The stereotype is that the bride plans the wedding, and the groom goes along for the ride. In this case, the opposite was true. Most of the details at this utterly fabulous Lotos Club wedding were planned by the groom.

Michael, as Jennifer told us, “has a powerful vision for everything he touches, sees, or experiences.”

What a vision!

They held their wedding reception at the Lotos Club, one of the oldest literary clubs in NYC. The French Renaissance-style building was originally constructed in 1900 as a wedding gift for one of William Vanderbilt’s granddaughters. Every detail at Jennifer and Michael’s wedding riffed on the baroque style of the architecture.

Franz James Floral created the dramatic white and green floral centerpieces and a cascading garland on the banner of the main staircase. The incredible, asymmetrical wedding cake by Ron-Ben Israel was festooned with white flowers and gold embellishments to match the centerpieces and the ornate plaster and wood carvings throughout the club. The food included a towering shellfish buffet and extravagant hors d’oeuvres like blinis with caviar.

Sometimes, elaborately formal occasions can be intimidating or perhaps a bit stuffy. Jennifer and Michael’s wedding, though, was anything but that. It was a riotous party, filled with laughter, dancing, and music — in fact, many of the musicians were old friends and relatives of the bride and groom.

I have a feeling that this is exactly what Michael’s vision was all about. He designed the wedding to offer his and Jennifer’s friends and family a beautiful gift: the gift of an unforgettable experience.

A Real September Early Fall Wedding Timeline at the Lotos Club NYC
1:00 pm Bride getting ready, St. Regis Hotel, 2 E 55th St, New York, NY
1:45 pm Groom getting ready at home.
2:15 pm Bride departs for church
2:30 pm Groom departs for church
3:15 pm Bride puts on dress in Sacristy at St. John the Divine
3:20 pm Signing of marriage license
3:30 pm Ceremony, St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
5:30 pm Portraits, St. John the Divine, and Conservatory Garden, Central Park
5;30 pm Cocktail hour, Lotos Club, First floor: Tennyson Room, members lounge, and foyer, 5 E 66th St, New York, NY
6:15 pm Bride and groom arrive at Lotos Club; shoot bride changing into reception dress/hair & makeup touch-ups
6:30 pm Reception, Lotos Club, Second floor: Ballroom, Foyer, and library
9:45 pm pm First Dance, 2cd Floor foyer
9:55 pm After Party, Lotos Club, Basement: Grill Restaurant
11:00 pm Photography ends

Take a look at a blog post of their stunning wedding ceremony at St. John Divine!

Take a look at a blog post of their stunning wedding ceremony at St. John Divine!

Here are more Lotos Club and NYC weddings!

CREDITS

Hair and Make up: Marcello Costa

Reception Dress: Monique Lhuillier

Shoes: Louboutin

Tux: Desiree Atalia, Alba

Band: Harlem Arts Festival

DJ: Scratch Weddings

Flowers: Franz James Floral Boutique

Venue and Catering: Lotos Club

Cake: Ron-Ben Israel

Groom’s Cake: Cake Alchemy

Wedding Planner: Karen Brown NY

Transportation: Empire CLS and Uber

Macarons: Cakisserie

Jewelry: Fred Leighton