By Kelsey Butler

It was clear from the moment I met Maggie Zellner and Ryan McInnis that they were very in love and truly enjoying the process of planning their wedding together. We sat around the tasting table along with Maggie’s parents and planners Caitlin O’Hara and Julianne Austin, of Cait & Jules, to choose their menu and discuss the details of their big day. Maggie’s big personality and enthusiasm were apparent, and we found creative ways to incorporate all her favorite things (including Casamigos Anejo tequila) into a fun, yet very classy, party. I knew from early on that this wasn’t going to be your typical Plaza party and that it was going to be a day to remember.

Maggie and Ryan’s big day started out with beautiful, huge green trees of all shapes and sizes loading into the Ballroom along with stunning, long, mirrored tables and classic ghost chairs for the reception. Simple white florals and candlelight graced the tables while the trees and greenery took center stage. The Grand Ballroom soon transformed into the enchanted forest wonderland of Maggie’s imagination, unlike anything I have seen in the Ballroom before.

Before long, Maggie elegantly made her way down to the Terrace Foyer to see her friends for the first time; and as she exited the elevators, mouths dropped and squeals erupted. She wore a stunning, long-sleeved lace Monique Lhuillier gown with a long train and it could not have been more perfect for her. After photos with family and friends, she was whisked off to St. James Church for the wedding ceremony where Ryan was patiently awaiting her arrival. Soon after, they exited the church as husband and wife to family and friends lining the church’s steps with sparklers and cheers! After a couple more kisses on the steps, they made their way into their Rolls Royce waiting to whisk them back to the Plaza for pictures and the big party.

Guests began to arrive and were directed to the Terrace Foyer to gather their escort card, which perched on top of a shot of Casamigos Anejo garnished with a lime slice! This creative way of playing up something the couple loved gave guests such delight. It started off the night with a fun and innovative twist. The cocktail hour was bountiful with cocktails and champagne and stations filled with seafood, Asian and Mediterranean offerings to get guests ready for dinner. Before long, guests were welcomed into the Grand Ballroom for a stunning reveal of the greenery with the Veronica Martell band setting the stage for a night of fun. Dinner was executed flawlessly along with speeches and conversation and then guests hit the dance floor to rock away for the remainder of the evening. As “Praise You” by Fatboy Slim played, cannons shot colorful confetti over dancing guests for one final surprise!

By Kelsey Butler

Each year, the Plaza’s Grand Ballroom springs to life with thousands of orchids of all colors for the New York Botanical Garden’s annual Orchid Dinner. This year’s 17th Annual Orchid Show was themed “Singapore,” and Executive Chef Geoff Rudaw and our culinary team created dishes inspired by the theme. The appetizer was a custom version of the very popular Vegetables and Pearls, complete with carrot-sesame purée, shaved baby beets, radishes, sorrel, dragon fruit and soy beans. The meal continued with an entrée of Chicken Breast Rendang that guests heartily enjoyed, followed by alternating desserts of Alphonso Mango Panna Cotta and Yuzu Cheesecake Bamboo.

Throughout the day, designers flooded in, armed with orchids, custom seat covers, and stunning décor, to transform each table into a different floral wonderland. This is my favorite gala of the season because each table was unique. Each one showcased the designers’ personal flavor and flare through the centerpieces, candlelight and glassware.

As guests arrived in floral, sparkly, gorgeous gowns, they were greeted with custom Singapore Sling cocktails complete with Botanist Gin infused with orchids! After a cocktail hour where guests were able to purchase and bid on rare orchids, they were invited into the Grand Ballroom to be amazed by the beautiful tables. The Orchid Gala is always one for the books; enjoy a sample of some of my personal favorite tables!

By Ali Ciafre

In The Summer Of 2017, I Took An Appointment For A Future Bride And Groom, Lauren & Nick, And In They Walked With Both Sets Of Parents, Tina & Dan, And Eileen & John

The chemistry between the whole gang was as if they’d known each other their whole lives.  And it turns out, that Lauren & Nick are high school sweethearts!  They are the cutest couple and the relationship they had with each other, their families, and each other’s families led me to know that this was going to be one fun bunch to work with! 

Lauren and I hit it off from the start – we’re around the same age, I was engaged at the time too, and we were both the oldest of three girls.  She knew exactly what she wanted when she came in to the Ballroom – classic elegance, and that’s exactly what she was going to get!  Not too long after, we were signed, sealed and delivered for September 22nd!

The planning process was underway, and they were just a dream to work with.  The most important thing in the world for them was that this was a party to celebrate the love that Lauren and Nick have for each other, that was evident every step of the way, from the first appointment, to all the pre-wedding festivities that they were planning!  

Their wedding weekend had finally arrived and they kicked it off with a gathering at their apartment to watch the Thursday night Jets game!  Friday came along and they had a Bride Ride at SoulCycle – moms, dad, bridal party and everyone in between, such a cute idea to get the good vibes flowing for the rehearsal dinner at Del Posto!

On Saturday, everything was picture perfect – including the weather.  They started the day off with getting ready and Lauren looked beyond fabulous in her Monique Lhullier gown. Her bridesmaids and parents were in awe when Lauren came down the stairs (a few happy tears too!). And we can’t forget about Nick! He was dressed to the nines in his Tom Ford tuxedo.  Soon it was time to head to St. Ignacious for the ceremony – these two were about to tie the knot!  When they became Mr. & Mrs. Pambianchi, guests couldn’t get out of their seats fast enough to give a standing ovation!  Then they were off to Central Park to take group photos!

Guests were greeted to the Terrace Room by an enormous gold escort card tree – I couldn’t believe my eyes!  And it was time for cocktails, and did they have a great menu! Guests were greeted by a sushi station, Asian station (Nick’s fave!) and a gorgeous seafood display on a fabulous ice sculpture. What really struck me was the level of intimacy of this crowd. Tina, Dan, Eileen and John wanted this wedding to really be about Lauren and Nick! Everyone in that room knew the bride and groom personally. It was full of their friends and close family – and it was a young crowd which we knew would make for a super energetic party!  The Ballroom was decorated so elegantly, from the gold flatware, all the way to the custom floral chandelier in the middle of the Ballroom – I’ve never quite seen anything like it.

Soon it was time to announce them into the party as Mr. & Mrs. Pambianchi and the crowd erupted! We quickly went into a dance set – and we knew this was going to be a tough crowd to get off the dance floor for dinner and speeches!  The band was absolutely phenomenal and I really don’t remember a time that the dance floor wasn’t filled to capacity! That’s what this whole thing was about – it was a celebration of Lauren and Nick, and this is one loved couple! Their families were grinning from ear to ear the entire time; there was so much love in that room.

And the party didn’t end there – by the time the clock struck midnight, the Terrace Room was transformed to an after party that dreams are made of!  The DJ kept the party going nonstop until 2am!

I’ll always remember this wedding fondly, there’s nothing better than working with people that are truly happy and are just so excited to celebrate this major milestone.  Congrats to Lauren and Nick – The Plaza loves you!

Planning: Francesca Events

Décor: David Beahm Experiences

Music: Harris Lane Band Of Hank Lane Music

Photography: Christian Oth Studio

Dress: Monique Lhullier

Tux: Tom Ford

Cake: Ron-Ben Israel

Lighting: Bentley Meeker Lighting & Staging

By Rob Arango

Where were you born?

Roanoke, Virginia

How did you get involved in the not-for-profit world?

Community service and activism were a constant in my childhood. My family was involved in helping to desegregate housing on Long Island. My mother volunteered as a teacher’s aide for preschoolers with Down syndrome and when they were short staffed I would help out and play with the children. We moved to Greece for two years, just in time to experience the military coup of 1967. My parents ended up printing the only underground free press and helping dissidents leave the country safely. Less than two years before my father died at age 85, he spent a night at Zuccotti Park with the Occupy Wall Street movement.  Clearly, with a tradition of engagement, of acting on one’s beliefs deeply ingrained in me it’s no surprise that my original career choice – and where I’ve ended up though I took a few detours – was nonprofit, social service related.

When did you first feel like a true New Yorker? What was a defining moment for you?

I think when my daughter was born, wheeling her in her carriage and people being so kind to a new mother with a baby, holding doors, cooing at her, feeling all was right with the world those infant through toddler years.

Who is the smartest New Yorker you know?

My dad was the smartest New Yorker that I knew. If anyone had a question in my office no matter whether the subject, we’d say, “call Rachel’s dad”. I don’t know if there was a topic – no matter how obscure – that he could not discuss knowledgeably and thoroughly. He had so many interests from WW1 history, Greek mythology and the voting record of every living politician, to Frank Lloyd Wright and the Arts & Crafts movement, Apple computers and the great English and American poets.

What do you think are the key ingredients to a successful gala?

It needs to be inspiring, fun and end on time. Guests need to feel special and appreciated by the charity they have come to support.

What is your favorite New York Moment?

I’ll never forget the blizzard of 1996, sledding down the middle of West End Avenue with my then three-year old daughter! Not a car in sight, half expecting a horse-drawn carriage to reveal itself instead. 

What do you love about The Plaza?

Aside from the grandeur and old world beauty of The Plaza itself, the central location and the fact that our gala attendees look forward to coming to this grand venue year after year, I love that I am treated – that Volunteers of America is treated – like family here. The banquet captain remembers me and of course Mike and Rob are incredibly attentive and invested in ensuring my event is flawless. When I moved our annual event to The Plaza I planned to take it to a different venue the next year so as to keep things “new”, but eight years later we’re still here and it doesn’t feel old. Instead it feels “familiar” as it would if you were looking forward to returning home.

If you could have dinner with 3 people tonight, living or passed, who would you choose?

JK Rowling, Michelle Obama and Beto O’Rourke.

What is your crowning achievement at Volunteers of America?

Personally? I’d have to say my most impactful contribution to the organization and by extension, the NYC community, is our signature community service campaign, Operation Backpack® which puts new, top quality backpacks into the hands of every child who calls a New York City shelter “home”. This year we gave 20,000 backpacks to children. And these backpacks are ones we would put on our own kids’ backs. Over 300 NYC companies contributed to the success of this year’s campaign including The Plaza which hosted our Operation Backpack® kickoff breakfast.

Tell me more about Operation Backpack

Imagine being a child who is homeless whose family does not have the means to buy you all the supplies on the list your school has sent you. Most children who are homeless try to hide the fact from their classmates but if they walk into class empty-handed, counting on a teacher to outfit them with supplies, the other children will see this is a child in need and the stigma around being poor or homeless is a great burden to bear. The beauty of Operation Backpack® is that our backpacks are in the children’s hands before school begins so they can walk in on day one looking and feeling more like their classmates and less like a child in need.   

What book are you reading now?

“The First Bad Man” by Miranda July. Lately, I get most of my best book recommendations from Madeline, my 25-year-old daughter. 

What’ is on your bucket list?

Not terribly exciting I’m afraid:

  •  I’d like to be a member of a book club but I need to find time to read the books
  • I’d like to go to New Zealand, LOTR country.

By Kelsey Butler

It’s officially winter at The Plaza, time to bundle up and grab a warming cocktail with your loved one! The Palm Court is the perfect place to escape the crisp city air, and bask under the glow of the glass mosaic ceiling and lush palm trees of this timeless oasis. Shake up your own “Winter Scotch Old Fashion” or stop by for an afternoon vacation where our fabulous bartenders will fix one up just for you!

WINTER SCOTCH OLD FASHIONED

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INGREDIENTS

PROCEDURE

  • ½ Tea-Infused Syrup

  • 2 oz. of Dalmore 12yr Scotch

  • 4 Dashes of Barkeep Baked Apple Bitters

    Syrup Prep

    • ½ oz. The Des Amants Tea

    • ½ oz. Sugar

  1. Muddle orange and cheery, build on ice, shake, pour into rock glass on fresh ice cubes, garnish with cinnamon stick.

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By Rob Arango

If I Had A Dollar For Every Guest I Have Met Over The 10 Years I Have Been At The Plaza Who Has Said To Me, “I Remember The Persian Room, Where I Saw Eartha Kit Perform And Trader Vic’s And The Deadly Punch Bowl Drinks,” I Would Be A Very Rich Man

The Persian Room opened April 1, 1934—four months after Prohibition was repealed.  New Yorkers were thirsty and looking for a hot spot to see the latest and hottest entertainers in the world.  The most famous couple to dazzle the elite crowd in the early thirties was Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.  Note, that the whiskey bottle and glasses made a significant message in the opening photo of the Persian Room that prohibition was over!  Another interesting tidbit of nostalgia, was live radio shows were broadcasted from the Persian Room until the late 1950’s.  The public demanded the highly sought after performers and it was a major offering to produce these live radio shows.  As far as design of the famed room—Lillian Palmedo, the artist who produced five specific murals including dancing, eating, hunting and drinking all Persian style were so stunning that guests often came to the Persian Room just to see the murals before a cocktail.  Sadly, like El Morocco and the Stork Club, the Persian Room closed its doors in 1975.  The Rose Club today sits in the same footprint of the famous room. If only those walls could talk.  Next month I will take you on a tour of Trader Vic’s.

By Emily Reifel

What A Year We Had At The Plaza! Our Team At CPS Events Had The Best Year We Have Had Since We Reopened The Doors To The Grand Ballroom Back In 2018. When You Work That Hard In “The Season” Here In New York Sometimes You Feel As If You Will Never Make It To The Finish Line, Especially When That Line Is On December 29th! However, Because We Were Working With An Amazing Family And Bride And Groom The Excitement Just Kept Building!

Jessica and Greg’s wedding planning process started last year, and she knew from the moment that she walked in the door that she had dreamed of a Winter Wonderland wedding here at The Plaza. The couple came in to meet with me and right away we hit it off. Jessica is a gorgeous petite blonde and her prince charming just happens to be 6’ 7” of Panamanian decent. They looked like a fabulous couple straight of out Hollywood and the NBA, but I came to find out that they were both teachers and student coaches.

Their love story began where they worked… at school! As someone who has a family who all works in Education I appreciate the good teachers in this world and who doesn’t enjoy a work romance story!  Jessica and Greg introduced me to both their lovely sets of parents and we were finalized on the December 29th date. Jessica’s parents were thrilled to be hosting this affair as she is their only daughter and only child. They wanted to make it extraordinary and were very vocal in trusting me to tell them how to do it all.  The first order of business was convincing the Bride and Groom that they should definitely have a band. They were thinking a DJ from the get go and I told them to go meet with Erik over at Hank Lane and he will change your mind.  They booked Brooklyn Sound on the spot and a DJ for their after party which worked out perfectly.  I immediately told them to head straight to Ed Libby & Co for décor because there is absolutely no one better for a winter wonderland look than Ed.

Somehow we made it to the end of 2018 and the details were buttoned up.  Christmas came and went and everyone had a little time to relax before the wedding weekend!  Jessica and Greg came to check in and get ready for their rehearsal dinner at Avra, they even invited me and a colleague to join! We snuck out a little early to get to bed because we had an early day coming.

Trace Henningson of Henningson and Co. arrived super early and was in charge of the getting ready process for Jessica, the moms and the bridesmaids. Jessica’s makeup artists Alicia and Valerie couldn’t have been more talented and these women screamed Hollywood glamour! Jessica’s mother Karen happens to be close friends with a fabulous dress designer, Janine Dray and she designed and made Jessica’s custom wedding gown and Karen’s gown as well. The bridesmaids sparkled in their gold Portia and Scarlett gowns that were more reminiscent of Oscar worthy gowns than bridesmaids dresses.  Soon we found the statuesque groom and his equally tall brothers and groomsmen for a fabulous photo shoot in The Oak Room with Shawn Connell, formerly of Christian Oth Studios and AJ Igoglia Films. Then we were off to the  spectacular ceremony at St. Ignatius with the organ music playing Wagner’s Bridal Chorus. As Jessica and Greg walked down the aisle as husband and wife, they were cheered on by all of their guests but also by some of their students attended the ceremony.  They were all so excited to be a part of their special day!

We all made it back to The Plaza in time for cocktail hour to begin in the Terrace Room, where guests dined on a raw bar and a carving station complete with traditional Panamanian food in honor of Greg’s roots! As guests made their way to the Grand Ballroom they stopped in the Grand Ballroom Foyer to enjoy of holiday photo opportunity that Ed Libby’s team designed with snow flocked Christmas trees, and  then into the jaw dropping Grand Ballroom. Ed Libby’s team turned it into a sparkly winter wonderland complete with a fabulous floral and crystal chandelier complete with white feathers that matched Jessica’s custom dress. The tables were dressed with sequin linens that matched the bridesmaids dresses along with floating candles, white roses, orchids and tall white branches. The dusty lavender color that filled the room was a perfect ambience designed by James from Bentley Meeker Lighting and Staging. The ceiling and the stage looked as if there was snow falling around the room! Jessica and Greg were announced into the room and Brooklyn Sound got the dance floor rocking immediately!  And they didn’t stop! Toasts were given and their Ron Ben Israel cake was cut as we passed Godiva White Chocolate Martini’s around the room to keep the guests energized and in the holiday spirit. 

Eventually we moved the guests to The Rose Club for the official after party.  We created a special corner for Jessica’s mom, Karen, who even had an outfit change!  The guests loved their sliders, pizza and mini hot dogs, and I loved that we were almost done with such a perfect night! I boarded a plane to start my holiday the next morning and when I landed I had a text saying it was the most perfect night of Jessica and Greg’s life.  Their fairytale came to life, what a way to end 2018!  

HARPER’S BAZAAR ICONS PARTY AT THE PLAZA HOTEL

By Ali Papalia

What Better Way To Open New York Fashion Week Than An Extravaganza At The Plaza?

On Friday, September 7, Harper’s Bazaar threw the party of the year in honor of Carine Roitfeld’s icons – a stunning portfolio of “The First Families of Music”, worthy of picking up the issue at the checkout counter.  This event was a who’s who of the fashion world — models, designers and the like pulled out all the stops when it came to picking their outfit of choice for the evening.  Not only were all of the guests dressed to impress, but the most chic of them all was the Grand Ballroom. The inspiration of the evening was “families that rock” – with dark red, giant gold lipsticks, the signature black carpet and a Moet Champagne tower took the party to another level.

Dressed to the nines, guests entered through Fifth Avenue crossing through the Palm Court to get the chance to view the black carpet in action! The carpet was completely abuzz with celebrities including Christina Aguilera, Adriana Lima, Gigi Hadid, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Christie Brinkley, Heidi Klum and many many more – click here for Harper’s Bazaar official gallery. Top show stopper Bella Hadid, in a nude cat suit, got the cameras flashing non- stop. The drinks were flowing and guests indulged in specialty cocktails by Belvedere Vodka and Stella Artois, and splits of Moet Champagne – so incredibly chic.

Christina Aguilera, the featured musical icon this year, paid tribute to the first families of music including Bruce Springsteen, Kanye West, Erykah Badu, and many more. As soon as she was ready to perform, drinks and iPhones were in hand ready to snap photos and videos of the concert. This was my first time seeing her perform and she was amazing! She has so much energy when she gets on stage and it definitely radiates throughout the crowd. She was singing for just about 50 minutes and the crowd could not stop dancing!

This event was truly memorable, it was a triple threat blending fashion, music, and The Plaza.

 

BEAUTY, BOMBSHELLS AND BRAZILIANS

By Jennifer Machen

BRAZIL, THE LARGEST COUNTRY IN BOTH SOUTH AMERICA AND LATIN AMERICA, CHOSE THE PLAZA TO HOLD THEIR 2018 GALA.

The Plaza is notorious for lavish affairs, and these Brazilian Bombshells seriously raised the bar. One by one, the glamorous guests dressed in brilliantly colored gowns adorned with feathers, beads, and extravagant accessories, immediately became the focal point of the event. They entered the Grand Ballroom Foyer through a rainbow of umbrellas, unveiling a festive flow of celebratory cocktails, delicious Hors d’oeuvres, including the famous Brazilian Cheese Bread, Pão de Queijo. Guests bid on rainforest and Amazonian pieces as well as inspirational art to raise money for the fearless Brazil Foundation.

The room was filled with beautiful woman and yet three very special and very tall ladies stood out especially. Gracing the guests (as well as the ceiling), these stunning “tall women” (on stilts) perfectly captured the fun essence of the evening. Dressed as flowers, they danced and breezed through cocktail hour and made Instagram moments for all, including the many Victoria’s Secret Models that were in attendance. Pictures were captured, glasses were passed, and the sociable crowd at the cocktail hour began to trickle into the Grand Ballroom.

A Brigadero Sweets table, 18 feet long and dressed to the nines, graced the Grand Ballroom upon entrance, as it does in Brazilian homes when they have guests over. Bentley Meeker designed a lighting scheme that filled the room with ambiance, inhabited the feel of the event, and enhanced the beauty of the guests. The green floral arrangements were fitting and transported the space to the rainforest. The incomparable Chef Geoff Rudaw specially designed classic upscale Brazilian fair and served a decadent Cashew Crusted Branzino with Coconut Rice, Mango Salsa, and Sweet Plantains. Devoured by the 450 guests, the plates were cleared and everyone danced the night away.

Would be remiss to not mention the beyond handsome, very famous Actor Cauã Reymond (the Brad Pitt of Brazil, if you will) who caused a photo frenzy on the red carpet and stole the hearts of every woman in the room…as well as some men (AKA our very own Mr. Manners).

What a Plaza Party.

PINK, PURPLE & RED: A SUMMER OF SOUTH ASIAN COLOR

By Kelsey Butler

THE PLAZA HOTEL IS FAMOUS FOR ITS CREAM AND GOLD EMBELLISHED GRAND BALLROOM, LUXURIOUS TERRACE ROOM, AND OLD WORLD CHARM.

However this summer, The Plaza was transformed over and over again into a South Asian wonderland of over the top flowers, color, and lavish décor. It is true that the Grand Ballroom needs little to enhance its stunning beauty, but one of the things I love the most of South Asian weddings are their ability to work off of the existing trimmings and really light up the room with a burst of color.

We started out the summer celebrating a wonderful couple, Neil & Saritha, with a day full of traditional Indian ceremonies starting out with the “Swing Ceremony”, where the couple was showered with flowers while they swung together on a beautifully decorated swing. Later in the day as a welcome for their main ceremony, the couple offered guests personalized coconuts to drink out of! They were a delicious refreshment for a warm May afternoon and a huge hit with their friends and family.

Moving through the summer we saw an array of colors and décor with red being a statement color of 2018; red indicating both sensuality and purity and very commonly used in marriage. Tiya Nandi wore a stunning red sari to complement her red and gold mandap in the Terrace Room, and Nikita Kohli chose all red accents in her Ballroom décor complete with a red floral centerpiece hanging between the chandeliers!

The Grand Ballroom was yet again transformed for Priyanka & Vikram’s celebration and this time everything was purple! From purple lemonade that was butler passed as guests entered the ceremony, to the flowers on their cake, and finally the Ballroom was a purple wonderland with sweeping purple flowers that cascaded off of their elegant dinner tables.

Our final South Asian Wedding of the summer was Divya Mandava & Jon Garrett’s “American day” ceremony and final reception of a weekend of ceremonies and celebration. This décor mixed traditional over the top Indian colors and flowers with a more traditional and classic Plaza look. Their guests entered the Terrace Room for a traditional American ceremony, and then moved into the Ballroom to be surprised by yet another floral centerpiece capturing their attention from the ceiling and a beautiful pink wash of color!

We look forward to many more South Asian weddings and to see how time transforms tradition and the class of The Plaza even further.