Hayley and Michael brought their family and friends to New York from Baton Rouge, Louisiana this March for their wedding in Central Park.
They had been together for around four years before they got married. Michael had surprised Hayley with a proposal at home. One December evening she had just returned from work when he popped the question in front of their fireplace.
Hayley loves New York City and she loved the idea of getting married there. They did discuss the idea of having a wedding that everyone they knew would be able to attend in Baton Rouge but in the end they chose New York. “I wanted an unforgettable wedding, and I wanted breathtaking photos that only Manhattan could provide,” said Hayley. She felt sure that a wedding in New York City would be an amazing experience for everyone involved.
They chose Central Park because “it is the most beautiful park in America, said Hayley.” “The only tough decision I had to make was choosing a location within the park because there are so many perfect wedding spots.” In the end they chose Bethesda Terrace for their ceremony location. They chose it for it’s beauty, but they liked having a location that would provide a little coverage in case of rain. Luckily, the weather stayed fine for them on their wedding day. This location also gives the bride an opportunity to make a very dramatic entrance down those beautiful stone steps.
It was cold on Hayley and Michael’s wedding day, but Hayley had planned ahead and accessorized her Allure gown with a stylish fur stole. She had her hair and makeup done by Gloss and Glam in her hotel suite. She carried red roses to complete the look.
Hayley said that she had no worries or reserves about getting married so far from her home, she had done her research online and felt confident that everything would go exactly as planned, and it did.
They stayed at the Millenium Hilton in the Financial District for six nights. They loved the city view from their room. “I could have literally stared out of my window for hours, said Hayley.” They had a total of twenty-eight guests, all of whom were very excited, “who doesn’t love a destination wedding?” asked Hayley.
They made the most of the city and after the ceremony Hayley and Michael had photos taken all over with their photographer Sean Kim of Sean Gallery. Hayley said that her favorites were taken in Dumbo. There is a fabulous view of Manhattan from there. ‘Our photos look like something you’d find in a magazine,” said Hayley. They also have some pretty amazing photos in Times Square and on a rooftop on the Upper West Side. After they had finished having their photos taken they met up with their guests for a reception dinner at Carmine’s on the Upper West Side. “The food was wonderful, and I would recommend this place to anyone looking for great Italian cuisine,” said Hayley.
I asked if Hayley had any other recommendations for visitors to NYC, and she said “I recommend that while visiting New York, guests go to the Top of the Rock at sunset. I t is a 360 view of the most beautiful city in the world.” I agree with her. The Top of the Rock has the best views of Central Park, so you can have your photo taken with your wedding location in the background. The Empire State Building does not have such a good views on Central Park, and of course, one can also see the Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock!
Thanks for sharing your story and your beautiful photographs with us, Hayley and Michael. I wish you the best of luck for your future together.
