A number of weeks ago, a beautiful young couple came down to New York from the “capital district” (Albany area) to marry. Their dream was to marry at Grand Central Terminal, the classic Beaux Arts New York City landmark. While couples routinely go to the station to take beautiful photographs as part of their wedding portraits, I’d never participated in an actual wedding there. No doubt the location, once in disrepair and championed by former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the Municipal Arts Society, is beautiful—but where, I wondered, could we find a relatively private space for the wedding? After all more than a half-million people pass through the Terminal every day!
In came the elopement specialist photographer Laura Pennace, with whom I’ve worked on numerous weddings all over town. It was almost as if she knew of a secret entrance, she pointed us to an alcove area, adjacent to the Campbell Apartment. The Apartment is true old-school New York, designed as a thirteenth century Florentine Palace. Never actually an apartment, it was once the office of financier John W. Campbell. After a renovation, it is now a most fabulous place for photographs or post wedding cocktails.
Unbelievably, we were able to have a full ceremony, plus champagne toast, and cake sharing with virtually no disruption. Brilliant! Of course, after the ceremony Kaitlyn and Edward (and Laura) wandered about Grand Central to take pictures with the famous sweeping vistas marble floors and walls, vaulted ceilings, famed clock, breathtaking staircases display boards, the post 9-11 American flag that hangs proudly, and more. After shots and Grand Central, the trio set off to take photos at other local landmark locations.
Not only is this a unique location, but is a superb option for a couple looking for a rainy day back up plan. Bravo Laura!
Photo Courtesy of Laura Pennace, Pennace Photography.
