NY Athletic Club Wedding : Ellen & Michael : New York, NY
Ellen & Michael's Winter Wedding at The New York Athletic Club
Manhattan knows how to do winter weddings, and Ellen & Michael's celebration at The New York Athletic Club (NYAC) was no exception. Set against the iconic backdrop of Central Park South, their big day was a masterclass in elegance and the kind of festive energy that only December in NYC can bring.
The day kicked off on the residential floor of the NYAC, where all great NYAC weddings begin. While Ellen and her bridesmaids were putting the finishing touches on hair, makeup, and good-natured banter, we captured those fleeting pre-ceremony moments. This warm-up session helps everyone relax in front of the camera before the big moments take center stage.
New York in December can be unpredictable, and so was the temperature on the NYAC rooftop! But Ellen & Michael were absolute troopers, braving the chill for their emotional first look. There's something magical about seeing each other for the first time amid a rooftop scene overlooking one of the world's most iconic skylines—even if you're quietly wishing for heated hand warmers in your pocket.
The wedding party showed similar resolve joining for some group photos on the terrace. Afterward, we moved inside to warm up and took cozy family portraits by the fireplace.
The next stop was the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer on Lexington Avenue, a Manhattan gem that embodies timeless elegance. This neo-Gothic masterpiece set the stage for a heartfelt ceremony conducted by a dear friend of the couple.
With the “I do’s” completed and spirits high, the wedding party returned to the NYAC for an unforgettable reception. Bud Maltin’s Metropolitan Music lit up the venue with unbelievable energy.
The night had everything you’d want from a winter wedding in New York. A gorgeous cake by Daniel Colonel. Stunning floral arrangements courtesy of Jerome Florists. And then, of course, there were the post-cake light-up glasses—a sign that this party wasn’t ending anytime soon.
Vendors
Coordinator: Eventful Days
Photographer: Brian Hatton
Cake: Daniel Colonel
Florist: Jerome Florists
Hair & Makeup: Alena Bankovsky
Band: Bud Maltin Metropolitan Music
Bride's Shoes: Loeffler Randall
Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy
Rings: R&R Jewelers
Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers
New York Athletic Club Wedding : Katherine & Brian : New York, NY
Katherine & Brian were married in July with a ceremony at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church followed by a reception at New York Athletic Club on Central Park South in NYC.
I’m always impressed by the expression of elegance that a NYAC wedding exudes. Katherine and Brian’s looked poised throughout and their beautifully decorated ballroom set a beautiful yet relaxed tone for their guests. Katherine and Brian got ready in suites at the club and met for a first look on the rooftop with the expansive view of the Central Park below. Fortunately, 7th ave and the Southern edge of the park offer plenty to work with for portraits and we were able to dot across the street quickly before the rain.
The Kirkland Chapel at 5th Ave Pres is stunning and perfectly suited for a typical NYC wedding with a size and shape that allows the pews to fill nicely. In addition to the scope of the space, I find the clergy here to conduct a ceremony that feels especially warm and personal. With family and friends congregated, we photographed their vows and then finished up with some family photos at the altar before heading back to New York Athletic Club.
