Katlyn and James: A Classic Manhattan Winter Wedding

by Amy Serrago

Katlyn and James met at a Halloween party in TriBeca in Lower Manhattan. Katlyn still gets a chuckle thinking of the Batman costume James wore that night with its fake foam muscles and mask, but says their conversation “was effortless from the start”. After a little over a year of dating, James knew that Katlyn was the one. He proposed to her on a winter day in Central Park, and once she’d said yes, he ushered her into a nearby restaurant where all of their closest friends and family were waiting to celebrate their engagement. Their wedding day began with a traditional Catholic ceremony in the stunning St. Ignacious Loyola church on Park Avenue. Katlyn wrapped her bouquet with her grandmother’s rosary beads as a remembrance and friends participated in the ceremony by offering scripture readings.

Katlyn was a classic beauty in her traditional satin ballgown with its sweetheart neckline and cascading train adorned with satin buttons. For the ceremony, she wanted a more demure look, reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn. So, she added a lace jacket that was custom cut to fit over her dress. She completed her bridal styling with a sleek chignon and a vintage-inspired pair of Mary Janes. Her bridesmaids were elegant in black gowns and all of the ladies carried bouquets of lush florals with eucalyptus accents. Katlyn’s was all white, while her gals’ were spotted with red and deep burgundy. James and his groomsmen were dapper in traditional black tuxedos. As Katlyn put it, it was “a classic black and white wedding”.

The reception decor was absolutely perfect for a metropolitan winter wedding. White roses and hydrangea, studded with greenery and branches were arranged in both short and tall centerpieces, adding drama to the room and brocade table linens enhanced the classically elegant theme. Katlyn says she wanted the beauty of The Harvard Club to shine through, “with dark woods, crimson details, vaulted ceilings, and impressive portraits and busts adorning the walls”, the floral decor complimented the space beautifully. She and James’s favorite part of the night was when they surprised their guests by leading their 22 person wedding party in a flash mob style dance to music from the iconic disco-era film, Saturday Night Fever. A uniquely “Big Apple” moment. Katlyn and James set out to give their guests a New York City experience they would never forget, and they nailed it! Congratulations you two!