Livingston, New Jersey’s Crystal Plaza — a venue with over a century of events under its belt — recently completed a series of stunning renovations. To celebrate the new and improved space, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli created “Passport to Romance,” an unforgettable venue launch with mouthwatering cuisine from around the world. Thanks to the gorgeous backdrop, the expertise of JoAnn Gregoli, and an outstanding team of vendors, attendees were left with a night — and menu — that they’ll never forget.
We sat down with JoAnn Gregoli of Elegant Occasions to discuss details of the dazzling evening.
Tell us how Passport to Romance came to be. What was the inspiration and overall goal, and who were the attendees?
“Passport to Romance” was a launch to help celebrate the newly-renovated Crystal Plaza. This family-owned business has been in the Janoff family for over 105 years and is currently operated by the fourth generation of owners. We wanted to celebrate the partnership between Elegant Occasions and Crystal Plaza to help engage New Jersey event industry professionals — who were also able to learn about how PartySlate can help them gain exposure for their businesses.
The inspiration behind the “Passport to Romance” concept was that weddings are back, and they’re bigger and better than ever. I love to infuse the couple’s heritage into the celebration, and food is often the perfect way to accomplish that. We provided a gastronomic journey inspired by my travels around the world.
Who were your key partners, and what were their roles in making this a successful gathering?
We had so many wonderful partners that joined our village:
Of course, The Crystal Plaza took the entire vision to another level
Nada from Wedded Events literally took my concept and gave it life with her designs which paid homage to the countries that inspired the cuisine we served
Jordan Kahn Music Company was our entertainment partner who sparked an energy that only Jordan can bring to a party
Total Entertainment provided fun, interactive components and allowed guests to walk away with some wonderful gifts
Max and Maiden Inc. took my vision and created the printed visuals for the dance floor wrap provided by SHOUT!
André Maier Photography, our photo partner, captured every detail of the aesthetic that we brought to life
Geo Events Design decked the room with luxurious, all-black drapery to achieve a sexy vibe
We had to have Dolce & Gelato Catering Inc. serving their amazing gelato and espresso martinis in our Italy-inspired room
Balloon Design Studio created the most amazing balloon arch with a unique beauty that only they can accomplish
Fancy Cakes provided our delicious French patisserie
The highlight was The Cup Bearer who served wonderful drinks with flair
I cannot thank my team of partners enough. They were incredible to work with. I always say it takes a village to make an event a success, and I had an absolutely amazing village.
What’s one moment or experience that stood out to you about Passport To Romance?
So many things stood out about this amazing night. One truly special moment was an attendee’s comment about how New Jersey event professionals never expected an opportunity to attend an event of this level. So many people told me they thought it would be another boring networking gathering, but this was entirely different. From the minute they arrived to the minute they left, they were in awe.
I have never received so many emails and calls from event industry pros thanking me for making this happen. It makes my heart feel completely full. Now they all want me to do another one here in my home state of New York, and I have to think of ways to top myself.
People Also Ask…
Where can I find a team of vendors for my event?
With so many vendors out there, it can be tricky to know where to begin searching for the right ones for your big day. Luckily, PartySlate has you covered.
Start with finding the right planner. This person will be able to help you navigate all of the ins and outs of the planning process, which will make building the rest of your team much easier.
Next, use PartySlate to find your perfect venue. Whether you’re looking for a grand ballroom, a charming botanical garden, or anything in between. Once your venue is booked and your planner is on board, you can discover the rest of your vendors with PartySlate’s curated vendor directory.
We admire JoAnn’s capability to create exquisite and unique events around the world. With a keen eye for design and exceptional customer service, it’s no wonder why Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli is often recognized as one of the most influential event planners in the world. photographer: Afrik Armando
Private dining in NYC offers options both plentiful and varied. In a city known for its dining scene, it’s hard to know which spot is just right for an important celebration. And when you’re hosting a group, you want every detail to be just right.
Luckily, we spoke with top event and wedding planners in New York for their recommendations. They know everything from the best spot for a rehearsal dinner to the perfect place to raise a glass to a milestone birthday. We’ve got the best restaurants with private rooms in New York for all of your meaningful and memorable gatherings.
For a Michelin-star Italian restaurant that will wow friends and family. Top event planner, Lauren Fishman of Lauren Fishman Events, shares, “Marea has a wonderful private room and great food. I recently hosted a client’s Friday dinner for family and friends the night before her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah at Marea — and the food and service were perfect.”
photo courtesy of & venue: El Quijote at Hotel Chelsea
For a historic spot that has undergone a careful renovation that nods to its storied past. New York Times notes that the space is a “combination of surrealism [and] tradition” serving up contemporary Spanish dishes as curated by a chef who spent three years dishing up fare at the Embassy in Madrid.
For people who like to be in-the-know, Annie Lee of Daughter of Design shares a brand-new restaurant worth checking out: Al Coro. The elegant restaurant features live music every evening as well as subterranean private dining rooms perfect for any kind of celebration.
For live-fire cooking, house-made pasta, and a robust Italian wine list. Leane Romeo of Overland Entertainment suggests, “Ci Siamo is Danny Meyer’s newest restaurant with Executive Chef Hillary Sterling. This is currently my favorite restaurant in Manhattan, with exceptional service and food in a relaxed, comfortable environment.”
For a place that your friends haven’t been to yet, consider Mel’s, an upscale pizza concept in the former Del Posto space that Annie Lee of Daughter of Design put on our radar.
For everything from quiet and cozy-dim dining rooms to chic alfresco dining on classic, rustic Italian cuisine, try Gemma, located in The Bowery Hotel. Lauren Fishman of Lauren Fishman Events shares that the spot is great for wedding and baby showers as well as celebratory dinners of all kinds.
For epic views and fare from renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. David Landgraf of Make It Happen Mgmt says, “The Fulton’s private dining room offers the best culinary experience, outdoor dining, and quintessential New York City views of the historic Brooklyn Bridge.”
For a room for private dining in NYC that feels like its own restaurant. Leslie Price of In Any Event says, “Craft Restaurant is a staple and a hidden gem. They have a private dining room with its own entrance which can seat up to 40, but I love buying out the beautifully-designed main dining room for up to 100 seated guests (80 is better). Expect incredible food, an interesting wine list, and impeccable service.” Price helpfully adds that the private dining room is being used for a pop up for 2022 (so book out for next year).
Craft features two spaces and can accommodate up to 200 guests.
For an intimate gathering around a single, gorgeous table surrounded by antiques and art. Florie Huppert of Florie Huppert Design says, “I love the classics like the Gramercy Tavern. I’m an old school New Yorker, and my favorite places are classic and always perfect.”
Lauren Fishman of Lauren Fishman Events also recommends the restaurant and adds that the “private dining room is cozy and warm.”
For private dining in NYC on a rooftop paradise with seasonal, local fare. Leslie Price of In Any Event shares, “A fabulous option in Hudson Yards is Electric Lemon inside the Equinox Hotel. Their private dining room on the 25th floor has room to seat 70 or accommodate cocktails for 100. It is run by Starr Restaurant Group, so you can be confident of great food and service.”
For NYC private dining with epic views and a commitment to sustainability and local purveyors. Annie Lee of Daughter of Design says, “My recommendation would be Peak Restaurant. It has amazing views and food on top of Hudson Yards!”
Leslie Price of In Any Event adds, “My first “go-to” these days is Peak NYC. The venue is really versatile — you can buy out just the private event space, which works for an intimate seated dinner or cocktails for up to 250. It’s a blank canvas and also a finished space with lots of potential to customize. If you buy out the entire floor, it’s perfect for a ceremony, cocktails, dinner and dancing. With floor-to-ceiling windows on the 101st floor, the skyline view is undoubtedly the star. There’s a small outdoor private spot your guests can access, one floor above the Edge observatory…Also, they have a small private dining room for 14 guests if you’re looking for something really intimate. And the elevator ‘shows’ both up and down are an experience unto themselves.”
For an early-American tavern vibe and your choice of interesting private dining rooms. Leane Romeo of Overland Entertainment, says, “Freemans is a special gem of a restaurant, located at the end of an alley off Bowery in the Lower East Side. They have a few private dining rooms, with differently-themed décor in each that span from a vintage look to rustic wood.”
Freemans boasts six event spaces and can accommodate from 25 to 200 guests.
For a truly grand Mid-Century New York chophouse that will wow your guests. The restaurant features upscale dining and amazing service that is especially well-suited to a special occasion. Don’t miss seeing how this milestone birthday party was celebrated in the space.
For a perfectly-located spot (behind the New York Public Library) that offers truly stunning options for your private dining event. We especially love how this garden-themed bridal shower utilized the lush South Garden space for a memorable affair. Private dining guests rave about the top-notch service and care at this spot.
For an iconic New York experience with epic views from a luxurious space. Sixty-five stories above Midtown Mathattan, Rainbow Room’s intimate private dining room features a wall of windows that will impress your guests. We also love Bar SixtyFive’s innovative cocktail menu for toast-worthy moments.
Rainbow Room can accommodate anywhere from 24 to 700 guests in four spaces.
For a magical combination of nature and architecture located with garden views at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Michael Cerbelli of Cerbelli Creative says, “This restaurant is absolutely the best. The chef and team are incredible.”
David Landgraf of Make It Happen Mgmt recommends “The Garden Table” at Le Pavillon. He says of the space, “Nestled among this internal zen garden, you follow a path to a semi-private dining table to experience the epicurean delicacies of Chef Daniel Boulud and his team of culinary geniuses.”
Both Leslie Price of In Any Event and Lauren Fishman of Lauren Fishman Events recommend The Modern for private dining in New York. Price says, “It overlooks the sculpture garden and features catering by Danny Meyers. What more can I say?”
Fishman adds that she likes not only the private dining room but also the “kitchen table” with its opportunity to dine right in the kitchen where all of the action is.
For a spot where art and design meet. Leslie Price of In Any Event says, “I adore the The Orangery in The Whitby Hotel. The aesthetic is lovely. There’s seated space for up to 50 that also has an adjacent private garden. It’s perfect for bridal showers! The hotel has other lovely private event spaces as well, and even has a private movie theatre.”
For a chic space atop the Museum of Arts and Design that features sleek design and a seasonal menu. Leslie Price of In Any Event adds, “I recently hosted a Bat Mitzvah luncheon here. The space features outstanding views of Central Park & Columbus Circle as well as great service and food, and charming décor.”
photo courtesy of & venue: Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery
For a unique and intimate gathering, check out the swanky vibe of Lafayette’s Salle Privé space. Leslie Price of In Any Event says, “Lafayette has a very nice private room on the bottom level of the restaurant. Plus, it offers wonderful food and service.”
For an exquisite dining experience with Michelin-star fare. Lauren Fishman of Lauren Fishman Events recommends Le Bernardin’s “variety of private rooms” because it offers “an elegant experience.” Leslie Price of In Any Event also loves private dining at this restaurant and says, “For a classic space when food is the ultimate priority, Le Bernardin can’t be beat. It has 3 Michelin stars.”
Leane Romeo of Overland Entertainment also recommends the space saying, “Le Bernardin is an incredible three Michelin-star restaurant that I visit frequently. I’m always blown away by the amazing food and service. Chef Eric Ripert has curated a truly extraordinary menu for the high-end splurge client.”
For fresh seasonal Italian fare served family-style in a private dining room with a zinc-topped bar. Lauren Fishman of Lauren Fishman Events recommends the space located in the Greenwich Hotel as a great spot for private dining in New York.
For an award-winning menu and a multiple private dining spaces to choose from. David Landgraf of Make It Happen Mgmt says, “Sweetbriar is a new arrival to the New York food scene with Executive Chef Bryce Shuman. Watch this space, as it is one of the best rooftop and outdoor dining spaces, bringing together great food and fun from this 2022 James Beard-nominated chef!”
Sweetbriar boasts three private dining rooms that can accommodate anywhere from 15 to 35 guests.
For a spot that’s been reliably wonderful for over 30 years (during which it has won 5 James Beard Awards). Leane Romeo of Overland Entertainment shares, “Union Square Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants in Manhattan, with service and food that never disappoints. They have a private dining room which accommodates up to 40 people.”
Union Square Cafe features two private dining rooms that can accommodate 30-40 guests.
For more great fare from Chef Daniel Boulud at his first restaurant where they will work with you to design a custom menu. Lauren Fishman of Lauren Fishman Events recommends the space and says, “Daniel has a really nice private room off the main restaurant.
For a chic neighborhood spot that serves fresh twists on American bistro fare. Leane Romeo of Overland Entertainment says, “Hancock Street is a neighborhood restaurant with an ambiance I would describe as elegant and stylish. They have a a private dining room that seats up to 25 people and a semi-private mezzanine that can accommodate up to 14. Their incredible menu ranges from steak frites to Russian Osetra caviar service!”
Hancock Street features a garden veranda for up to 50 and a private dining room for up to 30 guests.
For a modern take on traditional Italian cuisine and multiple spaces to choose from. Leane Romeo of Overland Entertainment says, “L’Artusi, another restaurant I love, creates an intimate, sleek dining experience with delicious Italian food. I am always captivated by their beautiful walk-in wine cellar, where they offer private dining rooms.
L’Artusi features an intimate wine room, a mezzanine or full buyout accommodating anywhere from 10 to 110 guests.
For sweeping city views from the best vantage point, a mere five minutes from New York City. This restaurant draws raves for its top-notch service and wow-worthy ambiance, and boasts four private dinner spaces to choose from (or a full-space buyout).
If you’re celebrating a milestone event — like a birthday, anniversary, rehearsal dinner, baby shower, or other meaningful moment — you’ll want not only the perfect restaurant, but also the perfect experience. You can work with a New York floral designer to deck out your tabletops and even create a stunning entrance. A photographer in NYC can capture your special event so that you and your guests can relive it. Consider a curated photo spot for guests to snap pics or even a photo booth. You can also opt for creative entertainment, like a DJ to spin dinner tunes or a string quartet to set the mood.
Foreland Catskill, whose stunning historic facade has overlooked Catskill Creek since the mid-1800s, recently opened the doors to a new Hudson Valley wedding venue space: Book House. The 10,000 sq. ft. addition to the Foreland campus wowed attendees with its rustic-chic architecture and thoughtful design. Guests enjoyed delicious food and refreshing cocktails as they soaked in Book House’s interior and exterior beauty.
We sat down with Jules Miller, Owner/Founder of The Revelry Cooperative, to find out more about the charming inaugural happy hour for Book House.
1. Tell us how this event came to be. What was the inspiration and overall goal and who were the attendees, etc.?
With Book House being the last building of the 85,000 square foot campus at Foreland, we thought its opening was the perfect opportunity to showcase this beautiful space and get PartySlate on the radar for Hudson Valley wedding vendors. Unlike in NYC, vendors in the Hudson Valley are more spread out, so I really wanted to focus on local vendors and bring the community together. Typically when I am launching a venue, we focus on planners, designers, and media for the guest list, but in this case we opened it up to other venues, photographers, caterers, calligraphers, staffing and rental companies—really anyone who is part of making an event successful!
2. Who were your key partners and their roles in making this a successful gathering?
PartySlate’s Betsy Nemzin helped curate the vendor list and also added some key VIPs to the guest list; having the PartySlate team at an event always livens things up and adds an extra air of excitement.
Brandon and Fernando from Promises Kept were immediately on board to provide bites. A planner friend had introduced Brandon and me a while ago and we had been trying to find a way to put on an event together, and the stars finally aligned with this one. Everyone LOVED the food – in fact, a week later, guests are still talking about it!
Betsy helped bring on RentQuest for furniture, and they so perfectly matched the vibe of the space with the pieces they selected, and Kelli from Hops Petunia made all the furniture and our custom bar pop with her beautifully wild arrangements. Topnotch is our exclusive bar partner at Foreland, and they kept the party going with rosé and fun canned cocktails, which were perfect for this ideal summer night.
And the incomparable Andre Maier captured it all, from drone footage of our beautiful property along Catskill Creek to the finest details and interactions amongst our guests. Since Foreland’s mission is to be a community for artists, I think it can be especially inspiring for creatives to work within the space and I think that came through in Andre’s images.
3. What’s one moment/experience that stood out to you about the Bookhouse gathering?
Personally, it was fun to see so many of my current and past venue clients in one space together. But mostly, it’s seeing new friendships being formed and vendors meeting face to face for the first time after months or sometimes years of only communicating by phone or email. This has been a rough couple of years for our industry, and you could feel a sense of joy and relief from everyone just being in the same room together and sharing experiences. Hosting these events is one of my favorite parts of what I do and I think we need them from time to time so we know that we are all in this together!
What’s the key to planning a successful cocktail hour?
Cocktails are not one-size-fits-all, so ditch the pre-set drink menu. Instead, leave a lasting impression on guests with your own custom cocktail! Once you’ve got a theme or aesthetic in mind for your event, search for bar caterers who can help you create unique drinks that reflect your style. From fresh and fruity to strong and smoky, a bespoke flavor palette can be the perfect way to make your happy hour unforgettable.
On Tuesday, June 28, 400 top event professionals gathered in New York to mingle and welcome summer in the city at PartySlate’s latest epic gathering. The summer soirée took place in a recently-renovated historic space, The Altman Building. The party felt perfectly placed in the chic open space that also provided the perfect spot for a mid-evening surprise.
Lauren Grech and her skilled team at LLG Events planned the “Seasons of Love”-themed gathering. Grech notes that the totally-unique theme was an idea she has been wanting to produce for a long time—and it was worth the wait. LLG Events partnered with Konstantinos Floral Design & Décor to realize the vision with four distinct seasons in the landmark space. The result was wow-worthy.
A Glimpse of the Evening to Come
Guests were invited to PartySlate’s New York celebration via a luxe digital invitation, custom-designed for the gathering by Alpine Creative Group. The print and invitation designer evoked the theme with a beautifully-rendered vision of each season in the invitation’s four corners, just as the party itself would be laid out, giving guests a hint of what was to come. The team also created the party’s printed materials, which directed guests through the seasons, displayed menus, and honored event partners.
Four Seasons Offered Four Experiences for Guests
Upon arrival at PartySlate’s celebration, guests posed for pre-party pictures in front of a sleek branded sign from the team at Two Point 8 Imaging, surrounded by a colorful balloon installation from Decor by Mindy. Then partygoers were greeted and given a guide map for their experience of each season. Inside, LLG Events and Konstantinos over-delivered with a fully-realized vision for each phase of the calendar.
The skilled catering team at Thomas Preti Events to Savor curated a stunningly-delectable seasonal menu for each season, offering an immersive experience for party-goers. Meanwhile, the cocktail caterers at The Cup Bearer ensured that guests were fully engaged in the seasonal joy with a curated cocktail for each. Smith Party Rentals was present in every season in the form of chic glassware for the cocktails, as well as all of the dishes and silverware for guests to enjoy the party-perfect bites.
Summer
Ah summer. The season was honored with a truly dreamy vision. Konstantinos worked with the top rentals team at Taylor Creative Inc. to outfit every season, but we have to say that their stylish and modern take on a picnic area especially wowed us. The picnic table overflowed with a lush display of flowers and greenery that flowed off the table and up the umbrellas on either side.
Another inspired summer moment: a PartySlate-branded bounce house from Confetti Bounce Co. Why should kids have all of the fun? Their elegant take on the summer staple was a pure white bounce house that Decor by Mindy draped with a glorious arrangement of matte balloons that complemented the florals.
And because summer was just too magical to contain in two paragraphs, there was more. Dolce & Gelato Catering offered yet another chic moment with their Italian gelato cart featuring not just Italian-summer style, but six flavors of gelato. Pro Sho Event Services provided projection lighting in each season that helped create mood. Their summer inspiration was a projection of a sunset over the water.
And what’s more perfect for summer dining than barbeque? Thomas Preti’s team curated a delicious menu of BBQ pork butt on onion brioche accompanied by Southern cabbage slaw, fette sau’ broccoli salad, mini lobster rolls, and of course, all of the fixings and sauces guests could desire.
The mixologists from The Cup Bearer served up a “Dolce & Cabana” cocktail with the fresh flavors of tequila, lime, and watermelon with a tajin-dusted rim.
Fall
Fall — giver of crisp days and beautiful colors — brought a fresh vibe to our celebration. Trees displaying orange, yellow, and red hues were hung with glass votives flickering mini candles that beautifully evoked the season. The inspired lighting projection was of trees shedding their leaves.
The towering trees sheltered chic gold and glass displays from Smith Party Rentals — a rentals team that really knows how to elevate a party — featuring fresh fare. Thomas Preti conjured a dream for vegan guests (which even carnivores loved) with their heirloom carrot tartare and sweet potato flan. The Cup Bearer evoked fall with their “‘P.S.’ I Love You” which featured vodka, cinnamon, lime, ginger beer, and mint in an iconic copper mug from Smith Party Rentals.
Winter
The planning and design teams took a cool approach to evoking winter with multiple experiential activations in the area that was lit ice-blue by Pro Sho Event Services. An epic bar made entirely of ice from the incredibly-innovative team at Okamoto Studio Custom Ice centered the space.
The Thomas Preti team utilized the ice installation as the perfect spot for serving fresh fare and an innovative sip. In this season, guests enjoyed delicate sashimi — big eye tuna and fluke crudo — and Beau Soleil oysters on the half shell. Partygoers were also able to try the team’s absinthe suissesse foam cocktail as served from a spinning glass display atop the ice bar, creating a fun and frosty experience.
The Cup Bearer offered guests “The Fireside Cozy” cocktail consisting of flavors from aged rum, brown sugar, chocolate bitters, orange — all in a cinnamon-smoked glass from Smith Party Rentals.
But that wasn’t all winter had to offer, Konstatninos supplied a geodesic dome that was topped with glittering cotton “snow.” Inside Taylor Creative outfitted the space with luxe lounge furniture and guests loved gathering in the igloo to connect with each other. Pro Sho completed the illusion with flutters of magical snow.
Spring
Spring was festooned with fresh light pink florals—on the furniture and on the full-sized trees (yes, you read that right) that framed the scene. Guests enjoyed taking a sip of an Aperol spritz as served from the coolest Italian Martini & Rossi cart, courtesy of Dolce & Gelato Catering. The team also offered another fun spring moment—a vintage Italian truck spilling florals as the perfect photo spot. Dolce’s photo booth setup captured all of the chic shenanigans.
And, of course, a season isn’t fully realized until it is paired with a bite and sip. For spring, Thomas Preti served delectable handmade corn and mushroom tortelloni. The team’s display of fresh mushrooms underscored their commitment to quality ingredients. Meanwhile, The Cup Bearer offered guests a cocktail called “Spring-Thyme in London” which popped with gin, lemon, honey, muddled strawberries, and a thyme sprig.
In addition to the curated cocktails above, guests in any season could enjoy festive bubbly from Clara C’Fiori Di Prosecco and party-perfect hard tea from Loverboy.
There were even more vendors who contributed to the success of the theming as well as creating a festive atmosphere for PartySlate’s latest soirée. MY DRAP was our napkin sponsor, providing truly beautiful custom cocktail napkins with each season’s names and motifs. Two Point 8 was responsible for seasonal signage that furthered our theme as well as perfectly-placed PartySlate signage that furthered our brand.
Dance Floor-Filling Entertainment
The best celebrations have a festive aesthetic that is underscored by music. Luckily, Élan Artists curated the perfect vibe for every single part of PartySlate’s celebration. Élan brought down the house with a 16-piece band that included brass instruments and violins which elevated every pop song to art. The team kept the dance floor filled (with help from The Pro Sho’s production and a/v, of course). With every song they rocked it seemed as if the music couldn’t possibly get better — then it did a mere one song later, with every singer nailing the vibe with each tune.
And… A Surprise
After PartySlate’s CEO and Co-Founder, Julie Roth Novack, welcomed guests and honored the work of each of our extraordinary vendor partners, party-goers were treated to a fun surprise. The bottom floor of the The Altman Building opened up, revealing an on-site afterparty speakeasy.
Upon descending the steps, guests first were wowed by a French patisserie from Thomas Preti with green tea and chocolate madeleines, caneles, rolled sables, fresh fruit tartlets, and linzer cookies. Next to the impressive display of sweet desserts was an epic Elecktra Belle Époque coffee machine, of which there are only 70 in the world (and the only one in the United States), from Dolce & Gelato Catering . It was a rare treat for guests to get to enjoy either a coffee, espresso, or latte from the beautiful antique machine (and perhaps an even bigger treat to get an espresso martini).
But there was more. Chic lounge areas, wooden-slat screens, and potted palms from the Taylor Creative team evoked Brazil in NYC. And Elan Artists knew exactly what to do; they performed engaging Copacabana-style entertainment that had guests doing the samba on the dance floor.
All of Memories Made (& Captured)
This was an evening worth remembering, and the skilled team at Fred Marcus Studio beautifully captured the soirée. They shot gorgeous candid pictures of guests interacting and having fun, as well as of the breathtaking scene. Moving images from NST Pictures also told the story of the celebration with a video that will remind the hundreds of guests of their good time (and will make those who weren’t there wish they were).
And More Gratitude
Producing an epic celebration like PartySlate’s New York summer gathering requires a talented team of partners. In addition to all of the vendors listed above, we also want to thank the JFink Beauty and Hair by Alison, the makeup and hair teams that made sure that our team looked our absolute best. Their attention to every beauty detail made us feel party-ready. We also want to express our gratitude to Shehan & Sons Security (The Altman Building’s team) who ensured that all guests were attended to.
After a two year pandemic-induced hiatus, the Non-Profits Night Out (NPNO) made its grand return on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. The annual event came back with a bang as nonprofit event professionals and fundraising strategists convened in New York City’s iconic Rainbow Room.
Steve Paster of Alpine Creative Group and Reed Baker of Sophist began NPNO with the primary goals of shedding light on the work of nonprofit organizations and providing a setting for those in the industry to connect both socially and professionally. Unlike other events in the nonprofit space, NPNO is free to attend. Not only does this mirror the philanthropic work of its attendees, it also means that every vendor’s goods and services are donated to the cause. As the only nationwide online resource that highlights the mission critical work of nonprofits, PartySlate was thrilled to partner with NPNO again as a media sponsor for this important event. PartySlate also offers inspiration, ideas, and vendor and venue recommendations for the philanthropic community.
The pandemic hit the nonprofit sector particularly hard, as the industry generates over 80% of its revenue through live fundraising events. Thus, this year’s NPNO became a space to celebrate making it through the most difficult time that nonprofits have faced to date. In recognition of this milestone, a new element was added to the occasion: the “Essence of Philanthropy Award.” The award was created to honor exceptional support, leadership, and guidance in the nonprofit community. The deserving recipient of this first award was Meg Barnette, President and CEO of Nonprofit New York, an organization with over 1,600 nonprofit clients. During COVID, this “collective force for good” set up a fund to help keep clients afloat when the lack of events resulted in financial difficulties.
This year’s event was hosted in the Rainbow Room in Manhattan, a true New York staple with over 85 years of history. The stunning venue laid a foundation for the theme of the event: bringing New York back together. Per David Mack, Director of Sales and Development for Sophist, “It was a very epic New York venue and a night where we were helping and supporting the nonprofits that help the city. I think that the theme this year was very much built around the city…and that was supported by the venue itself.”
The stunning backdrop for NPNO was enhanced by the work of industry luminaries who brought elegance and style to this year’s event. Brian Dodson of Bee Season Events was the event planner whose brilliant work brought the celebration to life. Furniture and décor rentals provided by Taylor Creative provided spaces for gathering and contributed to the cohesive and elegant style. Saundra Parks, Creative Director at Red Maple Leaf, was to thank for the bespoke floral arrangements. PR for the event was handled by the talented team at LLG Events. And, in a time when safety is paramount, The Event Doc provided COVID testing services for attendees.
Darren Olarsch of On The Move provided the entertainment with live music a dance performance “choreographed (by Josh Leon) to a custom arranged version of Edith Pilaf’s ‘La Vie en Rose.’” Olarsch shares, “Since we have partnered with NPNO for every NYC gala since its inception…we really wanted 2022 to be special. Our creative vision for the event was inspired by ‘transformation’ as event professionals come out of the pandemic.”
Collectively, the team assembled by Paster and Baker not only delivered — they exceeded every expectation and set a new standard in the nonprofit event industry. In an apt summary of the night, Paster stated, “The best description I can give for the night is that it was magic.”
With a growing group of affiliates, a history of show-stopping events, and a fervent passion for supporting the work of nonprofits, the duo has big plans for the future. According to Sophist’s Mack, “it’s en route to becoming “the nonprofits’ version of the Met Gala!”If you’re an event professional or member of a nonprofit organization and are interested in attending future events, please submit a request to events@alpinecreativegroup.com.
On February 28, almost 500 event tastemakers and influencers joined PartySlate to celebrate the re-emergence of events at one of New York’s most exciting new venues, The Glasshouse. The party, which was curated by top planner Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli and the skilled design team at Jen Gould Event Design, was the perfect setting for the community to reconnect and inspire one another.
It was fitting to signal the return of events by working with an event luminary like JoAnn Gregoli, who took such an active role in serving the medical community during the pandemic through mobilization to create masks and serve meals to health care workers. Read more about her efforts here.
Gregoli shares, “People are partying way more than they did two years ago. The parties are just bigger and better and more energized as people long to be together again.”
Theme: Butterflies for New Beginnings
Gould and Gregoli worked together to create a vision for the gathering that would celebrate the re-emergence of events. Over the past two years, the events community has partnered for education and legislation and has innovated to make gathering safer. Now, as COVID rates decrease and mask mandates are lifted in many cities, events are growing in size and dates are booking fast. It’s the perfect time for the industry to reunite in person, and PartySlate was excited to bring the community together at this stunning soirée.
It made sense to embrace a meaningful theme, and that’s exactly what we did. Butterflies — symbolizing transformation and joy — were chosen to embody the spirit of the gathering. Guests got their first glimpse of the beautiful theme in the gorgeous invitation suite designed by the ever-creative Ceci Johnson of Ceci New York.
Ceci embraced the butterfly idea, but wanted to ensure that the aesthetic represented both the season and the glamour of the event. Rather than the pastels of many butterfly themes, Ceci embraced the rich jewel tones of winter and set them against the backdrop of a starry sky. Her design informed many other elements of the celebration.
The Grand Entrance
Upon entering The Glasshouse, guests got a hint of what was to come. The elevator banks — outfitted with an ombré of balloon installations in pink, orange, blue, and purple by Balloon Design Studio — whisked partygoers onto the 6th floor event space.
Guests walked into the event through a stunning and festive ombré balloon tunnel created in the colorway first referenced at the entrance. The art installation-tunnel began with oversized PartySlate-branded balloons mixed with lavender and lilac balloons of all sizes; guests continued through blue, orange, and pink before emerging into the luxuriously high-ceilinged event space.
Design: A Grand Panorama & Luxurious Details
This PartySlate event, in addition to serving as an industry touchpoint, was also an opportunity to soft launch a new name for an iconic brand; Diana Gould Ltd transitioned to Jen Gould Event Design, as the company more fully progressed from mother to daughter. The new name represents a continued commitment to creative and memorable event design. That aesthetic was on full display at PartySlate’s New York party.
Working with Gregoli, Gould’s team created a vision to divide The Glasshouse’s massive open floor plan into color-blocked quadrants. Each section of the room featured butterfly theming in the appropriate pink, orange, blue, or purple hue.
Gould conceived of a giant bar which centered the space under a glorious chandelier of fluttering white paper butterflies. Each side of the bar featured more butterflies, in colors to correspond with that section of the space. When you’re working in an open space with towering ceilings and windows like The Glasshouse, it’s important to have a logical layout; this central element contributed to a cohesive design.
Other wow-worthy details included multiple dance floors from Geo Events Design, with custom-wrapped vinyl by Bombshell Graphics featuring Ceci’s luxe butterfly graphics. Each was accompanied by coordinating stages from The Glasshouse and Studio Productions. The Bombshell team also printed branded butterfly graphics for each of the catering and experiential stations, and beautiful, themed acrylic table signage honoring our event partners, as well as PartySlate-branded stage backdrops.
Gina Monick of Abigail Kirsch Catering, shared, “We had some amazing partners like Ceci who created this beautiful butterfly mood board and kaleidoscope…and we got to put that in front of our bars. We also worked together to customize some of our logos into the little butterflies, which was wonderful to play off the event theme.”
Making the space welcoming were lavish, velvet lounge areas for gathering (with color-appropriate butterfly-print pillows, of course) from Taylor Creative Inc., as well as modern brass and glass hi-top communal tables from High Style Rentals for enjoying conversations and the curated fare. Gould worked with FMI Wholesale Florals to complete the rich look of the celebration with deeply-hued floral arrangements on tabletops.
Entertainment: Aerialists, Brass Rap, & More
A dance floor is not a dance floor (even if it’s wrapped in beautiful butterflies) unless people are dancing on it. That’s where Troy Curtis Entertainment came in. Throughout the evening, guests rushed from one dance floor to the next to dance with a rockin’ live band or jam out with a DJ. Curtis made the perfect MC for the event, interacting with and directing partygoers and commanding the room as needed.
You know that guests are having fun when they take turns wearing lit gossamer butterfly wings on the dance floor (and even more fun when they turn those wings into a limbo pole). The Glasshouse’s exclusive AV provider, Studio Productions, helped create that party vibe with strong sound, production, and lighting, as well as live-streaming PartySlate’s Co-founder and CEO Julie Novack’s welcome presentation.
There were many memorable entertainment moments throughout the evening, but guests especially loved it when a brass quartet started playing rap songs. They left the stage and grooved on the dance floor before making their music mobile with a walk-around that engaged the whole room.
Coco Events brought some additional memorable moments through interactive entertainment. The team provided aerialists suspended from feather-bedecked hoops flanking one of the stages. Their costumed performers donned roller skates to dance and glide through the space fluttering their Monarch butterfly wings. Meanwhile, a mentalist roamed the crowd, dazzling guests with predictive and intuitive feats.
Fantastic Fare: Surprises Around Every Corner
Abigail Kirsch Catering wowed with beautiful passed hors d‘oeuvres, creative stations, and much-talked-about flavor. Partygoers indulged in butlered bites like buffalo deviled eggs, celery root croquettes (Chef George Mendes’ signature item from Veranda), and spanakopita spring rolls.
The team’s stations boasted clever names and memorable fare. Jennifer Schepps from Abigail Kirsch, shared, “We had three food experiences at the event. A vegetarian-inspired surf and turf station, which is super cool. There’s items inspired by the land and the sea, all vegetarian. And then we have a citrus station with my personal favorite, a citrus infused espresso martini station called Zest + Zing. And then, our last experience is the super cool torched station with a big hanging tomahawk — and the chef is actually torching the big tomahawk steak on the station and watching all the meat drip onto the potatoes.”
It was all followed by, of course, sweets galore. Kirsch’s Chef George Mendes offered up yet another surprise with his pasteis de nata (a Portuguese egg tart), gilded chocolate lava cake bites, and more. Dolce & Gelato also brought their signature chic gelato truck that served up mini cones and espresso. Vincenzo Salvatore Cakes drew yums and mmms for their mini cupcakes and large displayed cake that showed what they can do on a larger scale.
Meanwhile, the four-sided bar in the center of the room — in addition to a gorgeous design element — also allowed for quick cocktail service of signature sips like “New York State of Mind Old Fashioned” with pours provided by The Glasshouse. Party Rental Ltd. provided all of the catering rentals that allowed every dish to shine and every sip to pop.
Experiential Moments: Butterflies & Booths
No corporate party is complete without experiential moments. And PartySlate’s gathering featured unique interactions galore. Guests loved the Banga Studios photo booth that featured an LED wall from Geo Events with fluttering butterfly wings designed by Ceci New York.
Another fun interaction that resulted in memorable images was Coco Events’ playful gravity-fooling photo booth. Partygoers had fun posing as if the room had tilted sideways and they were flung around with it. The clever team was also responsible for Instagram-worthy fare like glow-in-the-dark cotton candy spun into festive shapes. They also provided virtual reality stations that put guests in the driver’s seat of a race car or on a trampoline competing in a big-screen video game.
321chillz served up nitrogen-chilled concoctions, offering a bit of a show using liquid nitrogen to take ingredients down to -321º for creative cocktails and mocktails. Another wow-worthy station was that from Cinderella Bridez, who not only decked out the PartySlate team with make-up, lashes, and party-ready hair before the event, but also accented party-goers’ looks with facial glitter and metallic butterflies.
How We Will Remember It
We always want to hold onto every fun time we’ve had with friends and colleagues. Luckily for PartySlate’s guests, skilled photographer Afrik Armando and top-notch videographer Kenneth Cooper Films were on hand to capture the event.
Armando was seen on the dance floor and in groups of guests snapping fun candid moments to pair with his beautiful detail shots of the celebration. Meanwhile, Cooper expertly led the PartySlate team in capturing event professional interviews before proceeding to collect party moments for the cool highlight reel above. We feel so lucky to have worked with these helpful on-point professionals.
What We Took Home
In addition to the photos and video, guests will also be able to remember their fun evening by their take-home party bags. M.Studio Events printed custom, reusable swag bags festooned with butterflies and PartySlate branding.
The bags were filled with goodies from the event’s vendors including a curated (and glittery) cocktail from The Glasshouse, a split of Champagne from Jen Gould Event Design, innovative cocktail cubes from Abigail Kirsch Catering, butterfly cake pops from Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli and glam lip balm from Cinderella Bridez.
A second set of swag bags curated by Fresh Flours LLC. were filled with beautiful and delectable cookies.
It’s also important to note that even though this was a large celebration in a newly-mask-optional New York, vaccination records were required and COVID tests were offered on-site by The Event Doc.
After the Party was the After-Party
No New York celebration would be complete without a dazzling after-party, and that’s exactly what late-night revelers enjoyed. Partygoers headed on over to Ascent Lounge.
The swanky space played host with stunning views of Central Park and Columbus Circle, and an in-house DJ spinning party tunes. Ascent’s culinary team whipped up late-night bites that included delectable sliders, mini tuna tacos, chicken skewers and more — all washed down with amazing curated cocktails. The PartySlate team had a wonderful time in New York and are especially grateful for our beautiful rooms at Ink 48 Hotel, conveniently located around the corner from The Glasshouse venue. It was a night we won’t soon forget — surrounded by our resilient event community friends, toasting to new beginnings.
From fashion, music, performing arts, and so many other industries, Black-owned businesses in NYC have become world-wide trend-setters in their fields, and the events industry is no exception. In the city “where dreams are made of” there’s no shortage of talented Black-owned event companies and venues to bring your dream wedding or special event to life — each with a unique set of skills and experiences.
For a while, I’ve felt that finding these amazing Black-owned businesses to support and hire for an event has been a difficult task — without knowing someone who knows someone, or having luck down an Instagram rabbit hole, there are too few curated resources where the information is easily accessible to everyone.
We’ve assembled this list of Black-owned businesses in NYC in an effort to elevate the incredible work of these accomplished event professionals, and to help consumers find their perfect match for event partners and venues. Keep reading to discover talented Black-owned event companies for hosts planning every type of celebration — from weddings and milestone birthday parties to fundraising galas and corporate events.
Boutique firm offering month-of planning, partial planning, and full-service planning — with options for a custom-tailored package to suit the specific needs of each and every client
Events by Mona Lisa specialize in weddings, celebrations, and private events across the country
With over 13 years of event design and production experience, Guerdy Design shows an impressive attention to detail and creativity; the team believes that your event should let your personality shine through
Based in New York and Miami, Guerdy Design boasts experience in every type of event — from style-forward weddings and holiday parties to birthday gatherings and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
Ifill Events, LLC is an event planning company that is transparent and easy to work with; they match the client’s vision and budget to produce an ideal event
Ifill Events, LLC works around the world creating every type of event, from corporate outings & fundraisers to birthdays & weddings
Beautifully handles every event and travel detail for personal celebrations that explore interesting destinations — and practices giveback as chair of Wish Upon a Wedding New York
Fallon Carter Weddings & Events specializes in classic destination events with a contemporary twist, curating every type of celebration from weddings to meditation retreats
KBelle’s Design is a planning and design firm with a boutique approach and focus on specialized details that reflect every client’s unique style and personality
Design and produce weddings, special events, and destination celebrations around the globe
A Brooklyn-based floral design studio that elevates the beauty of each individual bloom through “thoughtful and natural design” as well as seasonal elements
Kat Flower designs floral arrangements for weddings, events, stylings, and special projects both in New York and elsewhere
Premier event designer known for his star-studded client roster and his ability to use the most recent technologies to transform any venue into a “theatrical” environment and experience
Preston Bailey designs weddings and celebrations worldwide, along with full-scale art installations
An internationally-recognized photography boutique,Alakija Studios focuses on storytelling to express each client’s most important stories and memories with a timeless aesthetic and artistic design
Based in NYC, shoots multicultural weddings, editorial campaigns, and documentaries all over the world
Amarachi Ikeji Photography is a fine-art wedding photographer who has “dedicated her life to studying all things fashion, interior design, and elegant imagery which allows her the perfect eye for the smallest details”
Takes on a limited number of wedding each year in New York City, Philadelphia, and Europe
Amy Anaiz Photography is an intimate portrait and editorial wedding photographer who is “keeon on creating beautiful, joyous, and heartfelt imagery that tells a story”
Shoots weddings and engagements — along with family, social, and editorial photos — all over the world
Woman-run photography boutique, Anée Atelier, focuses on editorial-inspired images and “knowing how to influence a moment with a graceful, unobtrusive presence”
Shoots weddings, social events, and engagement photos all over the world
Kesha of Kesha Lambert Photography, an award winning member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association, believes in “carving out time to learn about the people that we work with and seeking out opportunities to connect with them and their history”
Shoots weddings, engagements, events, and portraits both in New York and across the globe
Linda of Linda McQueen Photography was born in Haiti, speaks fluent Creole and French, loves multicultural weddings, and “commits to 30 weddings a year to provide a wonderful client experience”
Based in New York and has documented weddings in Jamaica, Mexico, Bahamas, and elsewhere
Petronella Photography is an award-winning international wedding and marriage proposal studio that “specializes in helping multicultural, interracial, interfaith and mixed couples celebrate their love in a modern way”
Based in the New York area, Philadelphia, and Washington DC; photographs weddings all over the world
Kalechi Noel, founder of Luxor Wedding Films, boasts an MFA in directing and storytelling which contributes to his cinematic style when producing unique and memorable wedding films
Captures and produces “Hollywood-style” wedding films in New York (side note: wife, Linda McQueen is also on our list under photography)
This sleek all-white venue (including gorgeous white marble floors) is the perfect spot to project your dream event, from weddings and birthday parties to baby showers and dinner parties
We adore how endlessly customizable J Loft is, allowing you to infuse your personal style
Hosts love the friendly and flexible owners of this chic space
Owner of Brooklyn Chop House, Robert “Don Pooh” Cummins (a former music executive) pays tribute to his former close friend Biggie Smalls by honoring him throughout his restaurant space – while combining traditional chop and cantonese cuisine
Perfect for small wedding receptions, birthday dinners, and more; party hosts laud their attentive service
Grace Odogbili, owner of Dining with Grace — an elegant African caterer — draws raves for her beautiful and creative dishes as well as her giving community spirit (helping feed homeless families in NYC)
With eclectic menus spanning from Pan African fare to Mediterranean and Caribbean dishes, this caterer is perfect for weddings, corporate events, and more
A focus on nutritious, flavorful, and sustainable cuisine makes Harvest & Revel a unique and feel-good choice for special event catering
This catering team is skilled at providing delectable fare for weddings, corporate gatherings, birthday parties, anniversaries, and more — and can offer recommendations for venues, floral designers, photographers, and more
Founder Melba Wilson was born and raised in Harlem, and she proudly opened Melba’s Restaurant in the neighborhood she calls home and can often be found greeting customers personally
Book Melba’s Catering to provide American comfort food for your gathering for 10 to 10,000 people, or book one of the restaurant’s private event spaces to enjoy both their food and ambiance
Atlanta-born Chef Antoinette is a classically-trained pastry chef who puts a southern twist on the cakes and treats she produces at Lovely Layers
Chef Antoinette’s attention to detail means that no custom design or over-the-top request is too extravagant, from baby shower cake pops to milestone birthday party cakes
Founder Dana Alexander started her journey by baking her grandmother Snooky’s famous carrot cake recipe, which is still a favorite flavor of customers today
Snooky’s Custom Cakes is known to produce custom cakes and desserts for celebrities, including Madonna and Wendy Williams
Founder Andrea Smith actually founded The Band Method in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago before making her way to New York City where she had previously spent time in New York as a Broadway and band performer
The Band Method takes a unique approach to event entertainment, focused on details like costume changes, custom arrangements and playlists, and more
From fashion, music, performing arts, and so many other industries, Black-owned businesses in NYC have become world-wide trend-setters in their fields, and the events industry is no exception.
Freckled Dragon Entertainment is a DJ and photobooth entertainment company with multiple DJs, MCs, and hosts to choose from who have experience in New York hotspots
Serving the New York Tri-State area, this team’s modern photobooths include custom décor that mixes furniture, art and more
Honey+Vinyl with their tagline “Your story, Our sound” uses your personal stories to create the perfect event soundtrack spanning international song choices
These performers are set apart by their deep experience in driving nostalgia and creating the perfect mood for every situation
MikeMusic is named for its eponymous founder who took on the nickname when he filled in playing any and all instruments as needed for a merengue band (whereas others were named for their particular instrument, he played them all)
Mike’s wide-ranging musical experiences and interests make for a DJ who’s able to create any mood for any type of celebration
As the owner, Dami focuses on creating luxury custom invitations for weddings, engagement parties, and celebrations of all kinds, as well as stationery, menus, paper goods, and gifting
By Dami Studios is located in Harlem, but the team can work with clients via email no matter where they are located
Perusing the wedding and event vendors on this list is a great first step. Explore their creative work and beautiful locales by clicking through to their PartySlate profiles. Click the “heart” icon to save your favorites and reach out for more information right from this article through “contact vendor” or “contact venue.”
New York wedding venues set your happy day against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis. One of the most beloved cities in the world, visitors and New Yorkers alike appreciate the sights and sounds of the vibrant, historic setting that is New York City. It boasts deep-rooted history, yet constantly evolves and embraces modernity.
When it comes to events, the city astounds in its ability to offer tailored, curated experiences for every individual. Many choose to celebrate their wedding in the city that never sleeps because there are countless opportunities, endless possibilities, and New York wedding venues galore.
With venues for every taste and style, the big apple is the quintessential place to create an unforgettable celebration, boasting more party venues than it has storied nicknames. PartySlate’s curated list of NYC wedding venues will help you choose the perfect urban locale for your perfect day.
Our list of wedding venues in New York has the best options for lovers of culture or nature, iconic New York experiences, luxurious hotel settings, hip and historic hotels, beautiful transformable loft spaces, chic spaces with unique features, waterfront locales, special spots outside the city limits, and even newly-opened New York wedding venues that you haven’t heard of — yet.
Read on to find your perfect wedding venue in New York.
Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the Metropolitan Opera House is known for its larger-than-life performances and events.
As one of the top attractions in NY, visitors are taken with the beautiful, historic architecture and unforgettable experiences, making this a top wedding venue in New York.
Positioned above the distinguished Museum of Arts and Design, Robert is the perfect fusion of trend and sophistication.
Guests enjoy Chef Gonzalo Colin’s culinary creations while looking out over the beautiful Central Park and Columbus Circle.
Robert offers three event spaces: The Theater, The Main Dining Room, and The 7th Floor, each with maximum standing capacities of 143, 250, and 180, respectively.
Past clients repeatedly praise this venue, describing it as “a magical space with premier service,” making it a wedding venue in New York perfect for discerning couples.
As one of the world’s most famous zoos, Central Park Zoo is a beautiful wedding venue in New York situated within some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Reviewers love the intimate, welcoming feel of this outdoor venue.
Central Park Zoo offers elegant tenting and natural scenery with a sprawling view of the Midtown Skyline.
There are five different spaces available: The Rainbow Room, The Gallery, The Private Dining Room, Bar SixtyFive, and the Outdoor Terrace each with a capacity of 300, 60, 25, 190, 85, respectively. Clients are able to book multiple spaces for one event.
Gotham Hall is located in a landmark building that used to be the Greenwich Savings Bank — and its rich design elements make it clear that you’re celebrating in an iconic NYC space
The Midtown event space boasts 17,500 square feet of unique event areas, from its Grand Ballroom‘s 70-foot ceiling and ornate stained-glass skylight to its more intimate Lounge with its own
Couples rave about Gotham Hall‘s grandeur, stunning architectural details, and attentive staff
Gotham Hall features four event spaces from its truly grand Grand Ballroom to its intimate Oak Room that can accommodate celebrations for 50 to 900 guests
Centrally located on the Upper West Side, New-York Historical Society is the perfect spot to create your own personal history
We love how the opportunity to do a wedding at the New-York Historical Society not only comes with stunning spaces, but also a good deed, as the proceeds from their event rentals go towards the museum and its programming
We especially love the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library with its towering ceiling and dramatic columns lending additional emotional heft and grandeur to your wedding
New-York Historical Society has a staggering 10 event spaces to choose from; Go for courtyard intimate events for 30 or big bashes for up to 450 of your closest friends (which, with a combination of spaces can rise to 600 guests)
As one of Downtown Manhattan’s luxury boutique hotels, Soho Grand Hotel captures the industrial vibe of SoHo from the 70s with the luxury of the 1870s Gilded Age.
Soho Grand Hotel reviewers love how this pet-friendly hotel boasts experienced staff, gorgeous décor, and an acclaimed whiskey menu at the Grand Bar
This boutique venue features a permanent collection of unique artwork from some of the most renowned names in the art world, making it a stand-out choice of New York wedding venues.
See how this couple (and their photographer) took advantage of the hotel’s prime location for artistic and creative shots against the city backdrop
Eight event spaces are available at Soho Grand Hotel, including both indoor and outdoor spaces with capacities for up to 250 guests
Near Hudson Yards, the state-of-the-art space at Lavan 541 offers innovative immersive experiences
Projection-mapping at Lavan 541 allows for a wedding against an ever-changing backdrop, transporting guests from one scene to another
See how this creative hybrid wedding made use of the space to allow virtual guests to attend, as well as give in-person guests an unforgettable experience
The all-white, transformable space at Lavan 541 can accommodate up to 350 guests
SECOND. is a premier NY event space with spectacular service and culinary expertise.
SECOND. is completely transformable and provides end-to-end production service.
SECOND. offers various event spaces, allowing clients to rent one room or the entire floor, a high degree of flexibility for a wedding venue in New York.
Located in the Seagram Building, these two individual restaurants, THE GRILL | THE POOL, are known for their modern, yet ageless feel.
This venue has earned praise for its “great food and ambiance.”
Events at THE GRILL | THE POOL are scalable as clients are able to book individual rooms in one of the two restaurants or book both restaurants in full.
The Crystal Plaza has multiple event spaces, including The Grand Ballroom, The Gardens, The Living Room, The Salon, and The Private Suites with capacities of up to 400 guests.
Located in Englewood New Jersey, SPACE Events is a jack-of-all-trades offering event planning, design, production, and entertainment services along with the venue.
SPACE Events amasses rave reviews for its electric atmosphere and detail-oriented in-house team.
SPACE Events provides an amazing creative team that helps bring design ideas to life.
Celebrate Snug Harbor features lush, picturesque botanical gardens that are worth the short trip
We love that Celebrate Snug Harbor has so many spaces to choose from, meaning you could say your “I dos” flanked by water-lily-filled ponds before your garden cocktails between bamboo and a pagoda then have your reception in a grand ballroom or tented pavilion
Couples rave about the high level of personal service Celebrate Snug Harbor offers, noting the staff’s attention to detail, genuine helpfulness, and patience
Don’t miss how this charming wedding made beautiful use of the grounds for perfect photos and the Great Hall Ballroom for a chic reception; or how this fall wedding brought even more bright florals to the garden then filled the tent with a dance-all-night reception
Celebrate Snug Harbor features six spaces for up to 350 of your closest friends and family
74Wythe has a storied history; once a factory and then a nightclub, the space has been recreated as a staggering 15,000 square-foot event space — one of the newest and most flexible New York wedding venues.
74Wythe is situated in the hip Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg among boutique hotels, craft breweries, and more.
Our favorite space is The Rooftop at 74Wythe; we adore its unexpected entrance experience plus unobstructed Manhattan skyline views and a retractable glass pergola for all-season use.
74Wythe offers six event spaces spanning three stories which can accommodate intimate gatherings from 10 to 15, as well as bashes for 400.
PartySlate is also here to connect you with a talented team of event professionals to fulfill your wedding wishes.
Start by locating your perfect New York wedding planner. Our curated selection of top wedding planners in NYC will make it easy for you to narrow down your options, view their photos from past weddings, and contact them directly to hire them for your special celebration.
In addition to PartySlate, your wedding planner will be a resource for the selection of every member of your wedding team. Your planner will have a vendor network and an in-depth understanding of the style of wedding you envision.
In addition to a wedding planner, you’ll secure a top New York wedding photographer. We recommend starting your search by browsing the digital portfolios from multiple New York wedding photographers. This will give you a sense for which professionals will best match your style.
As you find wedding vendors you like, you can save them to your “favorites” on PartySlate by clicking the heart icon on their profiles. You can also reach out directly to each vendor right from PartySlate.
The memories from your wedding day — set against the splendor of The Big Apple — will last forever. Ask any New York couple. From exchanging vows to celebrating with friends and family, your wedding day is bound to be one of the most meaningful days of your life.
As you get whisked from moment to moment — and guest to guest — you will want to soak up every conversation and heartfelt look. After all, there are too many precious moments to spend worrying about logistics or troubleshooting roadblocks.
The memories from your wedding day — set against the splendor of The Big Apple — will last forever.”
Planning a wedding is no easy task. The best NYC wedding planners, however, are accustomed to the bustle of this dynamic city they call home. Without a doubt, they are designers, producers, and counselors rolled into one. They anticipate obstacles with strategic thinking. They save the day (as obstacles inevitably occur) with their flexible mindset and solutions-oriented approach.
Hiring one of the best wedding planners in New York ensures that your dream celebration is tailored to your unique vision as well as flawlessly produced. It also guarantees that you can enjoy every moment of your wedding — without worrying about scheduling (or New York traffic delays), mishaps, or vendor negotiations.
Keep reading to discover the 29 best NYC wedding planners on PartySlate who know how to plan a beautiful and romantic wedding celebration. It’s time to put your dream celebration — set against the dramatic beauty of NYC — in the right hands.
What we Love: With 400+ weddings under her belt, Ali Barone’s goal is to make the planning process as seamless as possible. Ali Barone Events will make your dreams come true through their design and exceptional service while using their connections to the very best in the business.
What to Know: “Ali Barone Events has been described as the ultimate ‘secret planning weapon,’ ‘wedding fairy godmother,’ ‘Mitzvah maven,’ and respected ‘go-to’ by industry icons and clients alike looking for creative collaborations on extraordinary weddings and events, Owner and Creative Director Ali Barone shares.
What to See: “This beautifully designed and executed event really reflected our sophisticated and fun clients who love NYC,” Barone tells us. “360 degree video mapping of the NYC skyline, complete with buildings rising up from the floor to ‘Empire State of Mind,’ transformed the space for a truly memorable afterparty experience that truly wowed guests.”
What we Love: We love how this luxe wedding and event planning company puts the client at the heart of each event, going above and beyond to fulfill (and exceed) every vision. Amy Katz Events is renowned for their professionalism, knowledge, flexibility, and so much more.
What to Know: “We are there to hold our client’s hand throughout the planning process, starting from the consultation until the last song of the wedding,” President & Founder Amy Katz shares. “We are available day and night, and are flexible and accessible, going above and beyond to exceed our client’s expectations and visions.” She goes on to say, “We truly value what each vendor brings to the table and see ourselves as the conductor, ensuring that the orchestra performs flawlessly.”
What to See: This picture-perfect wedding at the Plaza is something to see. Katz says, “Nicole and KJ had an incredible love story that started when they were in high school,” Katz tells us. “From the start, we knew that Nicole’s excellent eye for details would develop into a picture perfect wedding. We truly enjoyed watching this amazing couple show off their sweet, soulmate love as they danced the night away with smiles that brightened up the entire room.”
PartySlate Note: don’t miss our summer-chic Hamptons launch party produced by Amy Katz Events with an eye toward white and gold glamour, unique performers, and a dreamy night scene we still reminisce about.
What we Love: From Broadway opening nights to social events, this team creates celebrations that wow with elegance and whimsy. We love how Apotheosis Events is able to beautifully express each host’s personality and taste.
What to Know: CEO Ryan Hill explains how Apotheosis Events has “a uniquely theatrical commitment to creativity, a surgical level of logistical precision, and an intuitive awareness described as ‘extrasensory.’” He goes on to tell us, “These core ingredients define Apotheosis. From big picture strategies to the tiniest of details, we provide an unparalleled level of care and an entirely bespoke experience from beginning to end.”
What to See: “Caraline and Craig’s wedding day epitomized autumn romance in New York, from their sacred vows at a historic community church built in 1849 to the al fresco photo session in Madison Square Park, and finally culminating at their grand reception inside the storied University Club,” Hill says. “Everything felt as beautiful and exhilarating as the crisp fall air.”
What to Know:ASE, Amanda Savory Events is an experienced event agency. The team is skilled at producing stunning and memorable events through a process of cultivating relationships with their clients, advocating for their client’s individual style, and accomplishing seamless gatherings — making them one of the best wedding planners in New York.
What to See: This “Camp Disco” wedding provides a great example of how the ASE team creates totally unique celebrations that express the personalities of the couples they work with. For example, this wedding featured a clear Chuppah bedecked in soft pink roses followed by a reception that mixed elegant crystal chandeliers with fun disco balls.
What we Love: We appreciate how this full-service planning, design, and production team curates luxurious events worldwide through their strong network of international vendors. Colin Cowie Lifestyle’s five-senses approach to design means that guests will have an immersive and memorable experience.
What to Know: “While we love to produce fabulous weddings, we are most known for the fun of our events,” Founder and CEO Colin Cowie share. “We begin with your ‘DNA’ and apply our five-senses approach from concept through completion to ensure every detail tells your unique story with style. By acting as both the composer and conductor, we orchestrate the most fun—and truly unforgettable—productions.”
What to See: “Inspired by Amangiri’s contemporary cement structures and undulating desert landscape, we designed a ceremony with only two elements: mirror and sunset-toned floral,” Cowie tells us. “For dinner, we projected deep reds, purples, and oranges on the surrounding mountains and filled the space with thousands of candles for a natural yet ultra-glamorous final look.”
What we Love: We love how Daughter of Design takes inspiration from contemporary fashion, art, and interior design to create timeless events with “cultural accuracy.” Their celebrations — be it a wedding or corporate gala — wow with creativity and exquisite design.
What to Know: “Daughter of Design caters to a discerning clientele and draws creative inspiration from the worlds of fashion, art, and interior design for timely yet timeless designs,” Principal Planner and Founder Annie Lee tells us. “Particular about the particulars, Daughter of Design’s goal is that the wedding is as beautiful IRL as it is on camera.”
What to See: “It’s not everyday you get to plan a wedding on a 270 ft yacht and cruise around the Amalfi Coast,” Lee explains. “We created a 6 day program for the 30 closest friends and family that ended on the lesser known Italian island of Ischia where 100 guests joined the wedding celebration. #unforgettable.”
What toKnow: Director of Production Sanket Patel of David Monn tells us,”Striving to bring balance and harmony to every creation, David is guided by three core principles: Authenticity—the truth or purpose for the occasion; Scale—the context and proportion of the event; Detail—every element must help to tell the story.”
What to See: Patel describes this event as “a very refined Parisian-inspired evening.” He goes on to say, “Using the Plaza’s French Architecture, we created the ultimate experience of New York’s gilded elegance.”
What to Know: “We approach each wedding as a personal story brought to life,” Chief Creative Officer David Stark of David Stark Design and Production tells us. “Creative innovation is in our DNA, and we pride ourselves on craftsmanship, whimsy, and singular ideas that elevate the typical wedding experience to the realm of art.” He goes on to share, “We embark on the planning journey with our clients as esteemed professionals, and we end it as the dearest of friends.”
What to See: “For this intimate, late-October wedding on the beach, fifty of the bride and groom’s closest friends and family gathered for a loving ceremony in-the-round,” Stark shares. “Inspired by the extraordinary home and magnificent, natural setting, the pandemic served as a poignant reminder of the importance of celebrating life’s significant milestones – safely.”
What we Love: We admire JoAnn’s capability to create exquisite and unique events around the world. With a keen eye for design and exceptional customer service, it’s no wonder why Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli was recently recognized as the Top 25 Most Influential Wedding Planners in the world.
What to Know: “My approach in planning a wedding is getting to know the couple on a personal level,” Owner JoAnn Gregoli shares. “I love to make it about the couple and focusing on the little details that make it their own. I also like to take the guests on a journey and make it all about the guest experience, adding in elements of surprise along the way.”
What to See: “This rustic barn wedding was truly one of my favorites, since it was held at the family farm,” Gregoli tells us. I was able to incorporate so many personal details into this wedding that made it memorable for me and guests.” She goes on to say, “Loved including their antique collection and using the family donkey in my decor and design. Transforming the training ring into a wedding space was stunning.”
What we Love: We love how this New York-based event planner creates tailored weddings with wow-worthy designs — all while taking the stress out of the planning process. Elle Audrey New York curates stunning sensory events that capture the unique personality of each client.
What to Know: “No matter the scale, I’ve always taken pride in creating one-of-a-kind events that are tailored to my brides’ individual personalities, yet tasteful and classic,” Founder Lauren Dickens of Elle Audrey New York shares. “A wedding is a transformative journey..We’re not just planner and client; we’re great friends.”
What to See: “The floral tunnel was my favorite party of this timeless wedding, Dickens reveals. “As guests arrived they entered the tunnel and were welcomed by a string quartet and signature cocktails. It was a very fabulous experience for myself, the client, and their guests.”
What toKnow: Founded by event luminary, Harriette Rose Katz, Gourmet Advisory Services boasts more than 35 years of experience in providing full-service event production and a deep network of vendor relationships. This team collaborates with each other and their clients to create luxurious, one-of-a-kind celebrations.
What to See: This unique museum wedding is an all-white ode to winter glam, with its creative and generous use of alabaster orchids and sparkling details. Meanwhile, the undulating lighting scheme and custom dance floor evoke the movement of water, making for a sight all guests will remember.
PartySlate Note: don’t miss our company’s 4th anniversary party which Gourmet Advisory Services planned with perfect attention-to-detail and branded moments galore.
What we Love: We love how this talented team of event producers, with over 13 years of event design and planning experience, makes their clients’ events memorable through an attention to detail and creativity. Based in New York and Miami, Guerdy Design believes that your event should let your personality shine through.
What to Know: Owner and Stylist Guerdy Abraira describes Guerdy Design as “Timeless with a Twist! ” She goes to say, “We pride ourselves in the ability to translate our client’s aesthetic into the conceptual design. We love to push our clients to think beyond the norm but always edit with the assessment of “will we still love this design in 10-20 years?” If that is debatable, we go back to the drawing board.”
What to See: “I chose this micro wedding because it was such an intimate affair being held in the groom’s childhood home (backyard),” Abraira tells us. “It was during covid, so the fact that the bride and groom decided that “love can’t wait” was heart-warming. Plus, they went above and beyond to take all necessary precautionary measures to ensure a safe event.”
What toKnow: Jennifer Zabinski Events boasts a responsive team who acts as your friend and advocate throughout the planning process. They know that the most unique and memorable celebrations are a result of a trusting collaborative relationship — and their work shows that this approach produces highly-personal, gorgeous gatherings.
What to See: This glorious fall wedding features chic pastel florals arranged in stunning, creative installations. Make sure to see how the sky and effusive flowing blooms create an organic ceiling over the beautiful affair.
What we Love: Jennifer and teams bring extensive knowledge to the event industry. We love that Kraft Events can bring your dreams to life from their seamless customer service and outstanding attention to detail for each and every client.
What to Know: “We collaborate with our clients to produce weddings that truly reflect their aesthetic and who they are as a couple,” Owner and President Jennifer Kraft shares. “We spend a tremendous amount of time methodically building and creating custom environments that often include unique guest event experiences. We succeed in making each of our luxurious celebrations truly memorable and distinctive.”
What to See: “This spectacular destination wedding on Necker Island included a 5 day experience with lemurs, tortoises, themed dinners, fireworks, and boat rides on the gorgeous BVI waters,” Kraft tells us. “Kraft Events’ superb detailing of the production, design elements, entertainment, and challenging travel logistics for all made this event one of our most memorable!
What we Love: Brilliantly fresh and savvy, Leslie Mastin is an expert in everything from incredibly personal wedding celebrations to global fetes. We love that her celebrations are works of art.
What to Know: Leslie Mastin Events is a skilled matchmaker, matching couples with their perfect slate of vendors and guiding them through every step of the process to create an event that is uniquely theirs. Mastin’s events tell memorable stories that people talk about long after.
What to See: This whimsical Brooklyn wedding is filled with vibrant hues, a unique wedding arch unlike any we’ve seen, blooms frozen in ice installations, monogrammed cocktail ice cubes, and creative entertainment moments galore.
What to Know: “Lindsay Landman Events offers a uniquely holistic approach to planning and design,” President and Creative Director Lindsay Landman explains. “With a full in-house floral design studio and custom stationery studio, we are able to offer unparalleled continuity in design strategy and thinking, marrying it seamlessly to our thoughtful logistical approach.”
What to See: “This at-home wedding proved that you can create a fun, warm, exciting + beautiful wedding at any size,” Landman shares. “After LLE designer Jen + her husband Jake had to reschedule their big celebration multiple times because of COVID-19, they opted for a wedding at home, but no stone was left unturned. So much detail + so much love defined this magical evening.”
What we Love: We love how this luxury event planning and design firm, located in New York City,creates a seamless planning process (with the help of the newest technologies) to create a stunning weddings and events all over the globe. LLG Events continuously captures our imagination with their opulent designs and sensory experiences.
What to Know: “What makes our company so unique is the bi-lateral approach we have – we are both the wedding planners and the wedding designers,” Founder, Principal Planner, and Designer Lauren Grech tells us. “Offering these two types of services allows us to be fully integrated into the wedding planning process from the event management perspective and the designer perspective.”
What to See: “A seven day destination wedding in Bora Bora was one of the highlights of my career,” Grech shares. “We pushed ourselves creatively by designing an overwater lunch where guests were able to eat while sitting in the water. It was truly an experiential, once in a lifetime experience for myself and the guests.”
What to Know: “Marcy Blum Associates are an internationally sought after event planning & entertaining experts who — with 30 years experience — craft events with sanity, humor, innovation and style,” President and Owner Marcy Blum shares. “With attention to detail and flair for the unimaginable, we create events that stimulate the senses and awe guests while creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for clients.”
What to See: “Nate and I had been friends for many years when he met and became engaged to Jeremiah who became my friend as well,” Blum tells us. “Nate is a wonderful, talented, and kind person. Prior to marrying Jeremiah, he had tragically lost his long time partner Fernando in the tsunami. To be a part of this celebration of the possibilities that love can bring was joyous.”
What to Know: Matthew Robbins Design is an event production firm with a strong focus on design. Their collaborative process prioritizes getting to know each client’s aesthetic to create the most personal celebration possible with attention to every little detail.
What to See: See this destination wedding in Cartagena to experience a colorful celebration in a unique setting that kept guests engaged with location-specific performers all evening. Even the images from this party embody pure joy.
What we Love: Michelle Rago Destinations is a New York City-based event planning professional known for her tasteful celebrations around the globe. We love Michelle Rago for her willingness to take on new challenges and new locations when planning the most perfect and unique destination event — building an extensive vendor list in the process.
What to Know: Founder Michelle Rago and her team have produced and designed events as far-flung as New Delhi and the Cote d’Azur and, of course, from coast to coast on the continental United States. “Team Rago will oversee and execute every aspect of your event to not only ensure it unfolds smoothly, but to allow you to fully engage in hosting your own party,” says Rago.
What to See: This destination wedding in Como, Lombardy, Italy featured luscious trees on one side and Lake Como on the other. The couple exchanged vows at the end of a grassy aisle lined with lavender liriope, followed by a candlelit dinner at white tables decorated with peaches and vibrant florals. The evening ended sweetly with Italian gelato beneath a sky illuminated with fireworks.
What to Know: “I spend lots of time getting to know my clients, and my parties are a complete reflection of them,” Owner Norma Cohen of Norma Cohen Productions shares.
What to See: “This jewel-toned floral wedding was a masterpiece of art,” Cohen says. “The client wanted to transform a New York City ballroom into Big Sur — and we were able to accomplish that. Years later and guests are STILL talking about this event.”
What to Know: “Our goal is to develop long-lasting relationships with our clients through listening and learning their priorities,” CEO Andrea Adelstein of NYLUX Events shares. “Our focus is to place each couple at the center of our planning process, and we are with them from concept to execution,” She goes on to say, “Our mission is to curate a one-of-a-kind wedding experience where your story and style are front and center.”
What to See: “Rustic yet luscious, this Aspen ranch wedding was produced in just three weeks,” Adelstein says. “We were inspired by the surrounding beauty of the Colorado mountains, resulting in a spectacular Chuppah for the outdoor ceremony and gorgeous décor inside the reception barn. We were elated to able to safely bring together family and friends during the pandemic.”
What we Love: We love how Pejy Kash Events creates exquisite events with impeccable taste for clients across the globe. Their celebrations are highly customized and designed to cater to each of his client’s taste, ensuring every moment shines to its fullest.
What to Know: “The way that we approach event planning and design is to start with a connection with the family with whom we are working,” Creative Director Pejy Kash tells us. “We believe that no two parties are the same, and the only way to make a party special is to make it personal.”
What to See: “This particular bride and groom trusted us with every detail and aspect of the event — from choice of venue to the entire floral and decor,” Kash shares. “They were completely in the dark about what we were planning, until they were surprised on the day of the event.”
What to Know: “The birth and name of Premini Events was rooted in my brother’s middle name Prem and my sister’s middle name Padmini (combined to make Premini),” Founder and CEO Elizabeth Priya Kumar shares. “Prem in Hindi means love, and mini means little. All you need is a little love in life, and that is the sole root of why we do what we do. Because we love… LOVE.”
“What to See: “With less than six months to plan a 700 person, three day event in Kansas City, Missouri, our team knew that the peak of creativity, logistics, and vendor selection had to be at the utmost level of detail,” Kumar tells us. “With a week long of production set up — from rigging, draping, lighting, carpeting, and floral installations — this three-day whirlwind wedding stunned us.”
What we Love: This team, led by icon and tastemaker Bryan Rafanelli, consistently wows us with their creativity and breadth of events. Their custom approach and attention to detail conjures inspired celebrations that evoke emotion every time (and make them one of the top NYC wedding planners).
What to Know: The driving force behind Rafanelli Events secret to success? It’s simple (and yet so many miss it): they listen. The team connects with their clients to learn who they are and what matters most to them to produce highly-personal celebrations; as their tagline says, “the best event we’ve ever done is going to be yours.”
What to See: From its dazzling white aisle and pastel pink and green accents, this gorgeous outdoor NY wedding stuns with rich details. Don’t miss the luxe draped clear tented reception (with its totally unique place cards), creative lighting, and after-party that had guest making memories until dawn.
What to Know: “SJS Events is a full service event planning company based in NYC, and we specialize in South Asian Weddings,” Founder and CEO Sonal J. Shah shares. “No request is too small or too large for our team. Not only do we plan the minute-by-minute production schedule for all the vendors, but we also cater to our couples’ family and guests with our ‘white glove concierge’ service.”
What to See: “The ‘Emerald Green Wedding’ has become a social media sensation,” Shah reveals. “This was a multi-day production to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our couple’s Reception at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City. Over 30 difference vendors worked hand in hand to bring this fantasy to life.”
What we Love: New York City and Miami-based event planner Jeff Stillwell is regarded for planning events in some of NYC’s most iconic venues over the last 20 years. We love Stillwell Events for tailoring events for his clients so that every celebration is personalized to perfection.
What to Know: “With over 20 years executing luxury events in the most prestigious and iconic venues in New York, we’ve accumulated a vast amount of knowledge regarding every aspect of events — while developing a superb and sophisticated event style and design,” Founder and Creative Director Jeff Stillwell shares.
What to See: “I’ve always had this enormous love for the ‘Old World New York City Glamorous Weddings Era;” Stillwell tells us. “So, I researched a design style often used for formal dinners back in the gilded age when the Metropolitan Club was founded in 1891, then gave it a modern twist.” He goes on to say, “Guests at this classic old-world New York wedding were greeted to this magical 1930s styled ‘X Table’ design.”
What we Love: We love how Victoria Dubin Events prioritizes open communication, collaboration, and a methodical timeline to create exquisite, custom celebrations. Victoria Dubin’s innate style and strong industry connections distinguish her as a top New York event planner.
What to Know: “Victoria Dubin Events has built an innovative event planning company based on the approach that each and every affair will be a personal reflection of the client,” Owner Victoria Dubin tells us. “We pride ourselves in staying ahead in the event industry trends — constantly looking for new, unique, and creative ideas to inspire, surprise, and delight.”
What to See: “This grand wedding took place at a venue where the bride spent her childhood years,” says Dubin. “The vision was to transform the grounds into a romantic, etherial, summer residence reminiscent of the 1900’s estate. The ceremony was on the vast patio terrace surrounded by hundred-year-old trees. A magnificent, enchanted tented dinner and dancing reception followed.”
What we Love: We appreciate how YSD Events brings innovative design and elevated taste to every event — be it a wedding, product launch, or private dinner. Based in both New York City and Palm Beach, this talented team draws rave reviews for their listening skills, responsiveness, and extensive network.
What to Know: “With our backgrounds in fashion, public relations, and event production, we approach each event as an opportunity to showcase the unexpected,” Founders Justin Scalzo and Brad Frey of YSD Events tell us. “We focus on planning through an experiential lens; which means that giving your guests an experience that is unique and one that they will never forget is of utmost importance.”
What to See: “This New Year’s Eve 2020 wedding was especially important to us as it was one of our first events to occur during the pandemic,” Scalzo and Frey share. “We brought in a fully-licensed medical team that Covid tested each and every guest and staff member on-site. This created an environment in which our clients and their guests were able to celebrate together safely.”
PartySlate Note: also see this experiential dinner party for Vera Wang that YSD co-hosted with PartySlate; its unique dinner-in-the-round layout and all-white décor stuns.
PartySlate’s editorial team takes great care when curating reliable lists to help you plan any type of event, from weddings and birthday parties to corporate events and galas.
We create our “Best” lists utilizing proprietary PartySlate data, as well as reviews, honors, professional speaking engagements, and more. It’s a combination of art and science designed to help you hire the best team and create your perfect celebration.
Next Steps on PartySlate:
In addition to finding the best NYC wedding planners, PartySlate is here to help you find your entire team of NYC wedding vendors. Head to our curated directory to find everything from florists and photographers to caterers and entertainment companies. You can also click on the following NYC wedding vendors:
You can also discover the perfect nyc venue for your celebration — be it a wedding, milestone celebration, gala, or corporate event — here.
Lastly, you can use PartySlate to discover top inspiration and creative ideas for your wedding. Browse real event albums or head to the Idea Gallery to find stunning ideas for everything from wedding florals and dance floors to invitations and catering.
Eating delicious cuisine just got a whole lot easier. While parties and milestone events slowly return (and outdoor dining remains a blustery affair), 8 of New York City’s top caterers are offering their exclusive catering menus for pickup or delivery.
Staring in April, Wafels & Dinges began adapting to the ‘new normal’ by offering normally-catered meals to families. Shaivi, Director of Sukhadia Caterers, told us, “The recent situation has pushed us to come up with creative ideas. We are doing all of this by staying safe, keeping our staff safe, and exercising as much caution as possible.” Meanwhile, President Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs discovered new ways to assist the community with a Stay-At-Home Market offering the finest quality groceries.
Some catering companies even found ways to bring their meals to those one front lines. Kayla Castellano, Senior Events Sales Manager of CxRA, told us how their chefs are busy preparing meals for city healthcare workers. As one nurse said, “I am obsessed with everything you’ve given us . . . Food is so important and I am SO grateful for all of the vegetables and nutrition you are giving us, especially at a time when we’re all trying to stay healthy.” Those words still ring true today, even as we are evolving past lockdown.
While we are happy that we aren’t in the same restrictive position we were then, eating at home still holds appeal as the temperatures are still low in most of the country and the vaccine rollout is still in its early stages.
So whether you put on a cocktail dress for a virtual Zoom dinner party with friends — or don a pair of comfy pajamas for a gourmet-take on the traditional TV dinner — check out these 8 New York catering companies. It’s not every day that you get to eat like you’re at a Black-Tie event.
*In no particular order…
Art of Eating Catering
photo courtesy of Art of Eating Catering
“The Art of Eating In” catering to-go menu “perfectly suited for two or more people and includes items to stock in your freezer, groceries & other essentials”
Available for pick up and delivery to your doorstep throughout the Hamptons, Shelter Island, and North Fork
Additionally, Art of Eating Catering has launched EAThampton — a Socially-Appropriate Drive Through Supper Club — which will take place every Thursday and Friday evening in Bridgehampton
CxRA is now offering a customized guest experience with “CxRA to Go” boxes that are available for everything from virtual cooking classes and happy hour cocktails to boxed lunches and sit-down dinners
15,000-square-foot kitchen allows staff to follow recommended guidelines for distancing in the workspace, with all staff retrained on food safety procedures
Elegant Affairs Catering is offering “The Party Box Collection” for catering-to-go that includes sumptuous offerings like Surf & Turf, Winter Spread, and Smokehouse Box
Also offering à la carte options that range from “parmesan crusted chicken breast entrée” to “grilled asparagus, portobellos, & cartelized red onions”
Offering contactless delivery to Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Hamptons, and Long Island with dishes like mushroom barley soup, salmon nicoise, and short ribs
All menu items are individually-packed and labeled.
Place orders by 4PM for delivery next day between 10AM to 6PM. We will contact you to advise of a specified timeframe for your delivery.
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