I can’t believe it’s already been a year since I photographed Chloe and Kevin’s Downtown NYC Wedding. I’ve been thinking about their special day quite a lot recently. It’s something I do often when I photograph unforgettable weddings.
Hence why it pops in my mind.
Wedding photography is such a gift that I am so happy I get to give. Being an NYC wedding photographer is a privilege. I love being able to work with amazing couples, their friends and family, and capturing all the special moments between them. And when you have a couple like Chloe and Kevin, two steeped in culture and love, it’s impossible not to love this art.
Before I move onto Chloe and Kevin though, I want to talk a little bit about the incredible wedding venue they chose to have their wedding it.
The Metropolitan Club NYC
A wedding at the Metropolitan Club in NYC was not always possible. The club offers a view of the upper east side of Manhattan which made it a dream venue though. Originally founded by J.P Morgan, William Vanderbilt and James Roosevelt; it was a gentlemen’s club exclusive to only the wealthy elite. Purchased by the wonderfully eclectic Duchess of Marlborough.
In truth, I could continue for days about the Duchess of Marlborough and how amazing she was, but we’ll stay in focus.
A wealthy exclusive gentlemen’s club was something that worked for the Gilded Age, but as all things change, so do markets and climates. The club faced struggles in 1945 and was sold to over 800 investors. This would open the doors to not only a select few elite, but hundreds of others.
Other minds and opinions of how the club should be run.
Club Members were now holding events in the club and eventually hosting weddings. Though, it wouldn’t be until 1988 when women were finally allowed admittance.
Having this trend continued into the new millennium, eventually bringing us to Chloe and Kevin saying their wedding vows and joining together. All while overlooking that Upper East side so many had dreamed about.
It’s a beautiful thought.
A personal note, I absolutely love this venue. I find it’s elegance and charm lay in it’s esteem. There are black tie events. Then there are black tie events at The Metropolitan Club.
It’s Gilded Era architecture and tenured halls make it a magnificent Wedding Venue. Also, as a woman, being able to step all over the marble floors that were never meant for someone like me.
It’s incredible to watch women climb.
Chloe and Kevin’s NYC Wedding
With introductions out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff!
Chloe and Kevin had such a beautiful event beginning with a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony. Chloe looked beautiful in her Qipao while Kevin wore a sharp felt black Chang Pao. These two looked like royalty.
After a brief and beautiful tea ceremony and the exchanging of gifts from close family members, Chloe and Kevin changed into their wedding day attire. Chloe changed into a gorgeous deep cut lace gown that sparkled like the stars under the lights of the Metropolitan Club NYC Wedding. Where-as Kevin wore a fantastic tuxedo with a bow-tie.
I am not often enamored in this line of work. Being a Wedding Photographer has been my passion and heart for over a decade now. But, let me say that these two had all the iconic vibes. Some of the best I’ve had the pleasure of capturing.
Capturing Chloe walk down the aisle to Kevin who stood backdropped by an incredible floral arch was a highlight that I can’t wait for you all to see.
The decor and design, with its floral and luxury motif was simply stunning. I found myself in awe in multiple occasions watching how the light bounced off centerpieces creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Along with this, the cake. A wedding planners dream.
The cake was gorgeous. Florals climbed up the towered white cake in red and greens creating a beautiful image.
Once speeches were had, finally everybody moved to the dance floor. For the rest of the evening, Kevin, Chloe and all of their guests danced. But, maintaining that they were still in the Metropolitan Club NYC, there was a refined air to it all.
Nothing got too wild, but it was maintained in a stance of dignity and beauty. As one would see in a ball from the 1600s. Which added up, because these two floated across the dance floor like they were a prince and princess.
Before this metropolitan club wedding was finished, I made certain to pull Chloe and Kevin aside for some intimate Bride and Groom photos.
I like to use the guise of wedding photos to give the Bride and Groom a moment to breathe and to take in a moment with just each other.
Lastly, I just want to say that I loved photographing this wedding. It was everything I could have hoped for.
If you are looking to have your own captured, please reach out to me here!
Sophie Kaye is one of the top-ranked New York wedding photographers who captures weddings all over the United States. Photographing weddings from Central Park to the Charleston.
