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.