My favourite venues around the city are the New York Public Library and the Rainbow Room. These two venues are iconic New York, architectural grandeur, old-world glamour, elevated views, and spaces that feel cinematic in every way. I would also add the Plaza Hotel… the Plaza is pure legacy with its grand ceilings, Gilded Age energy, timeless New York elegance, and its gorgeous Palm Court…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli
New York and its surrounding region – spanning the Hudson Valley, the Hamptons, Connecticut, and New Jersey’s Gold Coast – contains one of the highest concentrations of world-class event infrastructure on the planet. The venues range from Gilded Age estates and private members’ clubs to purpose-built ballrooms in landmark hotels, converted industrial spaces with Manhattan skyline views, and waterfront properties on Long Island Sound.
Planners operating at the top of this market work almost exclusively by referral, manage budgets running well into seven figures, and coordinate logistics across multiple vendors, municipalities, and time zones simultaneously. Access to the best venues – many of which are not publicly listed – runs through these planners, whose relationships with property managers, florists, caterers, and entertainment agents determine what is actually achievable on any given date. Here we talk with JoAnn Gregoli, recognised as one of the world’s top planners and a font of all knowledge, about her home city and its extraordinary venues…
C&B: “JoAnn, when clients come to you undecided about the venue for their special occasion, how do you make the choice on their behalf? The selection of venues is vast…”
JG: “It depends on the theme. Manhattan offers a more iconic, formal vibe for a wedding in the city, while Brooklyn offers more of a creative edge with its romantic views of the skyline. The elegance of Queens comes through with diversity, gardens, and hidden refinement rather than classic grandeur; old warehouses that can be transformed into an event space are a great representation of Queens. The Bronx has pockets of genuine grandeur, especially in green space and institutional architecture – think Wave Hill and the New York Botanical Gardens. Central Park is the pinnacle of New York City; if they want the lush feel of a garden wedding, The Boathouse and Tavern on the Green are the way to go. New York City is home to some great waterfront venues; the ones we work at most are Chelsea Piers’ Pier Sixty and The Lighthouse, which sits on the riverfront and offers great views of boats passing by and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. For more intimate gatherings, I love the private clubs in the city; these venues come with great food and impeccable service…”
I love working at Tavern on the Green in Central Park, it’s one of my favourite New York venues, along with Wave Hill, which offers gorgeous views of the Hudson River…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli
C&B: “The hotels and museums of NYC are legendary as event spaces – which would you personally recommend?”
JG: “My preferred luxury hotels are the reimagined and newly reopened Waldorf Astoria, along with The Plaza and The Pierre. These are all classic New York institutions. The Rainbow Room (below, left) for skyline views is top in my book – the views are beyond your wildest expectations. The Frick Museum (below, right) is a great option, as is the Historical Society of New York City…”
The Weylin (above, top) is one of Brooklyn’s grandest interiors, and still feels like a discovery if you haven’t seen it in person. Along with The Arches (above, middle), which has vaulted architecture and a distinctive interior that feels cinematic without being overexposed…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli
C&B: “During the summer months, both the Hudson Valley and The Hamptons are very attractive as wedding and an event destinations – relaxed and rustic but always with a luxurious edge – which would you say are your favourite venues in these areas?”
JG: “Outside the city, the newest venue in the Hudson Valley area is Wildflower Farms (bottom of page, left), truly a beautiful and very well appointed venue. However, the top pick for me is Cedar Lakes Estate (bottom of page, right). This is a former soccer camp now turned into a luxurious venue that is just incredible. The food and the rooms are just incredible. In the Hamptons, the Wolffer Estate (above) is a top pick of mine – it’s the Hamptons’ answer to a Tuscany; rolling vines, sunset light, polished countryside luxury, and instantly recognisable East End prestige. Oceanbleu is oceanfront with a direct beach setting, coastal glamour, and ideal for a classic Hamptons summer wedding; when my clients want sea air and an elegant venue, this location is perfect. Another favourite is the Parrish Art Museum, which offers modern luxury, editorial style, and sophisticated, art-world chic…”
CONTACT: http://www.elegantoccasionsbyjoanngregoli.com
