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!