Hilary & Elan’s Manhattan Penthouse Wedding!

Unbearably hot and threatening thunderstorms. Not exactly the weather forecast one dreams of for their wedding day! It didn’t matter though because Elan was prepared with a cooler full of so many water bottles that he could have refreshed all of NYC! And Hilary wasn’t going to let anything Mother Nature came up with spoil her happiness!

Both Hilary and Elan got ready at the modern W Hotel at Union Square. Hilary looked stunning in her La Sposa Fanal gown! Hilary’s Mom had some serious work to do, look at all those tiny little buttons!The men did their thing perfecting their ties and showing off their legs.

Meanwhile the hair and make up team were adding the finishing touches to Hilary.  Mom was starting to feel the emotions of the day now that Hilary was in her wedding dress!Even Dad had to bite his lip to contain the tears as he sees his daughter as a bride. Hilary was off on her way to the “first look” at Washington Square Park. That unbearable weather?  A huge cloud cover blew in slightly cooling the temps and also creating magical light for the photography!Elan had a typical NYC obstacle… he couldn’t get a cab!  Finally after what looks like some persuading, Elan made it to the park to see Hilary!

Hilary looked radiant as she stood waiting for Elan!!!

Now anyone who knows Washington Square Park might think I’m lying about this location as Washington Square Park is one of the most crowded NYC city parks!  BUT I’m not, we just happened to have one very adventurous bride here!  So when Greg and I went early that afternoon to search for the perfect “first look” location, I was frustrated by the crowds everywhere!  I always like to find a private spot but I just couldn’t seem to find the perfect one. I scanned the park over and over and there it was… a beautiful grassy area sectioned off by a fence and a DO NOT ENTER sign. Hmmm. I looked at Greg, he looked at me. We were both thinking the same thing.  Would Hilary be willing to hop this fence in her wedding dress?

I sent Hilary an iphone pic and waited for the answer. Yep! I love a daring bride! (And I’m not even talking about the DO NOT ENTER sign, I’m talking about climbing over things in a wedding dress and heels!) We worked quick and fast and we didn’t get in trouble!  But really, who could yell at Hilary with those big doey eyes!? Thankfully we didn’t have to find out!

Elan approaches with a big smile on his face!!

Perfection! So sweet!!! So romantic!

After a few moments I moved in and started taking some portraits of these two while they were still gushing!

Hilary and Elan you two looked sensational!

We were having so much fun photographing around the park and then Hilary blew me away again.  As if hoping the fence wasn’t already bride awesomeness, she then said, “Hey, let’s practice our first dance”.  And so they did- right smack in the middle of the park!!!  Funny, the only ones watching were the tourists.  The true New Yorkers, such as the man playing tennis by himself against the monument (on the left) didn’t even blink an eye at the bride and groom dancing!The bridal party was so much fun and was willing to execute my crazy ideas like doing a picture in the middle of the street while holding up traffic! Thank you all, you guys were great!!!The ladies glammed it up for the camera in their chic Vera Wang dresses while the men cracked up when a little streaker appeared!

The stylish floral arrangements and the table pieces that you will drool over later, were created by the talented team at City Iris!

Hilary had a special guest at the park that came to see her!!!

Hilary and Elan arrived at the Manhattan Penthouse for their reception.  I love this look they gave each other as Elan helps her out of the car.  They look so happy and excited to be getting married!

I couldn’t get enough of all the “New York” moments! Nothing beats a bride and groom hitting the city streets!

Before the wedding ceremony, friends and family gathered for the Ketubah signing. The Rabbi Daniel Sklar’s spirit and enthusiasm were incredible as he spoke about Hilary & Elan and the sacredness of marriage.

Hilary was told that by picking up the pen to sign the Ketubah that she was agreeing to marry Elan.  Of course she had to be a bit playful and make the room erupt in laughter!Hilary and her family and Elan and his family gathered in separate corners before they walked down the aisle.  Greg was able to capture some tender moments exchanged between the family members. The Chuppah was made of 3 prayer shawls from Hilary’s grandfather and Elan’s grandfathers.

Hilary and Elan exchange their vows.

The Rabbi took a moment to give one last special prayer.There it is!  The big moment and a great AWESOME kiss!

Married!!!

During cocktail hour the guests were able to enjoy the views of the city and of course one of NYC’s most iconic buildings!

The reception room was decorated so beautifully by the florist and the Green Mansion Catering company. I loved the tropical flowers they used and the punches of colors it created throughout the room. The table numbers were cleverly created by the Bride herself.  She traveled to various NYC subway stations and photographed the mosaic numbers.  She then printed these and cut them out to create the table numbers!  So creative!  Such a great personal touch!

The newlyweds impressed everyone with their first dance, that practice in the park really helped them nail it!The Horah!!!!It was time for toasts from the parents of the Bride and the Groom, then the Best Man and Maid of Honor.  I love how Elan is listening closely to the words of Hilary’s father! Elan looks like he agreed and Hilary thought it was hilarious!The Maid of Honor toast and the Best Man toast had the room smiling, crying and also in hysterics!  Job well done!Then it was time for some special parent dances…

…and the cutting of the cake!!!!The cake was delicious but guests were also able to really make sure their sweet tooth was satisfied with bags of candy!Now that the toasts were said and special dances were had, it was time for the guests to really celebrate!  This of course was made easy by the incredible tunes spun by DJ Bootz!This wedding kept us on our toes as all generations were breaking out all sorts of dance moves! Every time we turned around someone was doing something camera worthy!

Hilary & Elan we wish you great happiness in your marriage!!!!!  Thank you for the honor to document your amazing NYC wedding day!

We want to thank our great friends and also past wedding clients Julie & Matt for the introduction to Hilary and Elan! Thank you!!!

 

Susannah Gill is located in El Dorado Hills CA. She photographs weddings, families & babies in Tahoe, San Francisco, the Bay area and is always looking to travel! Phone:1-916-936-7363 Email: susannah@susannahgill.com