. Cop Cot is a Scottish name, translated means “little house on the crest of the hill.” The little Gazebo, which is an open air, large rustic word structure, is a recent replica of the original structure build in the ante-bellum era. In the summer, the black locust trees all about will bloom and fill the air. For those of Jewish ancestry, the Gazebo will be akin to a Chuppah. Otherwise, I often connect the structure to the home that the bride and groom are making as a new family.

This location is popular with many of my couples for a number of reasons. As it is just off Central Park South, it is within close proximity to many of the nice midtown hotels were brides and grooms and their families choose to stay while in New York. Among the favorites are The Plaza, The Mandarin Oriental Hotel at the Shops at Columbus Circle (Time-Warner Center) and the Jumeirah Essex House. With a lovely elevated walkway, it makes a perfect location for a processional wallk for a lovely bride.  The circlular spot has bench seats around the perimeter for those who may need to be seated during the ceremony, and it comfortably seats 30+ people. 

It offers great photo opportunities with both landscape and cityscape (it overlooks the pond!)  in the background.  Likewise, after the ceremony, a couple may head back to the avenue to step into a horse drawn carriage.

For additional photos, click through the slideshow below!

Brooklyn Bridge: Path to a New Life

The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic landmark in our great city.  The Gothic structure, now a National Historic Landmark, is a living testament to architectural brilliance, human ingenuity, and fortitude.  Built in 1903, it is one of the oldest, longest suspension bridges in the U.S. It is also an interesting (and free!) venue for a private wedding ceremony.  

Among those of us who think about rituals, rites of passage, and ceremony, the bridge is a universal symbol of transitioning from one stage of life to another.  Thus, a ceremony on the Brooklyn Bride is a visual representation of moving from one of life’s chapters—living as two single individuals—to another, the new status as a married couple.  Moreover, the vistas surrounding the bridge provide for stunning wedding photographs, even taken by a novice photographer like me!  

While the most desirable time for a ceremony on the Bridge would be summer and the “shoulder” seasons (late spring and early fall), but anytime is workable.  Indeed, I officiated a wedding last November 13 (which happened to be a Friday).

It so happened that on this Friday the 13^th, there was a powerful Nor’Easter sweeping through our City.  With whipping winds, a nasty wind chill, and ample rain, a lovely wedding was held for Olga and Maxim, a young couple originally from Russia.   As teen-agers coming to America, Olga and Maxim had strong memories of their motherland and a great appreciation for life in America.  As Brooklyn residents, the Bridge held special meaning for these young lovers.  In a ceremony perfectly choreographed for them, Maxim made a processional from the Manhattan side of the bridge while Olga travelled from Brooklyn.  The couple met midway on a promenade area connected to the pedestrian path, used every day by New Yorker and tourists as well.  Despite the bone-chilling cold, our couple was joined by interested passers-by…..everyone  loves a wedding!  A dapper groom and bride wearing a fashionable strapless wedding gown enjoyed a ceremony where we recalled their intercontinental love story, exchanging vows in Russian.

So for those who love history, architecture, or cultural landmarks, perhaps the Brooklyn Bridge is a wedding venue suited perfectly for you—as it was for Maxim and Olga!

Conservatory Garden, Central Park

I often refer to Central Park as a crown jewel of New York City, with a long, rich history. With acre after acre of open space in the Center of Manhattan, Central Park offers truly countless sweet spots where a small wedding may take place. And even for someone like me, who meanders around the Park for many weddings, I am delighted to be introduced to new landmarks on a regular basis. One such place that I recently enjoyed was the Conservatory Gardens.

The Conservatory Gardens is a spacious area in the north end of Central Park, an area less that attracts fewer visitors than more centrally located destinations. The Conservatory Gardens is situated above 96th street and is surrounded by Harlem and East Harlem (also known as Spanish Harlem). For those seeking more privacy during the ceremony, this is an excellent choice. But the Conservatory Gardens is not simply a quiet destination, it is filled with stunning open areas, an impressive foundation and manicured gardens that are unique to the overall park.

Tucked in the Conservatory Gardens, you will find replicas of European gardens, including designs prized by the French and Italians. It is a little piece of the Luxembourg garden in Paris or the Kew Gardens near London. During the spring and summer months the colors and varieties of blooming flowers, shrubs and trees, is breathtaking making not only a terrific venue for a wedding but a backdrop for beautiful pictures of a lifetime. 

Click through the slideshow below for additional photos!

Staten Island Ferry

A ride on the Staten Island Ferry is one of the great treats of a trip to Manhattan. First opened in the early 19th Century, the ferry offers free transportation between lower Manhattan to Staten Island. The five mile trip takes about 20 minutes--the perfect amount of time for an intimate wedding! The ferry is two levels, including an open air second deck. With a brisk wind, a ferry ride skates by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The views of these monuments are more spectacular on the water. Step onto the ferry in Battery Park and deboard in Staten Island, NYC's fifth borough, which feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the other areas of the City. The ferry can host your wedding during any season!

Shakespeare Garden, Central Park

Among my favorite spots in Central Park is the Shakespeare Garden.  This quaint nook is situated off of Central Park West at about 79^th Street.  Even for the directionally challenged like myself, the path to the Garden is obvious, and it behind the little Swedish Playhouse.  The little slice of Heaven was created nearly a century ago, to mark the 300^th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare.  Among the charming elements of the garden is the fact that all of the flowers and herbs in the area are mentioned in some work of The Bard.  No matter the season, the garden is a superb spot for a small wedding.  This area is multi tiered, facilitating beautiful photographs.  With a beautiful staircase, it provides for a beautiful processional for the bridal party.

The apex of the garden is a small area perfectly set aside from others in Central Park.  Over the many times that I have been to this part of the Park, I am always surprised at had quiet it is, with relatively few visitors.  This is of great benefit to any wedding party.  On a hill directly above the Garden is the Belvedere Castle, another excellent photo location for any wedding.

To see more photos of Shakespeare Park, enjoy the slideshow below.