Getting Ready with a Central Park View

The morning of Kristen and Michael’s wedding was filled with excitement, happy tears, and so many special moments. They each got ready in separate suites at the JW Marriott Essex House, surrounded by their closest friends and family. Kristen spent the morning with her mom and her bridesmaids wearing matching black pajamas and sipping mimosas while the talented team from Beauty Icon NYC worked their magic on hair and makeup. Meanwhile, in another suite, Michael and his groomsmen were getting ready, sharing laughs, and putting the final touches on their wedding day looks.

To prepare for their big day, Kristen + Michael had special matching bracelets engraved for them to wear. The bracelets were marked with their wedding date, 8/24, in Roman numerals – as a special reminder of the day their lives would officially become one. Kristen also had a heartfelt surprise for her mom – a custom watercolor painting of the two of them, with the words “Always your girl” written at the bottom. It was a lovely way to honor the special bond between mother and daughter that would last forever. 

One perk of getting ready at the JW Marriot House hotel was being right across the street from Central Park. Having their first look in Central Park was a must for Kristen + Michael. They knew the park was sure to be busy on a warm summer day but they took their chances. Thankfully, it looked like luck was with them. Although there were a few people walking around in the distance, the moment Michael turned around and their eyes met, everything else melted away until it was just the two of them sharing a private embrace. 

Traditional Wedding Ceremony at the St. Vincent Ferrer Church

After their intimate first look in Central Park, Kristen + Michael took some time for bride and groom portraits before being joined by their wedding party for group photos. With Central Park as their backdrop and NYC buildings peeking through the trees, every shot captured the excitement and elegance of their day. Then, after the portrait sessions, the group headed back to the hotel where shuttles were waiting to take them the short ten-minute drive to the ceremony.

Kristen + Michael’s wedding was held at the historic St. Vincent Ferrer Church, a breathtaking Roman Catholic church served by the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph. The wedding procession began with Michael being escorted down the aisle by his parents, followed by the wedding party, and finally, the music reached a crescendo and Kristen appeared with her parents at her side. Together, they walked down the aisle lined with all of their family, friends, and loved ones on each side until they reached the altar. There Michael embraced Kristen’s father before exploding into a smile at the sight of Kristen. After a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony, the two of them recited their vows and sealed their forever with a kiss.

Hosting Your Wedding at Guastavino’s

Nestled beneath the Queensboro Bridge in Midtown Manhattan is Guastavino’s, a premier wedding venue in New York City. Originally designed by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino and his son, the venue was once a bustling covered marketplace, offering vendors a sheltered space to sell their goods year-round. Guastavino based his architecture on the striking design of Catalonian vaults creating stunning domed stone ceilings and columns. Unfortunately, the marketplace closed down during the Great Depression until 1973 when it was officially recognized as a historic city landmark. Today, it stands as an iconic wedding and event destination, blending old-world charm with modern-day luxury. 

As a full-service venue, Guastavino’s offers everything a couple could need for their wedding day. With space to accommodate up to 400 guests, an on-site planner, dedicated staff, and in-house catering, they ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. From setup to cleanup, every detail is thoughtfully handled, allowing couples to simply focus on celebrating. The venue also only hosts one event at a time, so every couple is sure to receive the full attention of their team.

For Kristen and Michael, Guastavino’s was the perfect choice – it embodied the sophisticated, quintessential NYC feel they wanted. On their wedding day, the venue was adorned with elegant flowing greenery, white roses, and soft candlelight that flickered from tall white taper candles on every table. One of Kristen’s must-have photos was on the sweeping curved staircase that winds from the upper level down to the venue’s stunning floor-to-ceiling glass windows at the entrance. For their wedding, Damselfly Florals & Events dressed the staircase with lush green vines and placed glowing glass candle holders lining the steps. The result was pure magic. Kristen + Michael’s newlywed photos on the staircase looked like nothing short of a modern-day fairytale – romantic, timeless, and uniquely them.

Dinner and Dancing in Guastavino’s Grand Ballroom

After their heartfelt ceremony, Kristen + Michael, along with their guests, made their way to Guastavino’s for a lively cocktail hour. The spacious entry area, with its towering floor-to-ceiling windows, was bathed in warm summer light. The couple mingled with their guests, enjoying drinks and a delicious selection of hors d’oeuvres from beautifully arranged tables and passed trays. 

As the evening continued, guests were led into the grand ballroom. There the newlyweds were officially introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Rosella. Knowing that Guastavino’s is a darker venue with tall ceilings and unique architectural details, I wanted to make sure that Kristen + Michael’s reception photos came out beautifully. I prepared for their wedding by bringing extra lighting to keep the dance floor perfectly lit so no moment would be missed. This was especially important for Kristen + Michael’s first dance as husband and wife. Every spin and twirl Michael led Kristen through was beautifully illuminated and I was able to capture each loving expression as they danced. 

Once everyone found their seats, the celebration continued with speeches from the wedding party, touching parent dances, a delicious three-course dinner, and a heartfelt thank-you speech from Kristen and Michael, expressing their joy and gratitude to everyone who had come to celebrate with them. Later in the evening, they cut their wedding cake before officially opening up the dance floor. The rest of the night was filled with nonstop energy, laughter, and celebration as Kristen, Michael, and all of their beloved guests danced the night away beneath the stunning vaults and warm, glowing candlelight.

Did you enjoy Kristen + Michael’s elegant, classic wedding at Guastavino’s? Whether you’re considering Guastavino’s as well or another of NYC’s stunning venues, I’d love to be there to capture your wedding day!

Hey there! I’m Rachael Crowe of OkCrowe Photography. As a New York City wedding photographer, I love capturing the rush of romance and vibrant thrum of New York City weddings. Whether you’re planning a grand wedding or a smaller, more intimate one, I’d love to be there to make sure every moment of your day is preserved forever. Not in NYC? No problem! I’ve shot hundreds of weddings across the country and internationally! Just let me know where you’re planning yours and I’ll meet you there! Head to my contact form and let’s chat!