Gramercy Park Hotel wedding – Anastasia and Adam

Simplicity. Anastasia and Adam’s wedding was a testament to the fact that the some of most incredible weddings don’t take incredible amounts of time to plan. Over the course of a 4 month engagement, Anastasia envisioned a day where she, Adam and their close family and friends could simply come together to celebrate and have fun. In New York City, however, simplicity isn’t always easy to find. But in the heart of this urban jungle, there’s a serene spot that makes you believe you’ve somehow been plucked from the crowded streets and magically transported to a quiet countryside. This is where Gramercy Park Hotel sits, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect venue for this day. For the couple who’ve known each other since high school and had their first “official date” at President Obama’s 2009 inauguration, marriage was a topic that was discussed for a long time, and the day was finally here.

The Ceremony

Anastasia began her morning at Gramercy Park Hotel, while Adam took an Uber from their downtown home to the ceremony. Adam arrived wearing a midnight blue tuxedo, custom made by world-famous New York tailor Martin Greenfield. Greenfield’s story of surviving Auschwitz and immigrating to New York City deeply inspired the groom, whose family has been in the city for generations. One thing Adam didn’t plan for, though, is tying his bow tie!

The Vendors

While family members and friends scrambled to learn by watching YouTube, their wedding planner Stephanie flagged down a man on the street to do it. On his way to brunch, the stranger found himself saving a wedding day! Surrounded by peonies, garden roses, lavender, and other fresh herbs, Anastasia walked down the aisle wearing the only dress she tried on — an ethereal Mira Zwillinger design. While the couple’s close friend Phil officiated the ceremony, jazz musicians Adam knew from Columbia University provided the soundtrack.

Cocktail Hour

Afterwards, the couple and their guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the terrace, with iconic views of the Empire State Building. It was a sentimental view for Anastasia, who believes that New York City has given her and her family so much opportunity after they immigrated from Russia in the 1990’s. A delicious dinner was provided by Danny Meyer, and following it the newlyweds danced to Eric Clapton & BB King’s “Come Rain or Come Shine”. With the energy of New York City surrounding them, Anastasia and Adam’s wedding was filled with the simple things in life: fun, laughter, and – most importantly – lots of love. Many thanks to the team who made this day amazing…

The Venue

The Gramercy Park Hotel proved to be an exceptional choice for Anastasia and Adam’s celebration. New York City offers an incredible backdrop for weddings, with its iconic skyline and endless venue options. From intimate rooftop celebrations overlooking the glittering cityscape to grand ballroom affairs in historic landmarks, every corner of the city provides a unique and unforgettable setting for couples to begin their journey together. The energy of the city adds an unmistakable vibrancy to every celebration, while the diverse neighborhoods each bring their own character and charm. Whether nestled in a quiet garden oasis or surrounded by the pulse of Midtown, a New York City wedding is always a truly extraordinary experience that combines urban sophistication with timeless romance.

Getting Ready

The getting ready portion of the day was filled with anticipation and tender moments that set the emotional tone for everything that followed. In the bridal suite, there was a beautiful rhythm of activity as the hair and makeup artists created their artistry, while the bride’s closest friends and family members surrounded her with love and support. We captured the intricate details of the bridal accessories, from the delicate jewelry to the carefully chosen shoes, each piece holding its own significance. The groom’s preparations had their own energy, a mix of excitement and quiet reflection shared with his closest friends. These behind-the-scenes moments are often the ones that couples treasure most when looking back at their wedding photographs.

The Reception

The reception was nothing short of spectacular, transforming the space into an enchanting celebration that reflected Anastasia and Adam’s personality and style. Guests were greeted with a beautifully designed cocktail hour featuring creative hors d’oeuvres and signature drinks that set the tone for the evening ahead. The grand entrance into the reception hall was met with thunderous applause, immediately setting an energetic atmosphere. The first dance was a tender moment that showcased Anastasia and Adam’s connection, followed by heartfelt toasts from the wedding party that had guests laughing and crying in equal measure. The dinner service was impeccable, with a menu that delighted every palate. As the night progressed, the dance floor became the heart of the celebration, with guests of all ages joining in the festivities. Anastasia and Adam’s choice of music kept the energy high throughout the evening, creating a party atmosphere that no one wanted to end.