Weddingbee Blog

We looked at a bunch of possible wedding venues all day Friday and Saturday. First we checked out Twenty-Four Fifth which was a beautiful, elegant, and sophisticated venue. It was very ballroom-esque with gold decor and mirrored walls, but it just wasn’t our style. I also couldn’t imagine anything but white flowers matching the place, and I’m not a big fan of white flowers.

The Sales Director, Amy Gruber, was absolutely fantastic. She made us really excited about getting married.

Next we headed to Manhattan Penthouse. This may still be a contender. The space is divided into two rooms. You first enter this cocktail reception area.

Then the ceremony is held in this adjoining room in front of the beautifully shaped windows that boast views of the Empire State building.

Bridal room and part of the cocktail reception area.

The entire space was surrounded by windows and had sweeping views of the city in all directions.

Then down to the Alger House which is owned by the same company as the Manhattan Penthouse. A smaller space with a quirky, eclectic room upstairs and a ceremony room downstairs. We thought that it would be a great and interesting space to throw a party, but just not right for our wedding.

Our favorite space - the 10,000 square foot Westside Loft. There’s just so much we can do with the space and I can visualize how beautiful it will be in my head. We would have the reception in this room with candles everywhere. I love the fireplace.

The garden room has a different personality from the rest of the space… perfect to host the cocktail hour.

The ceremony would be held in this room. The floors are beautiful, and there is plenty of natural light.

Loft Eleven. There are three lofts in the Westside Loft building all owned by the same company.

Penthouse 15 - the space was a little small.

But you do have access to the rooftop. Unfortunately our wedding is in March and it’ll be too cold to hang out outside. You can even have your ceremony on the rooftop.

Tavern on the Green. Like a dreamland but a little too ornate and flowery. Since it’s also a restaurant, I didn’t like the lack of privacy. Also there is no separate changing room for the bride - you have to get ready in the manager’s office.

Bridgewaters - owned by the same company as Twenty-Four Fifth. Spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge, but the navy blue / mahogany decor was too nautical. The space was too big for our wedding and didn’t feel warm enough. Luckily there was a wedding going on, and the very friendly Sales Director Heidi brought us martinis and hors d’ Oeuvres.

The Westside Loft is the #1 contender so far. One of the biggest pluses? We get the space for 10 HOURS!!!! Everywhere else only gives you 5. That means partying til the wee hours of the morning!