I’ve walked by the Metropolitan Club on the corner of 5th Avenue and 60th Street maybe a hundred times. A few times I paused in front of the unmistakable wrought iron gate and peered in wondering just how beautiful the interior must be. Never did it cross my mind that one day I’d officiate a wedding at this 125-year-old private club.
When I entered the foyer, it was all I had hoped it would be. I love old New York architecture and the interior of the club, with its high, ornate ceilings and grand marble, double staircase was no disappointment. I was a little ahead of schedule and my couple were a little behind, so at the invite of the groom, I explored the first few floors. Every room, to my delight, had a fully decorated Christmas tree. The holiday lights covering the grand staircase made it even more dreamlike. I felt like a child exploring a magical mansion that called to the little girl in me to dance under its twinkling lights. Maybe if I wasn’t working, I would have answered the call.
I made my way to the ceremony room to find the mother-of-the-groom busy attending to the décor. She filled the room with white candles that only deepened the already warm and intimate setting – perfect for a winter evening wedding. The couple, Ashley and Garett, chose a private ceremony, simple and sweet with just immediate family. In the club’s library, the couple exchanged traditional vows and heard, “Love” by Roy Croft as they stood in front of the fireplace, flanked by white flower topiaries and more white candles. After the ceremony, holiday scents of evergreen with a hint of toasted marshmallow filled the air as the couple’s 3-year-old daughter, Sloan played under her mom’s cathedral-length veil. Ashley wore a chic V-neck, Duchess Satin dress with rhinestone detailing at the waist. Garett wore a dark blue suit and bow-tie. Little Sloan was dressed to match her mom including a mini-version of her mom’s red-rose bouquet, minus her own floor-length veil of course. When the cake arrived from Carlo’s Bakery, we were all delighted. Ashley mentioned the top tier was chocolate mouse and the second was Oreo cookie. Mmmmm. Before I left, the couple, their family, their photographer Bethany Michaela, and her assistant Abigail shared a champagne toast. What a lovely way to head into Christmas Eve.
Photos by Bethany Michaela. All rights reserved.