Twirl New York Spring 2015 by Twirl New York

ISSUE NO. 2 SPRING 2015

CITY WEDDINGS REDEFINED SPRING 2015 RECEPTION DRESSES | THE BEST HOTELS | CURATED WELCOME GIFTS

checklist: location, location, location

the mostest: city-inspired details

trade secrets: sky's the limit

style guide: take your seat

fashion report: presto changeo

the maps: book it

real weddings: downtown romance

real weddings: a new york state of mind

favorite things: a signature welcome

SPRING 2015

from the top photos by: jpg photography, the river cafĂŠ, designed by ceci new york/ photo by christian oth studio, brian hatton photography, ruschmeyer's, roey yohai photography, shawn connell for christian oth studio, lauren jonas photography

DESTINATION NYC: As newly engaged brides and grooms begin the process of planning their wedding, they are asked over and over again: What is your inspiration? Do you have a theme? In a city such as New York, do you really

from the top clockwise: lauren jonas photography, shawn connell for christian oth studio, inbal dror, brian hatton photography, inbal dror, sharon schuster photography

need a theme? Isn’t looking out a window over the world’s most iconic skyline inspiration enough? At Twirl New York, our native city never ceases to amaze and inspire us. There is no better backdrop for a wedding than our renowned skyline viewed atop venues both new (The Liberty Tower at One World Trade) and old (The Union League Club). We conceived the second issue of The Book with our beloved NYC as our inspiration, just as the two couples we feature inside. And since out of town guests may not have the same kindred connection with the city as you do, we put together the best hotels for your guests to stay in broken down by what suits them best – family-friendly accommodations, best party scene, proximity to the sights, and more. And wherever you book your room block, don’t forget these guest-room gift essentials, so you can wow them with your New York hospitality. Speaking of wowing your guests, keep all eyes on the bride with a few gown changes during your wedding. For this issue’s Fashion Report, we picked our favorite gowns to change into from the reception to the post-wedding brunch. The groom can get in on the action too with some of our favorite New York themed cufflinks in The Mostest. So whether you're planning a grand or intimate affair, your city can be the inspiration for your wedding.

The Twirl Girls 6

MORE ON THE SITE See the real wedding of the bride and groom on our Spring 2015 cover at twirlweddings.com!

SPRING 2015

Hotel Highlights THE TRAVEL SIBLINGS® When we started working on Welcome to New York, our hotel room block guide, we knew we had to loop in someone who would know the best in class hotels not only in Manhattan, but across the tri-state area. Our first call was to The Travel Siblings®. Harlan and Kara, actual siblings and travel experts, have been customizing niche trips for honeymoons and destination weddings for over 20 years. photo by lisa kohler With their insider access to exclusive amenities, privileged worldwide partnerships, and intimate knowledge of the world’s top hotels and resorts, The Travel Siblings® provide perks and one-of-a-kind travel experiences for their clients. To learn more about The Travel Siblings® and how they can help you organize room blocks, plan weekend activities at your wedding destination, or book an unforgettable honeymoon, visit thetravelsiblings.com.

Nu Hotel "The indie hotel in Brooklyn has a vibe inside where street art pops. There are cool little nooks to sit, mingle, and enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail."

A SIGNATURE WELCOME Lindsay Bissell and Emily Slater are the duo behind A Signature Welcome, a creative gifting studio for weddings and special events. They design thoughtfully curated and hand-prepared welcome gifts personalized to each couple. Having been best friends since move-in day at the University of Georgia, over the past twelve years, they've shared clothes, a twin bed in Vail for a summer, and traveled the world photo by lauren jonas photography together, so co-founding a business came naturally. Before opening A Signature Welcome, Emily worked in lifestyle publishing for eight years, most recently at Weddings Unveiled magazine. Lindsay studied Fashion Design at Parsons and has worked at The Row, Elizabeth and James, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and, Bissell and Blaise, a fine jewelry line. When they're not in a welcome gift assembly line, or out on delivery, the two enjoy exploring the best of beautiful Charleston, the company's home base.

The TriBeCa Penthouse at The Greenwich Hotel "Inspired by the neighborhood’s industrial past fused with the ancient Japanese aesthetic of Wabi, it offers multi-purpose living spaces, private outdoor gardens, and a spa pool."

photo by roey yohai photography

SUBMIT YOUR WEDDING & CELEBRATIONS

There's nothing that gets us more excited than clicking through photos from real weddings, engagement parties, bridal showers and other pre-and post-wedding parties. The details, the decor, and of course the dress are what we love seeing and sharing! If you'd like to send us your wedding or celebration photos, please complete our real wedding form. We accept submissions from brides, grooms, planners and photographers. And while our focus is on New York City - all five boroughs - our reach isn't limited to the city limits. We want to hear about engagements and weddings across the tri-state area: Long Island and the Hamptons, Westchester and the Hudson Valley, Connecticut and New Jersey. Questions? Email us at hello@twirlweddings.com SPRING 2015

The Jewel Suite by Martin Katz in the Towers at The New York Palace "One of the most imaginative and opulent suites in Manhattan, The Jewel Suite is an extravagant triplex with Art Deco-inspired elements and sweeping views of the skyline."

checklist

Location, Location, Location BEFORE BOOKING A VENUE, REVIEW THIS LIST OF THINGS TO THINK ABOUT AND DO

Before shopping for a venue, draft your wedding's guest list so you are sure the space's capacity will fit everyone comfortably. Don't forget to get mom and dad's list too! Think about what style of wedding you want because the venue will influence the decor.

If you plan on changing into a reception dress, check that the venue has a bridal suite so you're not changing in the bathroom.

p.48

If you choose a hotel for your ceremony and/or reception, ask about room blocks and a discounted rate for your guests. Or check out these tri-state area hotels.

p.36

What's a preferred vendor list? The names of vendors the venue would like you to hire. Do you have to? That's debatable.

Don't expect a tasting at your first visit to a venue, but when your tasting is scheduled, ask how many people are welcome before inviting the wedding's inner circle.

p.11

Whether you booked a hotel for the wedding, or just reserved a block of guest rooms at one, ask if the hotel will comp you the bridal suite for the wedding night. If not, perhaps they'll give you a suite at a discounted rate. Don't assume a venue's "planner" will act as your everyday wedding planner. Get a complete list of what he or she will do. Assembling favors may not be on it.

P.S. Once you find your venue it's time to shop for your dress! 10

SPRING 2015

photo courtesy of eleni's

photo courtesy of the carlyle hotel

Can your guests easily get to your wedding? If they can't, start researching group transportation options. Not sure what questions to ask a perspective venue? Click here.

photo by shawn connell for christian oth studio

Fancy yourselves foodies? Don't forget to ask who the in-house caterer is or who they recommend you hire.

the

MOSTEST How to incorporate

THE ICONIC

New York skyline into your

WEDDING DETAILS photo courtesy of the kimberly hotel

SPRING 2015

the MOSTEST

photos by ira lippke studios

1 A Cityscape Cake

The centerpiece of the reception, your wedding cake, can be as personalized as the monogrammed invitations mailed to your guests and the jewels you borrow from grandma. For this city-inspired wedding cake, the couple worked with baker Ron Ben-Israel to create a multi-tiered confection that incorporated the city they call home. “This was a really fun couple who wanted to make a grand statement with their cake,” the couple’s wedding planner, Ellen Kostman of Sidekick Events tells Twirl New York. “As with many of the couples I work with, they wanted to incorporate a lot of themselves into the design, and the city was a natural fit from the subway to the skyline.” The groom, who works in real estate and lived in Westchester, wanted the cake to show the view of the city he would see on his way to meet his future bride in Manhattan. The starry topper was inspired by the city at night, and as a nod to the bride, her favorite color, purple, and eggplants, her favorite food, were woven into the sweet design. Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, (212) 625-3369, weddingcakes.com Sidekick Events, (917) 226-2609, sidekickevents.com

SPRING 2015

the MOSTEST Skyline Suites

Give guests a glimpse of what to expect at your wedding with a skyline-themed stationery suite. These designs offer four very different, but very chic, options on how you can incorporate the skyline into your invitation.

2 Foil-stamped City of Lights wedding invitation with skyline envelope liner by Regas. Set of 100 invitations, reply cards, and envelopes, $35/set. (646) 652-6922, regasstudio.com.

Letterpressed New York, New York invitation with city skyline design on insert. Set of 100 custom-designed invitations, reply cards, rehearsal dinner cards, and envelopes, $33/set. (646) 652-6922, regasstudio.com

Letterpressed Concrete Jungle invitation featuring an illustration of iconic New York buildings by Regas. Set of 100 invitations, reply cards and envelopes, $28/set. (646) 652-6922, regasstudio.com.

Art Deco inspired Sparkling City Night Invitation Suite by Ceci New York. Set of 100 invitations, reply cards and envelopes, $30/set. (212) 989-0695, cecinewyork.com SPRING 2015

the MOSTEST

Off the Cuff

While you may not want your groom or groomsmen in a tie with a map of the subway system on it, you can still add some New York iconography to their wedding-day look with a pair of fashionable cufflinks. The Missing Link, located at the Antiques Center on West 25th Street, has thousands of designs, vintage and new, in every theme and color you can imagine. Here's a brief selection of some of their New York themed designs:

3 Top row from left: Double-chain link silver-plated photos of the Empire State Building, $125/pair. Rhodium-plated Empire State Building, $85/pair. "I Love NY" rhodium-plated enamel cufflinks, $95/pair. Bottom row from left: Gold-plated Statue of Liberty cufflinks, $95/pair. Silver-plated "I Love NY" photo cufflinks, $65/pair. Silver-plated New York photos featuring the skyline and Statue of Liberty, $65/pair. The Missing Link, 40 West 25th Street at 6th Ave., Shop 108, (212) 645-6928, missinglinknyc.com

SPRING 2015

the MOSTEST

photo by catherine leonard photography

Venues with a View

Give your guests a chance to take in the city's skyline by booking a venue with breathtaking views. Whether located in Manhattan or across the river, there are a number of locations which offer partial or wraparound views of lower Manhattan and Midtown with outstanding views of One World Trade Center and the landmarked Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. Find out our picks for the venues with the best city views at twirlweddings.com.

SPRING 2015

the MOSTEST

photo courtesy of eleni's

Big Apple Bites

End the night on a sweet note by passing out a variety of city-themed cookies at your after party, or as favors when guests leave. Not sure what designs to order or what bakery to visit? We do! Grab your fiancĂŠ one afternoon a few weeks before the wedding, and make a trip to Chelsea Market where the two of you can browse and taste the collection of Big Apple-themed cookies at Eleni's. You can order a buffet of designs, including yellow cabs, the Empire State Building, street signs and of course, a big apple, or place a custom order that includes your favorite New York landmarks, wedding date or names. Prices based on design and quantity. Cellobag wrappers are available for cookie favors. For more information, and to view the New York City Cookie Collection, visit elenis.com

SPRING 2015

z nyc hotel photo by jennifer altman

SKY'S THE LIMIT We asked event managers at some of the city's top venues with views to share their insights. Keep these expert tips in mind when booking your venue.

SPRING 2015

photo courtesy of the press lounge

THE PRESS LOUNGE Make sure the venue has a personality that reflects your own. The space helps tell the story of your wedding day, so make sure it's an extension of both of you. When choosing a venue with an outdoor space, have a rain plan. Ask about an indoor or tenting option which can accommodate your guests in case of inclement weather. WENDY NASH, SOCIAL SALES MANAGER, THE PRESS LOUNGE

When couples are searching for a wedding venue, they should look for a location with great acoustics. A carpet is very important if the couple plans on spending their budget on a band or orchestra, especially in a large space, because the sound may bounce.

Be sure to visit your venue with a view in the evening because the view at night may be completely different than during the day. For example, at Trump Soho, during the day you can see the Hudson River and into Brooklyn, but at night the city's skyline is lit up providing a different type of wow factor. JESSICA JORDAN, SENIOR CATERING SALES MANAGER, TRUMP SOHO

SPRING 2015

TRUMP SOHO

photo by james chororos

photo by brian hatton photography

photos courtesy of the kimberly hotel

UPSTAIRS AT THE KIMBERLY

Consider everything the venue offers and the logistics of having your event there. Remember to ask what is included and what's not, and if there are any additional costs you should be aware of.

Don't assume the coordinator you are working with leading up to your event is the same person who will be there on-site the day of. Ask well in advance of the wedding date who that person will be and make sure to meet him or her. JORDANA MAURER, DIRECTOR OF SALES AND EVENTS, THE KIMBERLY HOTEL

THE FOUNDRY

photo courtesy of the foundry

Choosing a raw space gives the couple complete control over the cuisine and dĂŠcor, so you're able to choose the vendors who provide the menus and services you value most.

Ask venues for a list of vendors they have worked with before, as those are the people who will really understand the space and how to best work within it. To find the right venue you should have a practical understanding of your guest list and your budget. GINA RILEY, MEDIA/PRODUCTION COORDINATOR, THE FOUNDRY

SPRING 2015

MANDARIN ORIENTAL NEW YORK An element often overlooked is the cleanliness of the bathrooms, which is always a good indication as to how detail-oriented the venue might be. photo courtesy of mandarin oriental new york

Take into consideration the overall square footage of the space, and ask yourself if it's conducive to the number of guests you are expecting. I also recommend couples don't reach the maximum allocation of a space, because it might feel too tight. JAMES MUNZ, DIRECTOR OF CATERING, MANDARIN ORIENTAL NEW YORK

photo by jennifer altman

Z NYC HOTEL Bring a list of questions with you when scouting each location. Ask about the venue's capacity, amenities, and menu. LISA GNEO, DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING, Z NYC HOTEL

THE PRESS LOUNGE

THE KIMBERLY HOTEL

MANDARIN ORIENTAL

(212) 757-2224 thepresslounge.com

(212) 888-1220 upstairsnyc.com

(212) 805-8800 mandarinoriental.com/newyork

TRUMP SOHO NEW YORK

THE FOUNDRY

Z NYC HOTEL

(212) 842-5500 trumphotelcollection.com

(718) 786-7776 thefoundry.info

(212) 319-7000 zhotelny.com

SPRING 2015

< STYLE GUIDE >

TAKE YOUR SEAT

Guide guests to their respective tables with the help of a creative escort card display

TWIRL TIP

photo by carolyn monastra for christian oth studio

Find out how long it will take for your escort cards to be printed or calligraphed, so you can finalize table assignments early enough that you don't incur late fees.

Many venues will offer up complimentary tented escort cards to help direct guests to their seats, but for couples who want something that will go with their wedding’s palette and theme there are a myriad of styles to choose from. We asked the City’s top stationery designers and wedding planners for some of the most imaginative escort card displays they’ve created for their clients.

SPRING 2015

< STYLE GUIDE > TIMELESS & CLASSIC A traditional or formal wedding doesn’t have to limit the design of the escort card display to tented ecru cards calligraphed in black.

2 For a wedding in a library, each guest was given a book as their escort card. Inside was the couple’s love story, written by a former writer at The New York Times, and an old-school library card. The card was then placed in a card catalog that acted as the reception’s guest book. Planning and design by Brilliant Event Planning. Books by Regas. Florals by Rountree Flowers. Photo by Brian Dorsey Studios.

To coordinate with the wedding’s color palette, calligraphed cards were placed on fuschia-colored ribbon and displayed in front of a wall of pink roses that ranged in hue from the palest to hottest shades. Planning and design by Brilliant Event Planning. Calligraphy by Yellow House Calligraphy. Florals by The Arrangement. Photo by Rossa Cole Photography.

4 For a black-tie wedding, work with your stationer to design an escort card that mimics the formality of the other elements in your wedding stationery wardrobe. For a hotel ballroom affair, Red Bliss Design created custom laser cut chrome monograms for the newlyweds' escort cards. Photo by Nicole Sepulveda from XSiGHT Photography.

Glass bud vases held single stem blooms at this glitzy escort card table covered in sequined linen and votive candles. Small hang tags calligraphed with guests’ names were attached to the neck of each bottle. Florals by Nicolette Camille. Planning by Just About Married. Photo by Loreto Caceres Photography.

SPRING 2015

< STYLE GUIDE > ECLECTIC & WHIMSICAL Don’t hold back on your fantastical wedding details. Use your escort card display to further enhance the look and feel of the day.

6 Bunny rabbit place card holders displayed flat escort cards with each guest’s name and table assignment. Wedding coordination by Brilliant Event Planning. Photo by Loreto Caceres Photography.

This mystery-loving couple turned their escort cards into a puzzle. Black cards with metallic edging listed two clues to help guests find their table. Planning and design by Brilliant Event Planning. Calligraphy by Abigail Hancock. Sign by Andrea Casey. Photo by Brian Dorsey Studios.

7 For a culinary couple, he’s a chef and she’s a restaurant manager, Rock Paper Scissors Events designed an escort card display with potted herbs and pepper plants, which lined the back of the table the tented cards were arranged on. Photo by Kelly Kollar.

SPRING 2015

For a wedding at The New York Public Library, planner Ellen Kostman at Sidekick Events worked with Sloan Design, to create escort cards that were a cross between a library card and an old-school card catalog card. Photo by Jason Walker for Ira Lippke Studios.

< STYLE GUIDE > TRAVEL & DESTINATION For out-of-town weddings, incorporate the locale into your details with subtle touches that include various aspects of the region.

9 For a wedding in the Bahamas, wedding planner Ellen Kostman at Sidekick Events, filled one large bucket with sand to hold individual sparklers with each guest’s name and table assignment. After the best man’s speech he lit his sparkler and ignited a sea of sparklers under the stars. Photo © Holger Thoss.

For a destination wedding on Great Guana, Michelle Rago Destinations Design and Planning created an escort card display using brass compasses. Attached to each one was a narrow rope with the guest's name calligraphed on a tag. Table names were placed inside the top of each compass. Photo by Donna Newman Photography.

12 To keep with the wedding’s beach theme on Long Island’s North Shore, starfish were attached to pale blue tented cards that were calligraphed in a darker shadewith guests’ names. Design and calligraphy by Deborah Nadel. Photo by Cousins Photography.

Incorporating a nautical feel for a wedding on Shelter Island, Michelle Rago Destinations Design, rested little wooden sailboats on red circular seating cards to highlight the wedding colors and tying the décor together. Photo by Denis Reggie Photography.

SPRING 2015

< STYLE GUIDE > EAT & DRINK There’s always a good reason to serve a yummy treat, and just like edible favors, food and beverage escort card displays are always a hit.

13 For a garden-inspired wedding, Rock Paper Scissors Events created baskets filled with strawberries and blueberries. Guests’ names and table assignments were handwritten on escort cards that were attached to sticks connected to each basket. Photo by Moss + Isaac.

The party started as soon as guests walked into the room at this wedding reception. Champagne flutes were filled and embellished with gold pompom toothpicks, which had tiny banners listing guests’ names and table assignments. Wedding coordination by Brilliant Event Planning. Photo by Jonathan Young.

15 Both escort card display and signature cocktail, guests were treated to a mini-margarita as they looked for their seating assignments, which were displayed on small white, calligraphed banners. Planning and design by Brilliant Event Planning. Photo by Elizabeth Medina Photography.

SPRING 2015

These escort cards were tied to mini Champagne bottles that guests could pop open at the party or take home as a favor. Wedding coordination by Sarah Glick of Brilliant Event Planning. Photo by Sasithon Photography.

< STYLE GUIDE > MODERN & BRIGHT If your color palette is bold, incorporate the cheery colors in all of your wedding details, including your escort card display.

17 Incorporating a number of colors in the couple’s wedding palette, Cherree Berry Paper designed a yellow and white stripe board for individual escort cards to be pinned to. A decorative banner, accented in fuchsia, read: Please take a seat. Photo by Edyta Szyszlo Photography.

Inspired by the festive occasion, noisemaker escort cards featured each guest’s name on a party horn. Seating assignments were attached with colorful ribbons. Designed by Cheree Berry Paper. Photo by Belathée Photography.

20 Classic New York style taxi cabs were lined up in a grid for guests to easily spy their name calligraphed on the car’s hood. Table numbers were listed on the trunk. Planning and design by Brilliant Event Planning. Calligraphy by Yellow House Calligraphy. Photo by Carolyn Monastra for Christian Oth Studio.

An interactive display, Cheree Berry Paper paired paper flowers with leaf-shaped cards calligraphed with guests’ names and table assignments. Gentlemen were encouraged to wear the fuchsia blooms as a boutonniere. Calligraphy by Plurabelle Calligraphy. Photo by Kehoe Designs.

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LAUNCH TWIRL WEDDINGS IN YOUR CITY

photo by roey yohai photography

WANT TO TWIRL WITH US? START A TWIRL WEDDINGS FRANCHISE IN YOUR CITY. EMAIL US FOR AN APPLICATION!

FASHION REPORT

PRESTO CHANGEO

Let the aisle be your runway with signature looks for every part of your big day

After the wedding ceremony and reception, Jennifer changed into a white mini dress by Marchesa for the after party at The Bowery Hotel. Photo by Brian Hatton Photography. Courtesy of Just About Married.

Amal wore two, Solange wore six. That’s right, six! When all eyes are on the bride, why not give them a show? While few of us have the time or patience to change six times during an event, it is becoming quite the norm for a bride to have two or perhaps even three looks for her wedding. “My brides love being able to wear trends for their second look,” say Mark Ingram of Mark Ingram Atelier in Midtown. “They want a timeless, more traditional style to have for their wedding photos, but for after

they like to incorporate the latest runway trends or even color.” Julie Sabatino, owner of The Stylish Bride, agrees. "As much as my clients love their first gown, they all say it feels great to take it off and switch into something short and fun for dancing." So go traditional for the ceremony, glamorous for the reception, sexy for the after party and why not keep the white looks going with a relaxed or preppy look for the next day brunch?

SPRING 2015

FASHION REPORT

the

RECEPTION DRESS

TARA LA TOUR

available at Mark Ingram Atelier

Traditional and formal is the way to go for the ceremony and many brides (and their mothers) prefer something more modest for a church or temple wedding. But at the reception, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to let loose and have fun and your gown should reflect both the location and the theme of your party. Beaded and glamourous, bohemian, or even black, the reception is the time to truly express your personal style and show as much skin as you want.

INES DI SANTO

available at Bergdorf Goodman

CLAIRE PETTIBONE available at Kleinfeld

REEM ACRA

available at Gabriella New York

TWIRL TIP

Let your photographer know which gown you plan on having your formal portraits in, but still schedule enough time for every look.

KENNETH POOL available at Amsale

SPRING 2015

FASHION REPORT

DENNIS BASSO

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

available at Kleinfeld

available at Bergdorf Goodman

the

CONVERTIBLE DRESS 3

ZUHAIR MURAD

available at Mark Ingram Atelier

Some of us love our gown so much we don’t ever want to take it off, but still like the idea of a new look for after the ceremony. Luckily bridal designers are offering “convertible” gowns. Whether they have a removable overskirt, blouse or both, these gowns take you from demure to dramatic in seconds. Some are so convincing your guests won’t even know it is the same gown!

SPRING 2015

FASHION REPORT

TWIRL TIP

INBAL DROR

available at Wedding Salon of Manhassett

When you begin shopping for your dress, let your consultant know if you are interested in a convertible gown. Some salons can custom make an overskirt or bolero for you even if your dream gown doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come with it.

CAROLINA HERRERA available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Kelly wore a Monique Lhuillier gown and overskirt from Mark Ingram Atelier to the ceremony, and removed the tulle skirt for a formfitting silhouette for the reception. photos by kimberly brooke photography

SPRING 2015

FASHION REPORT

the

AFTER PARTY You have said your I do’s, toasted your guests and danced with Dad, now it's time to celebrate into the wee hours. You need something you can shake and shimmy in. Go for short and show off those fab shoes that were hiding under your gown all night.

VERA WANG

JOHANNA JOHNSON

available at Vera Wang Bride

available at Gabriella New York

TWIRL TIP

MONIQUE LHULLIER available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Have your planner or a stylist organize and coordinate your changes so that all goes quickly and smoothly. You don’t want to miss a single song on the dance floor and timing is everything.

TEMPERLEY available at Kleinfeld

SPRING 2015

NAEEM KAHN

available at Mark Ingram Atelier

FASHION REPORT

the

BRUNCH DRESS Why stop at three? Show your guests the fashion show isn’t over and wow them in a cute white ensemble for your post-wedding brunch. We love these adorable and relaxed looks that are not quite exciting enough for an after party and have the last look appeal of a retro going away outfit.

MARCHESA

available at Gabriella New York

ANGEL SANCHEZ available at Kleinfeld

TWIRL TIP

Off the rack options are great for brunch as are family heirlooms. Mom’s flower child frock from the '70s will look vintage fabulous as your last look.

KATHERINE MCDONALD

available at The White Dress by the Shore

HOUGHTON

available at Houghton Bride Atelier

OSCAR DE LA RENTA available at Mark Ingram Atelier

SPRING 2015

< the maps >

WE ASKED THE TRAVEL SIBLINGS速 TO HELP FIND THE IDEAL HOTEL FOR YOUR WEDDING GUESTS, WHETHER THEY WANT TO GO THE INDIE, TOURIST OR FAMILY-FRIENDLY ROUTE DOWNTOWN & BROOKLYN Hipsters, and their parents too, will enjoy the location and amenities at these establishments. Nu Hotel 85 Smith Street at Atlantic Ave., Downtown Brooklyn (718) 852-8585 nuhotelbrooklyn.com

Crosby Street Hotel 79 Crosby Street at Spring St., Soho (212) 226-6400 firmdalehotels.com

Martha Washington Hotel 29 East 29th Street at Madison Ave., NoMad (212) 689-1900 chelseahotels.com

McCarren Hotel & Pool 160 N. 12th Street at Bedford Ave., Williamsburg (718) 218-7500 chelseahotels.com

SIXTY LES 190 Allen Street at E. Houston, Lower East Side (212) 460-5300 sixtyhotels.com

McCarren Hotel & Pool

Crosby Street Hotel

FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Reserve rooms at a hotel near the city's most popular tourist attractions. The Ritz-Carlton 2 West Street at First Pl., Battery Park (212) 344-0800 ritzcarlton.com

Mandarin Oriental 80 Columbus Circle at 60th St., Upper West Side (212) 805-8800 mandarinoriental.com

The Peninsula 700 Fifth Avenue at 55th St., Midtown (212) 956-2888 peninsula.com

Trump International Hotel & Tower New York One Central Park West at 61st St., Upper West Side (212) 299-1000 trumphotelcollection.com

The Ritz-Carlton Battery Park

The Peninsula

Park Hyatt New York 153 West 57th Street at Sixth Ave., Midtown (646) 774-1234 hyatt.com

SUPER LUXE

For some, only the best in class will do. The New York Palace

*The Jewel Suite by Martin Katz

455 Madison Avenue at 50th St., Midtown (212) 888-7000 newyorkpalace.com

The St. Regis 2 East 55th Street at Fifth Ave., Midtown (212) 753-4500 stregisnewyork.com

The Greenwich Hotel 377 Greenwich Street at N. Moore St., Tribeca (212) 941-8900 thegreenwichhotel.com

The Pierre 2 East 61st Street at Fifth Ave., Midtown (212) 838-8000 tajhotels.com

The Carlyle 35 East 76th Street at Madison Ave., Upper East Side (212) 744-1600 rosewoodhotels.com

The Pierre SPRING 2015

The St. Regis

< the maps > PARTY SPOTS

Celebrate all weekend long at a hotel with a great rooftop bar. The Knickerbocker 6 Times Square at 42nd St., Times Square (212) 204-4980 theknickerbocker.com

The Peninsula 700 Fifth Avenue at 55th St., Midtown (212) 956-2888 peninsula.com

The Refinery 63 West 38th Street at Sixth Ave., Midtown West (646) 664-0310

The Kimberly Hotel 145 East 50th Street at Lexington Ave., Midtown East (212) 702-1600 kimberlyhotel.com

refineryhotelnewyork.com

Gansevoort Park 420 Park Avenue South at 29th St., Kips Bay (212) 317-2900 gansevoorthotelgroup.com

Gansevoort Park

FAMILY FRIENDLY

From pools to playgrounds, kids will enjoy their stay at one of these hotels.

Tribeca Grand

The Peninsula 700 Fifth Avenue at 55th St., Midtown (212) 956-2888 peninsula.com

Tribeca Grand 2 Avenue of the Americas at White St., Tribeca (212) 519-6600 tribecagrand.com

The Ritz-Carlton 50 Central Park South at Sixth Ave., Midtown (212) 308-9100 ritzcarlton.com

Langham Place 400 Fifth Avenue at 37th St., Midtown (212) 695-4005 langhamhotels.com

Gansevoort Meatpacking 18 9th Avenue at West 13th St., Meatpacking (212) 206-6700 gansevoorthotelgroup.com

Langham Place

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

Be one of the first to stay at the city's latest hot spots. Baccarat Hotel 20 West 53rd Street at Fifth Ave., Midtown (212) 790-8800 baccarathotels.com The Knickerbocker 6 Times Square at 42nd St., Times Square (212) 204-4980 theknickerbocker.com

Martha Washington Hotel 29 East 29th Street at Madison Ave., NoMad (212) 689-1900 chelseahotels.com

Park Hyatt New York 153 West 57th Street at Sixth Ave., Midtown (646) 774-1234 hyatt.com The Edition 5 Madison Avenue at 23rd St., Madison Square Park (212) 413-4200 editionhotels.com

Martha Washington Hotel

Park Hyatt New York SPRING 2015

< the maps > Ruschmeyer's

THE HAMPTONS For weddings out east, book rooms at one of these hotels as soon as possible. Topping Rose House One Bridgehampton - Sag Harbor Turnpike Bridgehampton (631) 537-0870 toppingrosehouse.com

c/o The Maidstone 207 Main Street East Hampton (631) 324-5006 themaidstone.com

Ruschmeyer's 161 Second House Road Montauk (631) 668-2877 chelseahotels.com

1770 House 143 Main Street East Hampton (631) 324-1770 1770house.com

Sunset Beach Shelter Island 35 Shore Road Shelter Island (631) 749-2001 sunsetbeachli.com

Topping Rose House

BEYOND THE CITY'S LIMITS

For weddings in the burbs there's no shortage of luxury hotels.

Winvian

Bedford Post Inn

Winvian

155 Alain White Road Morris, CT (860) 567-9600 winivian.com

The Mayflower Grace 118 Woodbury Road Washington, CT (860) 868-9466 gracehotels.com/mayflower

Bedford Post Inn 954 Old Post Road Bedford, NY (914) 234-7800 bedfordpostinn.com

Ocean Place Resort & Spa One Ocean Boulevard Long Branch, NJ (732) 571-4000 oceanplace.com

Allegria Hotel 80 West Broadway Long Beach, NY (516) 889-1300 allegriahotel.com

TWIRL TIPS: ROOM BLOCK BASICS FROM THE TRAVEL SIBLINGS® As a general rule think of all budget ranges for your guests and choose three hotel options: Luxury, moderate and budget. The luxury option should be close to your wedding venue, and the location where you and your wedding party would like to get dressed on the wedding day. It may also have some pretty backdrops for you to pose for a few formal portraits. Consider using a travel agent who will be well connected with hotels in the region, and can negotiate and secure better rates and extra value-added amenities for you and your guests. Think: Free breakfast, spa credits, upgrades, a bottle of champagne or a sweet treat in their room upon arrival. Arrange room blocks well in advance because it can take time for a hotel to prepare a contract and set up the block in their reservation system. Have

the rooms blocked by the time you’re ready to send out your save the dates and be sure to include all the necessary info on them, as well as on your wedsite. Avoid an attrition rate – you don’t want to be responsible for having to pay for rooms that are not filled in yourblock–and always request to see if you can have a 30-day cutoff. (Not sure what this means? Your travel agent will.) Having the wedding, rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch in a hotel can also help to negotiate better rates for your guests. Depending on the size of your block, it is customary to receive an upgrade or complimentary room or suite for the wedding party to get dressed in or for the couple to have on their wedding night. For larger suites, a better rate can usually be negotiated.

FOR ASSISTANCE BOOKING ROOM BLOCKS AND WEDDING AND HONEYMOON TRAVEL, CONTACT THE TRAVEL SIBLINGS® AT THETRAVELSIBLINGS.COM

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DISCOVER THE BEST WEDDING VENUES AND VENDORS NEW YORK HAS TO OFFER

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TWIRLWEDDINGS.COM top row: roey yohai photography, mark ingram atelier, roey yohai photography center row: donna von bruening, dempsey & carroll, a guy + a girl photography bottom row: donna von bruening, sara wight photography, allan zepeda photography

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Downtown Romance

VINTAGE TOUCHES INFUSE A CHIC COSMOPOLITAN SOIREE photography by roey yohai photography 40

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knew she wanted a wedding that Cwasarlyromantic, rustic, and personal.

To reflect her vision, she and Eric got married at Tribeca 360 amongst a color palette of warm tones. Golds, champagnes, and blushes were carried through from the flowers to the decor to the bridesmaid dresses. The floral designers at Tatawan Bloom created a vintage French countryside setting using roses, hydrangeas, orchids, and other seasonal blooms in white, ivory and blush hues to bring Carly’s vision to life. “I knew our florist got exactly what I was looking for on our first visit, and although I had put together some inspiration boards to help translate it, they understood what we wanted and delivered,” she tells Twirl New York. SPRING 2015

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"I would not have changed one thing about my wedding day. " â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Carly SPRING 2015

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The couple used the same room for their ceremony and reception, and wanted the decor for each aspect of the wedding to work well together, yet be distinct. For the ceremony, a chuppah gave off an ethereal feeling. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you walked down the aisle or sat in the room it felt like you were floating on a cloud,â&#x20AC;? she remembers. The chuppah was elevated and framed with tree branches dressed with dendrobium orchids as well as hanging candles. 44

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real weddings As guests entered the reception, an escort card table made from succulents, moss and blush-colored blooms greeted them. “I wish I had the escort table as a permanent fixture in my house! It was so exquisite," Carly says. "We wanted something out of the ordinary when you first walked in, but something that also set up the feel of the rest of the evening, which I think it did perfectly.” For the reception, high and low centerpieces were scattered throughout the room and included four-foot tall trees with orchids adorning the branches, and low arrangements of white and blushcolored blooms set in a natural wood container. Candles added to the room’s romantic glow as gold votives were scattered throughout the room. While the palette and decor were certainly romantic, once the reception started, there was more romance to be had. Carly and Eric shared their first dance to Van Morrison’s Crazy Love, which then went into Beyonce’s Crazy in Love, and the couple wowed their guests with a choreographed number they learned in pre-wedding dance lessons. 46

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real weddings And nothing could top what Eric had in store for his bride later in the evening. The groom took piano lessons in Brooklyn almost every week for five months and then went to rehearsals at a nearby studio for the weeks leading up to the wedding, to perform Bob Seger’s You’ll Accompany Me. “I had absolutely no idea," Carly says. "He did such a fantastic job and I will never forget that special surprise.”

Photography: Roey Yohai Photography / Floral Design: Tantawan Bloom / Wedding Planning: Cynthia Pesce / Venue: Tribeca 360 / Wedding Dress Designer: Lela Rose / Bridal Salon: Mark Ingram Atelier / Officiant: Rabbi Joni Brenner / Stationery: William Arthur Catering and Wedding Cake: Tribeca 360 / Ceremony, Reception and After-Party Music: Kevin Osborne of Hank Lane Music / Videography: Love in Progress Linens: Nuage Designs / Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Hair Accessories: Jennifer Behr / Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss / Groom's Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo / Groom's Shirt, Bow Tie and Pocket Square: Alan Flusser / Flower Girl Dress: Marchesa for Target Bride's Hair: Rita Palumbo of the Oscar Blandi Salon / Bride's Make Up: Jason Ascher of Barneys / Hotel for Bridal Party and Guests: The Andaz Wall Street SPRING 2015

A New York State of Mind ONE COUPLES' LOVE NOTE TO THE BIG APPLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWN CONNELL FOR CHRISTIAN OTH STUDIO 48

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real weddings “From the minute we got engaged we kept saying, ‘We don’t want a traditional wedding. We want a party!’” Samantha told Twirl New York. And with that in mind, Samantha and Sloan created an event that was celebratory and filled with New York inspired touches. The couple chose to wed in the city so family and friends with young children could be there. Originally they thought they would have a small City Hall ceremony, but instead opted for a black-tie wedding complete with an after party at The Union League Club on Park Avenue.

Samantha and Sloan chose the City Skyline invitation suite by Cheree Berry Paper. The letterpressed design included an off-set printed skyline sleeve that held the save-the-date card, which featured silver foil-stamped fireworks. The invitation and inserts were mailed in an envelope lined with an image of the New York skyline.

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SPRING 2015

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[L] The bride and her best friend stayed at The Mark Hotel the night before her wedding, they got ready there, and it's where the couple stayed on their wedding night. [M] The groom and friends pose for formal portraits on the streets of New York. [R] The Mark offers bicycles to guests as a way to get around town.

[L] The bride wore a pair of peep-toe pumps by Jimmy Choo with her Lela Rose ball gown. [M] The city's architecture makes for an interesting backdrop for wedding pictures. [R] The groom escorts his bride into The Union League Club on 37th Street and Park Avenue.

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[L] In lieu of a traditional guest book, family and friends wrote well wishes on “I ♥ NY” and "I ♥ SB" cards. [M] The couple share their first kiss as husband and wife. [R] Wedding favor cookies by Custom Cookies included taxi cab, Statue of Liberty, and Big Apple designs. [B] Samantha and Sloan headed up to the roof of The Union League Club to pose for a few formal portraits with the skyline as their backdrop. You can spy the Art Deco Chrysler Building on the left.

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real weddings "From the minute we got engaged we kept saying, 'We don't want a traditional wedding. We want a party!'" – Samantha

According to the bride, who had previous event planning experience helping out with corporate events, the wedding was, “a big celebration, with nothing overly structured.” From shopping for her gown, to picking flowers, to choosing a cake, Samantha brought pictures of her ideas to every vendor, knowing the colors, feeling and statement she wanted to make with each and every detail. Some personal touches were implemented to keep the event from feeling too formal. The escort cards had each guest's name on them, but when guests arrived at their place setting, their nickname was used to mark their seat. And the after party was a room at The Union League Club turned into a Billiard Bar, clad with a photo booth and DJ who played into the early hours of the next morning.

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real weddings Photography: Shawn Connell for Christian Oth Studio / Venue and Catering: The Union League Club / Floral Design: Belle Fleur / Wedding Dress: Lela Rose / Reception Skirt: Club Monaco Bridal Salon: Mark Ingram Atelier / Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Invitations and Calligraphy: Cheree Berry Paper / Videography: Well Spun Weddings / Hotel for the Bride and Groom: The Mark / Ceremony Music: New York Ceremony Music / Reception Music: Vali Entertainment / Wedding Cake: Nine Cakes After-Party DJ: JT Mudd / Photo Booth Rental: Smilebooth / Groom's Attire: Armani Groom's Shoes: Gravati Shoes / Groom's Cufflinks: Thomas Pink / Wedding Ring: Custom design by Daria de Koning / Bride's Hair and Makeup: Frederic Fekkai at The Mark Wedding Favors: Custom Cookies / After-Party Catering: Bareburger

SPRING 2015

a signature welcome LEAVE A PERSONALIZED GUEST-ROOM GIFT IN EVERYONE'S HOTEL ROOM FILLED WITH THESE ESSENTIALS

welcome note + schedule of events

The most important items to include are a personal note and list of scheduled activities to ensure that no one misses a chance to celebrate with the happy couple. And by providing guests with an itinerary outlining the weekend festivities, you’ll avoid a barrage of texts and calls from confused relatives.

Lindsay Bissell and Emily Slater founded A Signature Welcome, a gifting studio, in February 2014. Their curated and handprepared welcome gifts are tailored to the wedding's location, the couple's favorites and items friends and family are sure to enjoy. PHOTOS BY LAUREN JONAS PHOTOGRAPHY

custom branding

Make sure to add your wedding logo or other personal stamp. We work with the couple’s wedding graphics and inspiration to create a cohesive design to complement the rest of the wedding’s look and feel. Hang tags, stickers, and ribbons are just a few of the ways you can brand your welcome gift.

revelry + remedy kit

Help guests recover from your wild after party with our Revelry + Remedy Kits, which can be printed in any color and includes the essentials for recovery: Tylenol/Advil, Band-Aids, A Signature Welcome Chapstick, Clear Eyes, mints and Emergen-C. SPRING 2015

photo courtesy of mast brothers

something local

A great way for a couple to give a nod to their wedding destination is to include something locally made. A snack or regional music are a few ways you can incorporate the locale into your welcome gift. The Mast Brothers chocolate bars shown here are made in Williamsburg.

sun kit

drinks on us

Whether it's your favorite bubbly in a cute Champagne split, a couple of bottles of a local craft brew, or even a little hair of the dog in the form of Bloody Mary Mix and a vodka mini, it's nice to give your guests something to sip on while they get ready in their rooms.Â

caffeine boost

ox tesy of iceb photo cour

For summer or tropical destination weddings protect guests from the sun with a few SPF items, including sunglasses, sunscreen, and chapstick. For a larger warm-weather gift, we like to toss in a beach tote and Turkish towel.

Wedding weekends can be exhausting for everyone involved, guests included. During the warmer months, we suggest iced coffee products from Sling Shot Coffee or Icebox that serve as a great pickme-up when poured on the rocks after a run to the hotel's ice machine.

something extra

something salty + something sweet

There's nothing better than a little treat to refuel after a night on the dance floor. Include both a salty and sweet treat to satisfy your guests' late-night cravings. Our go-to snack makers are Grey Ghost Bakery, Christophe Chocolatier, Hampton Popcorn, and Rustic Bakery.

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More couples are opting to include their wedding favors in the welcome gift instead of passing them out after the reception. Our hand-poured scented candles, custom coasters featuring the wedding venue, or locally-made soaps are a few of the favor-style gifts you can incorporate.

c i t y

w e d d i n g s

r e d e f i n e d

photo by craig paulson photography

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