Plan a Wedding in Brooklyn, New York

-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-

"It's the greatest city in the world," say Brian and Tony Streater-Frouge of their home town, New York City. The pair, who live in the industrial-chic section of DUMBO, Brooklyn, hosted a wedding celebration in the neighboring Williamsburg area, known for its cool art and music scene, buzzy boutiques, bars and restaurants, and as being the heart of hipsterville. The couple hosted friends and family from all over the world at The Hoxton, Williamsburg, a hotel that has all the cool factor of the neighborhood, including design touches and programming from local tastemakers, served along excellent cuisine and great service. "The Hoxton’s lower level is welcoming and bustling with locals and tourists who are socializing in a space that not only offers music, coffee, cocktails and eateries collected into one but also sprawls seamlessly both indoors and outdoors," explain the couple, who loved the venue’s Brooklyn vibe.

Prior to its explosive gentrification, Williamsburg was the epitome of American industrialism with a diverse population. The area’s abandoned factories and rickety warehouses drew artists who then welcomed a burgeoning food scene. That buzzy cuisine movement is an interpretation of the New American movement where simple dishes are prepared in exquisite detail with locally sourced ingredients. The food at The Hoxton embodies the best of Williamsburg’s offerings and the couple showcased the Americana-influenced menus over the course of the evening. At the rooftop cocktail hour, there were Jonah crab cakes, wild mushroom croquettes and cucumber tea sandwiches. When the party moved downstairs guests were wowed with dim sim and pasta stations. Then there were late-night bites of truffle mac and cheese and fried chicken.

The hip Brit Hoxton hotel brand is known for its sense-of-place appeal, local design ethos and relaxed gathering spaces for visitors and neighbors alike. Each property is an artful blend of hyper-local details crafted and curated by in-the-know tastemakers who also happen to live near the particular outposts. So it’s no surprise that the company’s first American property is the 175-room The Hoxton, Williamsburg, a jewel box of a hideaway that flaunts an only-in-Brooklyn vibe and is set in a low-rise building with peek-a-boo views of Manhattan and its epic skyline. The lobby area is a sunken space that’s accessed by an oversize cement staircase. 

Here local DJs spin throughout the week while a coffee bar serves up a bespoke roast exclusively blended by La Colombe. Juices are also on offer throughout the day and are best enjoyed on one of the many mod couches. Mixologists at Klein’s, the hotel’s marquee eatery, specialize in artful cocktails inspired by the Americana history of the neighborhood. Seating spills outdoors onto a patio that changes its setup seasonally — winter often welcomes awesome igloos. The roofdeck with a bar and heavy-on-the-light bites menu (rosé, lobster rolls and hearty salads are go-tos) is aptly called Summerly and is open in warmer months (room rates start at $159 a night and include grab-and-go breakfast).

One of the spaces that captivated the couple is The Hoxton’s rooftop restaurant and bar called the Summerly. "The sophisticated outdoor space offers stunning views of the NYC skyline," the couple says. And it is here that they swapped vows, officiated by the first openly gay federal judge. After the ceremony, guests toasted to Brian and Tony’s union on the sparkling rooftop deck.

The DUMBO House pool is a favorite local spot of the couple. The rooftop outpost flaunts up-close views of the Brooklyn Bridge and sweeping vistas of the island of Manhattan. Wallabout Bay isn’t as bold-face a brand as other Big Apple attractions. But what it lacks in name recognition it more than makes up for in historical context and impact. The inlet at a northern point of Brooklyn was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Revolutionary War. In 1801 the Navy Yard was erected here and so began a storied powerhouse of American warship building. After employing more than 70,000 people at its height of production, it was decommissioned in 1966. Today, the 300-acre site is experiencing a robust revitalization, and houses more than 500 businesses, studios and small-batch production outfits. For an interactive look at the history of the Navy Yard, check out Building 91, a small museum housed in a reconfigured circa 1857 Commandant house.

The makers movement is as Brooklyn as Truman Capote, Nathan's Hot Dogs, and Coney Island’s Cyclone (a rickety wooden roller coaster). The borough is home to the global HQ of shop-small, crafting juggernaut Etsy and the famous Brooklyn Flea. Hosted weekends around the borough (its location depends on the day and season), the flea market is a showcase for the best and newest handcrafted and vintage finds curated by local artisans. The Brooklyn Bridge (constructed 1870-1883) is one of the world’s most recognized sights. And it has influenced some of the most renowned poets from Jack Kerouac and Hart Crane to Federico Garcia Lorca to compose odes in its honor.

Manhattan’s East River, which is actually a saltwater tidal estuary, bifurcates Manhattan from Brooklyn and Queens. For generations the only way to access the populous island from the outer boroughs was via bridge or tunnel (or subway). Similarly, it was difficult to navigate between Brooklyn neighborhoods. That all changed a few years ago thanks to a comprehensive ferry service. With stops along the Brooklyn and Queens side, various routes hug the banks of the East River affording awesome city views. Manhattan-side stops run from Wall Street downtown up to 90th Street. Tickets must be purchased prior to boarding. 

Legally Wed: Marriage licenses are required in the state of New York, and must be obtained in person by the couple. Each must furnish proof of age (requirements of exact documents may vary by county), the required fee ($40) and, if applicable, a divorce decree or death certificate. Licenses are valid for 60 days. And there’s a 24-hour waiting period.

Vendors:

• Officiant: The Honorable Deborah A. Batts, Judge of U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
• Catering: The Hoxton, Williamsburg
• Photography: Laurie Rhodes
• DJ: Khloe G, AKA Milkyshake
• Singer: Tamara Jade
• Guitarist: Alex Nolan
• Wedding Coordinator: Brittany Ward of Modern Rebel
• Photo Booth: Sharing Box
• Succulent Arrangements: La Catrina Flower Studio
• Brian's Attire: Grey suit by River Island UK collection; shirt and tie by Brooks Brothers; shoes by Cole Haan
• Tony's Attire: Blue suit by Paul Smith; shirt and tie by Brooks Brothers; shoes by Cole Haan