The Venue Hunt

I was standing on the top floor of a beautiful building in downtown Manhattan gazing over the lights and the buildings as far as the eye could see, and I knew then, I had to be married in New York City. The fact that I had yet to find someone to marry was aside the point, this I knew for certain - whoever, whenever, we would be in good ol' New York City.

Oh New York, you stop my heart! (Source)

One of the first things we discussed after returning from our blissful engagement weekend in Ottawa was our wedding venue. Several years after that moment gazing out over the Manhattan skyline, and now actually knowing who I would be marrying, I was still convinced that I wanted to be married with a New York City backdrop. Thankfully, Mr. Hermit Crab felt a similarly strong connection to the area, and we (alright, alright, I) began to do research.

We knew that we had to find a venue that could fit at the very least 250 people, preferably up to 300 (I know, small wedding!). This fact narrowed our search from the start, as New York City isn't exactly known for spacious real estate. We also knew that our parents would not be willing to go [totally] broke for this wedding, so it had to be somewhat (read: it's all relative) reasonable in terms of price.

We eventually narrowed it down to seven places that we visited and one stood out far above the rest: the New York Botanical Garden!

(All images by the wonderful and talented Joel Greenberg and Wendy Stewart)

Our day would look something like this (of course, rain not being an issue!):

Our cocktail hour, including the Jewish traditions of Tisch, Bedeken and Ketubah signing, would take place in the tented area and the surrounding gardens (more on these traditions soon, and in the meantime, please read about them from Mrs. Hot Cocoa).

Following the cocktail hour, all of our guests would go down a cobblestone path adorned on both sides by flowers and our ceremony would happen under the Chuppah in the private garden.

For the rest of the afternoon, our guests will enjoy food and dancing in the reception hall and surrounding gardens.

Please enjoy an additional photo tour of the New York Botanical Garden wedding experience here.

Did you just know when you arrived at your wedding venue? Did you both agree right away or did you have to convince one another?