Chic 620 Loft And Garden Wedding In Manhattan, NYC

620 Loft and Garden wedding of Daria and Michael in Manhattan was modern, chic, and filled with fun moments. From an unexpected last-minute hotel change to the photoshoot inside a yellow cab because of the rain, this urban wedding was a celebration of everything that makes New York City one of the most special places in the world to get married. Join me as I take you on a closer look at all the amazing details that made this wedding day truly unique.

How did this story begin

The romantic story began when Daria and Michael unexpectedly bumped into each other during a New York snowstorm.

Amidst the blizzard, they individually navigated through the accumulating snow on the streets and sidewalks of Manhattan in search of an unmarked venue. Upon entering, they scanned the room for a familiar face and soon found each other. Engaging in conversation, they instantly hit it off, and both knew they would meet again.

Their next escapade entailed scaling vertical rock-climbing walls, despite Daria’s lack of experience. She reached the pinnacle but woke up the following day with achy muscles and sore hands. Michael came to her aid immediately after hearing the news.

From then on, Daria and Michael were inseparable, indulging in countless adventures together. They are an active couple who enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, and snowboarding, and they always seize opportunities to explore New York. Additionally, Daria and Michael greatly value family and friendship, so they spend a lot of time with their loved ones. A year ago, Daria and Michael adopted the cutest snow Bengal cat and named him Nix, who quickly became a beloved member of their family. They bring him along on almost every hike, so Nix has seen a lot so far!

Planning the wedding

During their snowboarding trip to Vermont, they got engaged, and from then on, they began to plan their dream wedding in NYC. With the help of their trusted wedding planner, Katerina Gataulina, they tackled every aspect of the stressful process.

Daria and Michael’s hearts were set on celebrating their big day in the bustling city of Manhattan. So, they picked the stunning 620 Loft and Garden wedding venue atop the Rockefeller Center, offering breathtaking views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The plans were in place, but a last-minute twist threatened to ruin their special moments. Upon arriving at the hotel, they were informed that their booked room was unavailable, and an alternative offered was far from ideal – that the hotel room was small, dark, and stuffy. Luckily, the couple’s quick thinking led them to book a luxurious apartment at the iconic St. Regis Hotel NYC, the perfect spot for getting ready shots and more.

Getting ready at NYC St. Regis hotel

The morning of the wedding day was a flurry of excitement as Daria woke up to the arrival of her beauty team in St. Regis Hotel NYC. Nino Davis, the hairstylist, and Daria Kruchinina, the make-up artist and a friend of the bride, worked their magic simultaneously to create a classic Hollywood look with stunning waves. The process was swift, so Daria didn’t have to endure a long and exhausting session before the big day even began. To ensure that every moment was captured, Daria hired an assistant to follow her with a phone camera. As the day progressed, we started with some delicate getting ready shots, then Daria’s friends arrived, and the real fun began. They sipped champagne, sang songs, and shared hearty laughs. Finally, it was time for Daria to change into her wedding dress, and I captured some stunning shots of the bride in it. She had chosen an amazing dress by BALYKINA, the Ukrainian brand of evergreen evening wear.

As the groom was getting ready in the same apartment, I took advantage of the opportunity and captured some stunning shots of him too. In just 20 minutes, I was able to capture all the typical shots, from the groom putting on his cufflinks to adjusting his tie and last touch-ups. With the help of my professional experience and the groom’s natural charm, the photos turned out to be just as impressive as the bride’s.

Wedding photoshoot in NYC

When Daria contacted me about their wedding day, she had one major concern: how to get the best photos of her and Michael as a couple and what’s the best time of the day for that. As a digital content creator, TV-show host, and entrepreneur, she knew the importance of capturing every moment of their special day. At first, her plan was for them to see each other for the first time at the ceremony itself. However, I suggested they take photos before the ceremony for the best results. This way, they could relax and spend more time with their family and guests afterward. I also recommended some of the best locations in Midtown Manhattan to capture candid, fun, and live shots of their love. And we didn’t stop there. Light rain started and I had an idea that made their photos even more unique. I hailed a taxi, asked Michael to pay the driver tips to stay, and captured some romantic shots of the couple inside the iconic yellow cab. The result? They didn’t get wet, and some stunning, unforgettable, and truly New York City shots were captured!

Ceremony at 620 Loft and Garden

The ceremony of Daria and Mike was held at the beautiful 620 Loft and Garden venue, located on the rooftop of the iconic Rockefeller Center in Manhattan. Daria’s family, who lives in Russia, couldn’t make it to the wedding due to the current political situation (there are very limited opportunities for Russian to get a US visa now due to the Russian war in Ukraine), but they were able to join the ceremony via Zoom. On the other hand, Mike’s family was present to witness the heartwarming exchange of vows. The stunning backdrop of the ceremony included the picturesque view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which added to the already magical ambiance of the venue. After the ceremony, there was time for congratulations and photos with family and guests, capturing the beautiful memories of the day. The newlyweds were surrounded by love and joy.

Also, I would like to offer some guidance regarding the venue as a wedding photographer and tell you about the pros and cons from my personal perspective. This information can be helpful, especially for couples who are considering booking this venue for their wedding or any other special event.

Pros and Cons of 620 Loft and Garden as a Wedding Venue:

Pros:

Stunning View: The venue is located on the rooftop of the iconic Rockefeller Center, providing a breathtaking view of Manhattan’s skyline and the nearby St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Unique Space: The loft-style space with an outdoor garden area offers a one-of-a-kind wedding experience, unlike any other venue in the city.
Versatile Space: The space can accommodate up to 165 guests for a seated dinner, and the indoor and outdoor areas provide flexibility for various wedding layouts and themes.
Convenient Location: The venue is situated in the heart of Manhattan, making it easily accessible for guests who are traveling from out of town.
Professional Staff: The venue’s experienced event team is dedicated to making every wedding a success, providing personalized service to ensure the couple’s vision is realized.

Cons:

High Cost: The venue is one of the most expensive in the city, which may be a limiting factor for some couples who are working within a budget.
Noise Level: The venue is located in a busy area of the city, which can be noisy and distracting during the wedding ceremony and reception.
Weather Dependence: The outdoor garden area is weather-dependent, which may be a concern for couples planning a wedding during the unpredictable New York seasons.
Limited Catering Options: The venue has strict rules regarding outside catering, which can limit the couple’s options for food and beverage service.
Limited Availability: Due to its popularity, the venue has limited availability, so couples may need to book well in advance to secure their desired date.

Let me know in the comments if that was helpful!

Reception

Daria and Michael’s reception was held at the same venue as their ceremony, the 620 Loft and Garden, which provided a seamless transition from one part of the evening to the next. The festivities began with a traditional Russian Karavai, a bread ceremony where the newlyweds break off a piece of bread and dip it into salt, symbolizing a wish for a happy, prosperous life together. This was followed by their first dance, which set the tone for the rest of the evening. All of the guests enjoyed a delicious dinner before taking to the dance floor under the stars. DJ Misha Iogansen kept the party going with a mix of popular Russian and American pop songs. The evening continued with the bouquet toss, garter toss, and the cutting of the cake. This unique mix of Russian and American wedding traditions and modern music was a great reflection of the couple’s diverse backgrounds and personalities.

Daria and Michael’s modern and chic wedding at the 620 Loft and Garden wedding venue in Manhattan was filled with fun moments and unexpected twists. It was a celebration of everything that makes New York City one of the most special places in the world to get married.