Photographers: Massimo and Taras
Venue: Metropolitan Club
An Elegant Jewish Wedding Celebration at The Metropolitan Club
We were honored to photograph Carolyn and Dan’s wedding at The Metropolitan Club, one of New York’s most distinguished private clubs. We’d long anticipated the chance to work within its gilded halls and capture its architectural splendor. From the moment we stepped inside, it was clear this celebration would be filled with elegance, warmth, and unforgettable moments.
Morning Preparations in the Governor’s Room and Library
The Governor’s Room offered an intimate setting for bridal preparations, with its hand-carved moldings, antique mirrors, and soft morning light. We arranged Carolyn’s invitations, floral bouquet, and heirloom rings for detail shots before documenting quiet, candid moments: a mother fastening a pearl earring, bridesmaids smoothing a lace train, and genuine laughter as the bride took her final steps into her gown. Meanwhile, in the Club’s Library, the groom and his attendants readied themselves against shelves of leather-bound tomes and rich mahogany paneling. The contrast between the two rooms—the light, airy elegance of the Governor’s Room and the Library’s warm, textured backdrop—set the tone for a day that balanced refined portraiture with authentic storytelling.
A Memorable First Look on the Grand Staircase
Carolyn and Dan’s first look on the Club’s grand staircase was a highlight of the afternoon. As Carolyn descended in her long gloves and sweeping train, Dan turned to greet her beneath soaring frescoed ceilings. We captured wide‐angle images that showcase the architectural drama, then shifted to close-ups that preserve the couple’s raw emotion. From there, we explored adjacent galleries and the Main Room, pausing by gilded frames and crystal chandeliers to photograph the couple in moments that felt both poised and deeply personal.
Exchanging Vows in Gilded Elegance
The traditional Jewish wedding ceremony took place in a richly decorated event hall, where towering columns and glittering chandeliers formed a breathtaking backdrop for vows. Guests sat on velvet-upholstered chairs as Carolyn and Dan pledged their love beneath a beautifully decorated chuppah. We documented every glance, every whispered promise, and the ceremonial dip at the aisle’s end—all while preserving the intimate ambiance of a private club wedding in New York.
Candid Joy During Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hour unfolded in an elegantly appointed lounge, with tufted sofas, polished parquet floors, and an artfully arranged spread of hors d’oeuvres. One photographer focused on ambient details—champagne flutes catching the light, seasonal blooms atop marble tables—while the other sought candid interactions: friends toasting, children exploring the grand space, and laughter shared between generations. These unscripted moments reveal the true spirit of the day and complement the formal portraits we created earlier.
Celebrating in the Main Hall
Dinner and dancing took place under the glow of crystal lighting in the Main Hall. Without a rigid shot list, we moved freely among guests, offering both posed and documentary-style images: a bride’s radiant smile mid-toast, a groom’s joyful reaction to a speech, and friends swirling on the dance floor. The couple’s first dance beneath the vaulted ceiling provided a cinematic finale—timeless images that highlight both their chemistry and the venue’s ornate beauty.
Why a Private Club Wedding in New York Feels Timeless
The Metropolitan Club exemplifies the allure of private club weddings in New York: historic architecture, impeccable service, and an ambiance that marries exclusivity with genuine warmth. With years of experience illuminating these grand interiors, our team knows exactly how to blend natural and artificial light, ensuring every portrait and candid shot does justice to both the space and the couple’s style. We have extensive experience capturing private club weddings in venues such as The Union League Club and Sixty Pine. We always love the challenge of a new venue and are well equipped to capture any type of venue beautifully.
Carolyn and Dan’s day reminded us why we cherish these celebrations. Every staircase, every paneled wall, every crystal fixture offered an opportunity to craft images that are as elegant as the venue itself. If you’re planning a private club wedding in New York and seeking a team that combines editorial artistry with heartfelt storytelling, contact us! We would love to bring your vision to life.
