Posted on October 23rd, 2014 by Melissa Paul
As destination wedding planners and event designers, the world of events is tremendously exciting for us!
Nothing gets us more fired up creatively than when a client utters those amazing little words “surprise us, we trust you” and, whoosh, we’re off and running! When Carmen and Rodolfo said those very words, giving us complete creative freedom to design their New York City wedding, we knew we were blessed with another true ELENA DAMY client. Nothing inspires us more than a client who not only appreciates what we do, but also trusts us to design something perfect just for them.
Our stylish bride and groom chose the uber-chic Mandarin Oriental, New York, a 5-star luxury hotel on Central Park South, as their unforgettable wedding venue. We only had to take one look at this eye-catching New York City hotel to know that a glamorous black and white wedding was exactly what was required! Black and white décor is at once modern and classic, dramatic and understated, as it is timeless and elegant. In other words, it was perfect for Carmen and Rodolfo! Needless to say, we could not wait to get planning!
The bridal couple would host 250 well-heeled guests from Mexico, Spain and the United States; all expecting a sophisticated New York wedding celebration. Working closely with James Munz, Associate Director of Catering at the Mandarin Oriental, New York, we carefully planned each and every detail of the wedding day. James was the epitome of elegance himself, a true gentleman and a tremendous team leader. His entire catering department embraced first-class customer service and well-honed efficiency with aplomb, supporting our work and every effort to make this wedding successful.
The wedding day began with simple-yet-dramatic civil ceremony in the hotel ballroom. Glorious Central Park views were the only backdrop for the bride and groom’s legal ceremony in a room we designed with crisp black chairs, mirrored tables and stunning arrangements of white flowers. Afterwards, the bride and groom, as well as their guests, headed to a grand, historic church “across town” for the second wedding ceremony of the day.
As you can see, even the personal flowers were simple and elegant. The bride carried two different bridal bouquets: for the civil ceremony, Carmen held a mixed bouquet of white Freesia, Garden Roses and Ranunculus secured neatly with a band of satin and pearls; and for the church ceremony, a bouquet of mini white Calla Lilies tied with ribbon. The groom wore a single Phalaenopsis bloom with his formal, black tails and white tie.
As guests returned to the Mandarin Oriental for the celebration, we kept the blackout curtains drawn in the hotel ballroom, hiding what you can all imagine was behind those curtains.While the bride and groom worked with their photographer, guests enjoyed delicious cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to the soft sounds of The Hudson Project from Elan Artists. At just the right moment, the bandleader introduced the new couple into the ballroom and SIMULTANEOUSLY, while the couple was walking into the ballroom, the blackout curtains were raised showing the New York City skyline! Just stunning!
The hotel ballroom is a magnificent room with luxurious appointments and striking views. Bringing our black and white event design to life in this event space was a true delight! With silky, custom-made gold linens to dress the tables, as well as glossy black Bellini chairs and dramatic lighting throughout the room, all of the decorative elements came together for one amazing party setting!
We designed high and low floral centerpieces in clear glass vases with lush displays of white blooms such Phalaenopsis Orchids, Hydrangea, Parrot Tulips and Dahlias. Each dinner table was accented with decorative glass chargers, modern napkin treatments, custom-designed menus, and low votive candles. The overall ambiance was romantic, soft and sophisticated.
Glamorous crystal and mirror cocktail bars were placed in the ballroom as well, with sexy lounge furniture grouped with them for intimate seating areas that guests could sneak away to during the evening. Of course, with The Hudson Project on stage, a 14-piece orchestra with a lead singer from Guadalajara, most of the guests could not leave the dance floor for long!
Congratulations to Carmen and Rodolfo! We thank you for allowing ELENA DAMY to plan and design your New York City celebration!
{Floral & Event Design: ELENA DAMY; Wedding Planning: ELENA DAMY; Venue: Mandarin Oriental New York; Photographer: Michael Gross; Band: The Hudson Project; Entertainment/Band: Elan Artists; Linens: Resource One, Inc.; Lighting: Bentley Meeker}
