Imagine Mosaic: All You Need is Love

I have noticed something of a trend with Beatles musics making their way into wedding ceremonies.  Songs like "Here Comes the Sun" and "All You Need is Love" are being used as both processional and recessional music by a number of brides and grooms (and not all from the U.K.!).  I recently worked with a groom who was an extremely devoted Beatles fan.  Not only did the ceremony include a quote from John Lennon ("A dream you dream alone is only a dream.  A dream you dream together is reality.") but it was held at the Imagine mosaic in Central Park, near the home of the late Mr. Lennon.  The symbolism of the mosaic is wonderful.  When John was struck down, his beloved Yoko Ono created a garden in his memory.  As a testament to his desire for peace is the Imagine mosaic was crafted by artisans in Naples.  On the pathway of peace are the names of 121 countries who wished to be remembered in John and Yoko's quest for peace.

Should a couple choose to have a little ceremony in this sweet Central Park location, there is no doubt that they will be accompanied by a number of onlookers.  However, without question, people in the Park love a wedding!  For this couple we kept the Beatle theme going with my IPod and portable speaker, which was "loaded up with Beatles favorites.  We enjoyed the tunes during my requisite champagne toast and cake sharing.  As John would beautifully articulate, "In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"

All Souls Church: A Fabulous Option for Couples Seeking a "Church" Wedding

Some brides and grooms, New Yorkers as well as those coming to the city for a destination wedding, would like to marry in a church.  Yet even in a place like the Big Apple--with a bountiful array of houses of worship, it is a surprisingly difficult task to find a church that will allow these ceremonies. Many churches require that the brIde and or groom belong to their church, in order to secure the venue for a ceremony.  In certain cases, there is a mandatory pre-marital counseling that must be completed, too. And in nearly every situation, there is a fee to use the facility--and often a hefty one!  However. I am happy to report that there is an outstanding exception to this rule;  All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.  I can't heap enough praise on this wonderful worship community and their beautiful church. For those not familiar with the UU denomination, it grows from the Judeo-Christian tradition.  All Souls and other UU congregations are filled with interfaith familes, "spiritual but not religious" members, and people who practice all manner of faith traditions, As the beloved long-time pastor othe the church, the incomparable late Forrest Church would say, "We are people who have more questions than answers.". (On a side note: yes his surname really was Church. He was the son of the Late Senator Frank Church of Idaho who ran for the presidency decades ago).  Not only do they adopt an embracing, inclusive approach, they organize awesome social outreach programs ranging from feeding the hungry to lobbying Congress for just legislation.

All Souls provides their Sanctuary and Chapel for rental for marriages and union ceremonies at a very affordable price. They also provide options to secure the organist and other staff members.  However, couples are allowed to bring other clergy to the church to perform their ceremonies.  I, for instance, was allowed to officiate a wedding there in December.

I include photos here which don't do it justice.  It was originally constructed as a Congregational Church (a mainline Protestant denomination in New England and on the east coast).  As such the architecture is simple (from the Georgia tradition, perhaps) with beautiful lighting, windows and simple chandeliers.  Throughout the church are plaques of remembrance. The altar is simple as well. And perched above the pulpit, one will find the familiar mathematical symbol for infinity, a representation the life force in all--welcoming people of all faiths.  As Mr. Church would say, the beautiful windows show the streams of various faiths.  Many paths to one truth.

So not only is All Souls a rare option to unaffiliated couples, it is an excellent choice for all.

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.