New York City is the center for luxury, sophistication, and unforgettable experiences—making it the perfect destination for your wedding weekend. Whether you’re envisioning a classic celebration or want to blend cultural heritage with timeless elegance, a thoughtfully planned weekend ensures your event leaves a lasting impression. Cristina and Eric’s wedding weekend is a perfect example of how to create a seamless, personalized, and stunning celebration in the heart of New York.

From their rooftop welcome party in the city to an enchanting garden ceremony and reception, their weekend perfectly balanced urban chic with natural beauty. Let’s break down how you can plan your ultimate New York wedding weekend, with Cristina and Eric’s celebration as your inspiration.

Why Choose a Summer Wedding in New York City

Summer in New York City offers the best of both worlds: warm weather, vibrant energy, and endless options for your events. The city’s stunning venues, from rooftop spaces to lush gardens, are at their peak, providing a gorgeous backdrop for your celebrations. Cristina and Eric chose summer because it allowed them to combine the glamour of Manhattan with the serene charm of the New York Botanical Garden, creating an unforgettable experience for their guests. Don’t believe me? Check out their exclusive feature in Loverly!

Here are just a few reasons why summer weddings in New York are a top choice for couples:

• Seasonal Beauty: From the vibrant blooms of the Hudson Valley to the glowing city skyline, summer offers unparalleled beauty.
• Guest Experience: Summer provides the perfect weather for outdoor ceremonies, cocktail hours, and al fresco dining experiences.
• Flexibility in Venues: With extended daylight hours, you can maximize your event timeline, capturing every moment.

What Type of Venues to Choose for Your Wedding Weekend

A well-planned wedding weekend offers a variety of experiences for your guests, blending different types of venues to create a high-energy and engaging celebration. Cristina and Eric’s wedding highlighted how you can mix city sophistication with natural elegance.

Rooftop Welcome Party Overlooking the NYC Skyline

Cristina and Eric kicked off their ultimate New York wedding weekend with a chic welcome party at The Crown at Hotel 50 Bowery. This rooftop venue boasts panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, setting the stage for an unforgettable start to the festivities.

The atmosphere was relaxed yet elegant, featuring food stations, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a custom welcome sign reading, “I’ve Been Waiting for You.” Guests, many of whom traveled from out of town, mingled while taking in the iconic skyline at sunset. Cristina and Eric also incorporated family photos during this time, ensuring they spent meaningful moments with loved ones before the big day.

Tips for Hosting a Rooftop Welcome Party:

• Choose a venue with breathtaking views to wow your guests.
• Make sure your wedding photographer is there to capture candid and group photos during golden hour for stunning portraits against the cityscape.
• Opt for a mix of casual and formal elements, such as cocktail attire with passed hors d’oeuvres, to create a welcoming yet elevated vibe.

Ceremony and Reception at the New York Botanical Garden

For their main event, Cristina and Eric selected the iconic New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) in the Bronx. This venue is ideal for couples who want to blend elevated decor with natural beauty. The ceremony took place in the gardens by the Conservatory, where an altar of white roses intertwined with tree branches and greenery perfectly complemented the whimsical garden vibes.

Cristina’s Martina Liana gown, adorned with three-dimensional floral appliques, was a nod to the romantic garden aesthetic. The tented cocktail space was decorated with ivory papel picado banners celebrating Cristina’s Mexican heritage. These banners, featuring the couple’s names, added a personalized touch. Other details included an interactive crossword puzzle about the couple, displayed on a wall of greenery.

After cocktail hour, guests were treated to a formal indoor reception that carried the garden theme throughout. From expansive trees to table numbers tied to Cristina and Eric’s ages, with framed photos, the guests dined overlooking the garden views.

What Makes NYBG Weddings Special:

• The garden offers a variety of ceremony and reception spaces, allowing couples to tailor their day to their vision.
• Its natural beauty enhances your event, requiring minimal additional décor.
• It’s perfect for blending cultural traditions with modern elegance, as Cristina and Eric did.

Tips for Planning Your NYBG Wedding:

• Book early, as this sought-after venue fills up quickly.
• Inquire with vendors who have previously worked at the venue to ensure a seamless process.
• Incorporate seasonal blooms into your décor to highlight the garden’s natural charm.

Bonus Resources to Plan Your Guest Experience

A wedding weekend in New York is as much about your guests as it is about you. Creating a welcoming and engaging experience ensures your loved ones leave with memories they’ll cherish forever. Cristina and Eric went above and beyond to make their guests feel special, incorporating thoughtful touches throughout their celebration.

1. Airports for Your Guests to Fly Into

New York City is easily accessible from around the globe, making it an ideal destination for weddings with out-of-town guests. Here are the best airport options:

• JFK International Airport: Ideal for international guests and those staying in Manhattan.
• LaGuardia Airport: A convenient choice for guests heading to the Hudson Valley or Queens.
• Newark Liberty International Airport: Best if traveling from the west or southern regions of the U.S.
• Westchester County Airport (HPN): Ideal for guests staying in Westchester area with a quick train ride into the city via the Metro North and 30 minutes from NYBG.

2. Activities to Plan for Your Wedding Weekend

Cristina and Eric’s welcome party provided a perfect example of how to engage guests from the start. Beyond the formal events, consider adding some fun activities to your itinerary:

• For the City-Loving Guests: Organize group outings to iconic NYC attractions, such as Central Park, The Met, or a Broadway show.
• For a Relaxed Vibe: Plan a wine tour or spa day in the Hudson Valley for guests who prefer a quieter experience.
• For the Adventurous: For the Adventurous: Take a short trip from the city to explore hiking trails, scenic drives, and the stunning Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers for a nature-focused escape.”

3. Welcome Your Guests to Your Wedding Weekend

Cristina and Eric’s thoughtful touches made their guests feel appreciated from the moment they arrived. From their custom welcome sign to a well-planned timeline of events, they ensured everyone felt included and informed.

Ideas for Welcoming Your Guests:

• Create personalized welcome bags with local treats, maps, and itineraries.
• Host a cocktail hour or welcome party the night before the wedding to introduce guests to one another.
• Include personal elements that reflect your story as a couple.

4. Blend Cultural Traditions with a Classic Wedding Aesthetic

One of the highlights of Cristina and Eric’s celebration was their ability to incorporate elements of Hispanic heritage into their wedding design. From the papel picado banners to the inclusion of extended family from Mexico, these details added a personal and meaningful touch to their day.

Ways to Incorporate Cultural Traditions:

• Use traditional décor elements to add visual interest and honor your heritage.
• Include family heirlooms, such as photos or jewelry, to connect your past with your future.
• Work with your officiant to incorporate language, rituals, or blessings that reflect your culture.

The Perfect Timeline for a Seamless Wedding Weekend

A well-thought-out timeline is essential for ensuring your ultimate New York wedding weekend flows smoothly.

Sample Timeline Inspired by Cristina and Eric’s Wedding Weekend:

• Friday Evening: Rooftop welcome party with food, drinks, and casual mingling.
• Saturday Morning: Bride and groom prepare with their respective parties, including intimate moments like first looks.
• Saturday Afternoon: Ceremony at the NYBG, followed by portraits and cocktail hour.
• Saturday Evening: Dinner, dancing, and meaningful traditions at the reception.
• Late Night: Night portraits and an after-party to cap off the celebration.

Final Thoughts

Cristina and Eric’s wedding weekend exemplifies how to create a classic yet personalized celebration in New York City. By blending iconic venues, thoughtful details, and cultural elements, they crafted an unforgettable experience for themselves and their guests.

If you’re looking for a photographer who can capture every authentic moment of your day, I’d love to chat! Inquire here to see if we’d be a great fit!

Vendors

Wedding Planner / Designer: CE Event Productions Photographer: Siobhan Stanton Photography Venue: The Crown & New York Botanical Gardens Videographer: Visual Event Films Brides Dress: Wedding Atelier NY Bridesmaids: Birdy Grey Bride’s shoes: Betsey Johnson Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux Florist: Enza Event Band: East Coast Band Cake: Lulu Cake Boutique Catering: Constellation NY Stationary: Minted Custom Signage: SGH Creative Photo booth: The GoldBooth HMUA: Ashley Lauren Beauty Lounge Jewelry: Kent New York Transportation: BBZ Limo