Wedding at The Plaza Hotel NYC
Lindsey and John's Wedding at The Plaza Hotel NYC
First Dance in the Grand Ballroom of The Plaza Hotel NYC
Photography and Story by MARING VISUALS
Event Design by David Tutera
Music by Hank Lane's Erik Marshall Band & Gale Curtis Entertainment
Lighting by Bentley Meeker
Video Production by Brett Culp
Even with a world view, only a few locations conjure up visions of grandeur for a wedding or event as lavish as The Plaza Hotel in NYC. The Plaza NYC has rich American history, and a reputation that proceeds itself. Although we have 25 years of experience capturing nuptials all over the world in the most luxurious spaces imaginable, the fact still still remains... There is just something unique and special about a wedding at The Plaza Hotel NYC.
When celebrity wedding planner David Tutera reached out to us to learn if we were available for Lindsey and John's wedding at the Plaza we were excited to say the least. We checked our schedule, and sure enough the date was available. A couple of weeks later we sat down with Lindsey, her mom, and John to learn about this special day they were envisioning and to get to know their personal style and tastes.
What we learned in our meeting was that Lindsey and John were going to be a very special couple, and that beyond the iconic location of The Plaza Hotel, their wedding was going to be a beautiful display of love and affection. As artists we have a vision, but it is important to us that the vision align with our couples on both a personal and creative level. We clicked on everything from the idea of capturing real and meaningful moments photojournalistically, to the importance of capturing family, to exquisite print quality, and technology. David Tutera and his team has a way of bringing the right people together, and I think everyone knew this was going to be a creative experience in every way.
The Perfect Beginning
The Bride's dresses hung perfectly as a focal point in the room for all to enjoy at The Plaza Hotel NYC
Blue Skies at The Plaza Hotel
Wedding Portraits Central Park
The wedding day began with beautiful blue skies above and a sense of warmth and calm. Of course every wedding has it's moments and jitters, but the families seemed to flow through the getting ready moments with grace. When we arrived the brides dresses had been beautifully displayed in her suite which created an eye catching focal point for all who passed through. Lindsey and her girls were on one floor of the hotel, and John and the guys were on another. The timing and distance was ideal allowing myself and Jennifer to flow freely between the two unfolding stories. Perfectly planned!
At the corner of 5th Avenue and Central Park South, The Plaza is perfectly adjacent to a gorgeous section of Central Park with views overlooking a pond. The walk over is quick and easy, and with the gorgeous landscape and shade from beautiful trees, it's a perfect location to capture natural photographs and portraits. The groomsmen went over first for group photographs with John, followed by the bridesmaids as the bride and her mom slipped on her dress. Jennifer stayed behind capturing meaningful moments as Charles photographed groups and gave John the heads up that he should exit back to the hotel as the bride was on her way. Group portraits were done in no time and David's team whisked away the group and helped everyone get organized for the moment of truth. Together we were a well oiled team making sure to keep the schedule of the day on track and flowing smoothly.
The Wedding Ceremony
David Tutera's team doing adding the final touches of the runner to the Wedding ceremony at The Plaza Hotel
The Tutera Team created an original design in The Plaza Terrace Room that was visually stunning from every perceivable angle. The lighting, brought in by Bentley Meeker, and floral design, were complimented perfectly by the elegance of the Terrace Room. Details of the design included tall floral archways, candelabras, and an alter with beautiful stain glass windows that were brought in hanging from above.
Down the Aisle - Wedding Ceremony Plaza Hotel
The bride walked down the aisle to a live instrumental of the song "All I Ask of You", performed by Gale Curtis Entertainment, escorted by her father. One beautiful thing about photographing ceremonies in The Plaza Terrace Room is that the steps down to the alter are long making the entrance feel even more grand that it otherwise would, which offers intimate photo opportunities that are filled with expression. With all of this beauty surrounding guests one might think it to be a distraction from the couple. Having been there we can say that nothing could be further from the truth as guests felt every word. The loving energy of this couple, and that of their friends and family resonated throughout the ceremony adorning their first kiss as husband and wife.
Guests would adjourn to a cocktail hour in Palm Court of The Plaza Hotel as Maring took control of quickly and exquisitely lighting family group portraits under the floral displays of the ceremony, and Team Tutera began transitioning to the momentum to the Plaza Grand Ballroom for the wedding reception.
Soft Beautiful LIght adorns the moment - Lighting by Bentely Meeker at The Plaza Hotel NyC
Wedding Reception Decor
Wedding Design by David Tutera at The Plaza Hotel NyC
Upon entering the Grand Ballroom at the Plaza it was a feast for the eyes. We had never seen The Plaza Hotel Ballroom as colorful and thoughtful. David Tutera created a design that blended both long tables and round in with a whimsical nod to X's and O's. Tall purple floral displays leapt towards the ceiling with enough height to allow guests to converse with ease. A quick unveiling by David Tutera to the couple, and their parents, allowed them to bask in the beauty of the room and know that this was creative genius at work. Their expressions and laughter made it evident that they were excited to share the evening ahead with their guests who were just about ready to join in the visual awe of the party that would soon unfold.
The Wedding Reception
The Bride and Groom celebrate as they enter their reception at The Plaza Hotel NyC
Upon entering the reception Lindsey and John opened up the dance floor to all by going into their first dance. As Hank Lane's Erik Marshall Band played "I could not ask for more" by Edwin McCain the couple gracefully used the entire dance floor, ending their dance with a dip. Guests then joined in for a 20 minute dance set putting the party in high gear right from the start.
As guests settled into their seats the first courses incluciing Apetizer Duo... an Autumn Vegetable Salad with Quinoa, Cranberries, and Albums... along with a Beet Ravioli with Westfield Farm Goat Cheese, Pickeled Greens and Mezze Arugula, began being served as the brides parents gave a welcoming speech.
The Country Music Set at The Plaza Hotel Wedding
At this point Lindsey snuck away to change into a dress that was a little more free flowing for dancing. As she arrived back to the reception the band kicked off a surprise country music set and the Plaza team passed Fireball Whiskey shots, Budweiser, and country props. Guests loved it, and the dance floor lit up once again.
The dinner menu included a Roast Veal Chop complimented by Brussels Sprouts, Golden Chanterelles with Fresh Thyme and Marscapone Polenta, or a Honey Soy Glazed Black Cod with Lotus Root, Baby Bok Choy, an Asian Mushroom Salad, and Jasmine Rice.
The remainder of the evening included traditional festivities including toasts by the best man and maid of honor, a father daughter dance, mother and son dance, some amazing desserts being rotated around the room by the Plaza Staff, a cake cutting, and a garter/bouquet toss. Somewhere in between a remarkable video story produced by video artist Brett Culp, was projected for all to enjoy. Both tears and laughter flowed as their beautiful story unfolded before our eyes.
If you could write a book about a life filled with love, friends, family, and style Lindsey and John's wedding day would be a perfect start. It was a spectacular day which we as artist will never forget being a part of. We want to thank Lindsey and John for having us capture their wedding creatively... Cheers to a life together as beautiful as the day it began.
Peruse a wedding gallery below with photography by Charles and Jennifer Maring of Maring Visuals.
See a wedding slideshow above, and peruse more photographs below
