NY Athletic Club Wedding : Jackie & Mike : New York, Ny
The New York Athletic Club sits at the southeast corner of Central Park — 180 Central Park South — and it does not understate itself. The ballroom has a coffered and painted ceiling that runs the full length of the room, a dozen chandeliers, and windows that look directly into the park. It's the kind of room that sets an expectation for the evening before anyone sits down.
Jackie and Mike were married on a Saturday in June. Both got ready at the NYAC itself, on separate floors. The first look happened on the outdoor terrace. Mike had his back to her, turned around, saw her, and wiped his eye.
The ceremony was at St. Paul the Apostle on 59th Street — full Catholic Mass, tall nave, white orchid arrangements on pedestals at the altar. Jackie walked in on her father's arm to the Bridal Chorus, pink peonies in hand. Father Chris Krall officiated. There's a frame from the middle of the ceremony — the two of them seated side by side on the altar, turned slightly toward each other, congregation a blur behind them — that I kept coming back to in the edit.
After the ceremony it was time to hop in the iconic vintage checkered cab from Film Cars NY. These cars have been working the roads of NYC for decades including in countless movies like Home Alone 2. We drove across to Central Park and went straight down to Bethesda Terrace. The arcade tunnel frames the fountain through the arch and the light was hitting the stonework right for that time of afternoon. Then up to Bow Bridge — where Mike had proposed — which from the right distance reduces two people in a ballgown and a tuxedo to a very small detail against a lot of summer green. The veil was doing its own thing the entire time.
Lauren Zizza had the evening running exactly the way a room this size needs to run. Cocktail hour in the Card Room with the East Coast Band's piano and saxophone setup, then the full nine-piece for the reception. Jackie and Mike came in to "Jubel" — Mike's arm was up before he was fully through the door — and danced their first dance to Natalie Cole. There was a lift at the end. The room had circled the floor and it stayed there.
Venue: New York Athletic Club
Ceremony: St. Paul the Apostle
Planning: Lauren Zizza Events
Florals: Ariston Flowers
Band: East Coast Band
Cake: Empire Cake
Videography: First Day Films
Photobooth: Flux Photobooth
Hair: Jvalldi Styling
Makeup: Karla Duarte
NY Athletic Club Wedding : Ellen & Michael : New York, NY
Ellen & Michael's Winter Wedding at The New York Athletic Club
Manhattan knows how to do winter weddings, and Ellen & Michael's celebration at The New York Athletic Club (NYAC) was no exception. Set against the iconic backdrop of Central Park South, their big day was a masterclass in elegance and the kind of festive energy that only December in NYC can bring.
The day kicked off on the residential floor of the NYAC, where all great NYAC weddings begin. While Ellen and her bridesmaids were putting the finishing touches on hair, makeup, and good-natured banter, we captured those fleeting pre-ceremony moments. This warm-up session helps everyone relax in front of the camera before the big moments take center stage.
New York in December can be unpredictable, and so was the temperature on the NYAC rooftop! But Ellen & Michael were absolute troopers, braving the chill for their emotional first look. There's something magical about seeing each other for the first time amid a rooftop scene overlooking one of the world's most iconic skylines—even if you're quietly wishing for heated hand warmers in your pocket.
The wedding party showed similar resolve joining for some group photos on the terrace. Afterward, we moved inside to warm up and took cozy family portraits by the fireplace.
The next stop was the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer on Lexington Avenue, a Manhattan gem that embodies timeless elegance. This neo-Gothic masterpiece set the stage for a heartfelt ceremony conducted by a dear friend of the couple.
With the “I do’s” completed and spirits high, the wedding party returned to the NYAC for an unforgettable reception. Bud Maltin’s Metropolitan Music lit up the venue with unbelievable energy.
The night had everything you’d want from a winter wedding in New York. A gorgeous cake by Daniel Colonel. Stunning floral arrangements courtesy of Jerome Florists. And then, of course, there were the post-cake light-up glasses—a sign that this party wasn’t ending anytime soon.
Vendors
Coordinator: Eventful Days
Photographer: Brian Hatton
Cake: Daniel Colonel
Florist: Jerome Florists
Hair & Makeup: Alena Bankovsky
Band: Bud Maltin Metropolitan Music
Bride's Shoes: Loeffler Randall
Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy
Rings: R&R Jewelers
Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers
New York Athletic Club Wedding : Katherine & Brian : New York, NY
Katherine & Brian were married in July with a ceremony at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church followed by a reception at New York Athletic Club on Central Park South in NYC.
I’m always impressed by the expression of elegance that a NYAC wedding exudes. Katherine and Brian’s looked poised throughout and their beautifully decorated ballroom set a beautiful yet relaxed tone for their guests. Katherine and Brian got ready in suites at the club and met for a first look on the rooftop with the expansive view of the Central Park below. Fortunately, 7th ave and the Southern edge of the park offer plenty to work with for portraits and we were able to dot across the street quickly before the rain.
The Kirkland Chapel at 5th Ave Pres is stunning and perfectly suited for a typical NYC wedding with a size and shape that allows the pews to fill nicely. In addition to the scope of the space, I find the clergy here to conduct a ceremony that feels especially warm and personal. With family and friends congregated, we photographed their vows and then finished up with some family photos at the altar before heading back to New York Athletic Club.
