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!