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Rachel and Tim started their day with some portraits that celebrated the city they love, New York City, with a panoramic view on top of The James Hotel. Then it was off to New York City Hall for the ceremony in their chic and retro-inspired outfits. That alone is eye candy galore, but it gets even better!
For their reception the next day, it was all about Gatsby bliss for 75 guests at Jing Fong in Chinatown. Think flapper dresses, peacock headpieces, a knockout cake, and delicious dim sum (my fave!).
Here are some thoughts from the couple…
I think City Hall was such a natural decision for us. Tim and I have been together a long time (nearly 10 years) and we talk about everything. But we never actually talked or fantasized much about having a wedding. Tim has always wanted to get married at New York’s City Hall, and I had fond memories of it from when I was 11 and my cousin and her husband got married there. It seems like the best place to get married in New York, and also the cheapest.
As for Chinatown, there are so many great restaurants in that area, but I had a feeling since we started planning that we were going to end up at Jing Fong. It’s one of the larger spaces, and I’ve always associated those two large escalators at the entrance going up to the dining hall with a very specific and elegant experience. I wanted my guests to share the same joy I felt when I went there the first time, when I was 9 or 10. It really wows you just how many people there are, how red the decorations are, how much food there is.
I’m not really a crier, but there were some really special moments that day. The first look I shared with Tim was really special. Getting to take pictures on a beautiful rooftop with a full New York view was great, if cold. I’ll always remember my dad’s face when he saw me in my wedding dress for the first time! Tim teared up a little when we said “I do,” which is very sweet. Apparently his mom also cried. My very good friend teared up and when I asked her if she was crying, she said, “No, you’re crying!”
Taking photos in New York and having people wish us congratulations was really fun. When we walked back from Balthazar to the hotel, and people just gave us well wishes as we passed them on the sidewalk. Someone yelled, “You look great! Congratulations!” at us from the window of one of those big black Escalades and I’m pretty sure it was a well-known model. Definitely recognized her, forgot her name. The entire day just had an energy of positivity and love. Everyone was happy for us, even people we didn’t know!
Vendors
Groomsman Attire: Tommy Hilfiger USA • Reception dress: Unique Vintage • Shoes: The Irregular Choice • Reception Venue: Jing Fong • Cake Designer: City Sweets & Confections • Bouquet: Fan Crafted Designs • Hair Stylist: HC Wigs • Makeup Artist: Glam Squad • Ceremony dress: The Pretty Dress Company • Pre-Ceremony Location: The James Hotel • Ceremony Location: New York City Hall • Photographer: Krystal Pratt Productions • Wedding Day and Reception Headpiece: Those are original pieces by the bride's best friend Ari Rose • Fur Jacket: custom piece inherited from the bride's paternal grandmother (from Leaf’s in New Rochelle, NY, dating to around the late 1960s)
Gallery
About the Author: Catherine Clark
Catherine Clark loiters at her local library, makes art, watches movies en masse, plays video and tabletop games, poorly cooks healthy things, cuddles with her feline fur babies, and blogs at BijouxandBits.com.
