Private Club Wedding in Manhattan
Who? : Kendall + Jesse
What? : Preparations in a NYC hotel, ceremony and reception at a private club, portraits after the reception in Central Park
Where? Private club, Manhattan
When? : November 2018
The first time I talked to Kendall on the phone it was like chatting with an old friend. We hit it off immediately, running through a million topics with the rapid patter of people who had known each other for years. That explosion of joy continued when I met Kendall and Jesse in Brooklyn Bridge Park a few weeks later for their sunrise engagement session, my most vivid memory of that session being so much laughter. (And we met a puppy that looked like a piglet, oh it was the best morning.)
I have all of my wedding clients fill out a worksheet in the months leading up to their actual event date. Some of the questions are expected ones, like what time do you want your coverage to begin? and how many people will be giving toasts at your reception? You know, those crucial logistics that help me get to know a wedding inside and out. When asked about her vision for their wedding photography, Kendall said:
110% I was drawn to your work because of what you can do with light; its literally magic. Also, I KNOW you were at our engagement photos because I have looked (okay gawked) at the images 100 times, but it seems like you were only there with us for a sliver of a moment! I don’t know how, but you were able to document that morning while still allowing Jesse and I to be entirely in our own world. The way you were able to capture something so intimate without crowding and staging us was, again, genuinely magic. I am so at ease about the wedding day photos.
Here are a few of my favorite images from their wedding:
Kendall and Jesse got ready separately, but close by. Once they were ready, they chose to see each other in the magnificent library of the club they were married at. It was a quiet moment, and so sweet to see them get a little time together before the hustle and bustle of family photographs began!
How do you even begin to describe someone like Kendall? She’s gorgeous – that’s obvious just by looking at her. She’s also gorgeous inside. When she looks at you, it’s with the blazing joy of the sun. Everything about her just RADIATES. She’s a huge hug in human form, and she and Jesse are magnetic together.
What to say about this sunny sweet ceremony? I could go on for days about the light, the space itself, the crystal-clear sweetness of their vows, the charming openness of their tears, but what is that they say? A picture says a thousand words? If it does, these pictures scream JOY from the top of the tallest Manhattan building, straight into the sky.
After the ceremony, there were a few more family portraits, and then it was off to their brunch. I LOVE the way that Kendall and Jesse celebrated their day : wholly them. The ceremony was in the morning, and the “reception” was an intimate brunch that was over by midafternoon.
After brunch, it was time for pictures of the two of them together – I know, what a fun timeline, right? The ceremony and reception behind them, we hopped into a vintage cab and headed over to Central Park to chase the sunset together.
I LOVED seeing how this timeline unfolded. They had an incredible day, followed by time alone together. Moving the portraits to after the entire reception freed up much of the earlier part of the day, while still allowing lots of time in the park later!
Frozen fingers, frozen toes, and one of my favorite spots in the entire city. The first place I ever took portraits in New York was at Bethesda Terrace, and every time I go back my heart expands just a little bit more.
The Allure of a Private Club Wedding in Manhattan: Elegance, Exclusivity, and Timeless Charm
Manhattan, the heart of New York City, is home to several prestigious private clubs that offer elegant and exclusive venues for weddings. These clubs, known for their history, sophistication, and impeccable service, provide a setting that combines the glamour of Manhattan with the intimacy and exclusivity of a private celebration. Some of the notable private clubs in Manhattan ideal for weddings include The Union Club, The Harvard Club, The Yale Club, The Metropolitan Club, and The New York Athletic Club.
The Union Club: A Legacy of Elegance
Established in 1836, The Union Club is one of the oldest private clubs in the United States. Known for its grand architecture and rich history, it offers a wedding setting that exudes elegance and grandeur. The club’s interiors, with their opulent ballrooms, majestic staircases, and refined décor, create a backdrop of timeless sophistication.
The Harvard Club: Ivy League Charm
The Harvard Club of New York City brings a touch of Ivy League prestige to wedding celebrations. Its classic interiors, featuring dark wood paneling, rich leather furnishings, and a grand fireplace, offer a warm and inviting atmosphere. The club’s spacious ballroom, with its high ceilings and elegant chandeliers, is perfect for a grand reception.
The Yale Club: Collegiate Grandeur
The Yale Club of New York City, located near Grand Central Terminal, offers a blend of collegiate tradition and modern luxury. The club’s rooftop terrace provides a unique setting for a ceremony or cocktail hour, with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. The grand ballroom, with its classic décor, is ideal for a sophisticated reception.
The Metropolitan Club: Architectural Splendor
The Metropolitan Club, designed by renowned architect Stanford White, is a testament to architectural beauty and elegance. Its imposing façade and lavish interiors, adorned with intricate details and luxurious furnishings, offer a regal setting for a wedding. The club’s various rooms and halls provide a range of options for ceremonies and receptions.
The New York Athletic Club: Sporty Sophistication
The New York Athletic Club, overlooking Central Park, combines sporty elegance with luxurious comfort. The club’s Trophy Room, adorned with historic athletic memorabilia, offers a unique backdrop for a reception. The club’s terrace, with its panoramic views of Central Park, is an idyllic spot for an outdoor ceremony.
Photography with a Touch of Manhattan’s Elite
Private club weddings in Manhattan provide a wealth of stunning photographic opportunities. The clubs’ interiors, with their rich histories and elegant designs, offer classic and timeless backdrops. The views of Manhattan from rooftop terraces and windows add an urban sophistication to the photographs.
A Wedding Experience of Exclusivity and Luxury
Choosing a private club in Manhattan for a wedding means embracing an experience of exclusivity and luxury. These venues are known for their impeccable service, gourmet cuisine, and attention to detail. The clubs’ staffs are experts in creating bespoke celebrations that reflect the couple’s style and vision.
Embracing the Heart of New York City
A private club wedding in Manhattan not only offers an exclusive and elegant setting but also places guests in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities. The clubs’ central locations provide easy access to Manhattan’s iconic landmarks, parks, and cultural attractions, making the wedding experience even more memorable for guests.
In choosing a private club in Manhattan for a wedding, couples step into a world of sophistication, history, and urban elegance, creating a celebration that is as timeless as the city itself.
