The Beekman Hotel
123 Nassau St, New York, NY 10038
Yes
The Beekman Hotel is a luxurious hotel with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The combination of luxury, history, and beautiful photo locations makes it one of my favorite places in the entire city.
Construction of the Beekman Hotel began in the early 1880s. Originally known as the Temple Court Building, it was designed by architect James M. Farnsworth and completed in 1883. This iconic building featured a nine-story, red brick, and terra-cotta structure that showcased Queen Anne and neo-Grec architectural styles. The building's construction was part of the broader development of lower Manhattan, as the area evolved into the financial and business center of New York City.
In the early years, the building housed offices for various businesses, including law firms, publishers, and insurance companies. The Temple Court Building was one of the first high-rise structures in New York City, and its central atrium became a notable feature that attracted attention and admiration. The atrium was adorned with ornate cast-iron railings, and its skylight allowed natural light to flood the interior, creating an elegant atmosphere.
However, as the 20th century progressed, the building gradually fell into disrepair. The area around the Temple Court Building saw significant changes, with many businesses relocating to other parts of the city. Despite its historic charm, the building struggled to keep up with modern tenants' needs, and it was eventually vacated in the early 2000s.
The turning point for the Temple Court Building came in 2008, when GFI Development Company acquired the property with the intention of converting it into a luxury hotel. The company brought in architect Randy Gerner and interior designer Martin Brudnizki to oversee the ambitious restoration project. They took great care to preserve the historic details of the building while adding modern amenities to cater to the needs of contemporary guests.
The Beekman Hotel officially opened its doors in August 2016, featuring 287 guest rooms, including 45 suites. The hotel's design pays homage to its history, with the restored atrium serving as the centerpiece of the property. The hotel also includes two signature restaurants – Temple Court, helmed by renowned chef Tom Colicchio, and Augustine, a French brasserie by celebrated restaurateur Keith McNally. Additionally, the hotel boasts a bar, lounge, and event spaces to cater to various occasions.
Today, the Beekman Hotel stands as a testament to the preservation of New York City's architectural history. It has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for its design, restoration, and service. This makes it a desirable destination for travelers seeking a unique and luxurious experience in the heart of Lower Manhattan.
Another thing I love about the Beekman is its location in Lower Manhattan.
Lower Manhattan, also known as Downtown Manhattan, is the southernmost part of the island of Manhattan in New York City. It encompasses the area below Canal Street, although some definitions extend it to include parts of the island below 14th Street. Lower Manhattan is a vibrant and historically significant area, serving as the city's financial, administrative, and cultural heart.
The Financial District is the core of Lower Manhattan and is home to major financial institutions, including the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Wall Street, synonymous with finance and investment, is also located here. The iconic Charging Bull sculpture and Fearless Girl statue are popular attractions in this area.
The World Trade Center complex, rebuilt after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, is an important part of Lower Manhattan. It includes the One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the United States, as well as the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, which honors the victims of the attacks. The Oculus, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, serves as a transportation hub and shopping center.
Lower Manhattan also has a rich history. The area includes Battery Park, a public park located at the southern tip of Manhattan, which offers views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Nearby, the historic Castle Clinton National Monument, once a fort and an immigrant processing center, now serves as a museum and ticketing center for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tours.
In addition, Lower Manhattan boasts many culturally significant neighborhoods, such as Tribeca, SoHo, and Chinatown. Tribeca, an acronym for "Triangle Below Canal Street," is known for its cobblestone streets, upscale boutiques, and trendy restaurants. SoHo, short for "South of Houston Street," is famous for its cast-iron architecture, high-end shopping, and art galleries. Chinatown is a bustling neighborhood that offers authentic Asian cuisine, vibrant markets, and cultural events.
Another notable area is the South Street Seaport, which features a historic district with renovated 19th-century buildings, shops, restaurants, and the South Street Seaport Museum. The Seaport also offers stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River.
Overall, Lower Manhattan is a diverse and dynamic part of New York City, offering a mix of historical sites, cultural attractions, and modern developments. Visitors can find a wide range of experiences, from exploring the city's history to enjoying its contemporary dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
The Beekman Hotel, with its stunning architecture and luxurious atmosphere, is a popular venue for weddings in New York City. Couples who choose to celebrate their special day at The Beekman can expect a memorable experience, as the hotel combines historic charm with modern amenities and exceptional service.
The hotel offers several event spaces to accommodate weddings of various sizes and styles. The most iconic of these spaces is the atrium, which features a nine-story skylight, ornate cast-iron railings, and Victorian-style balconies. The atrium's dramatic and elegant setting provides a breathtaking backdrop for ceremonies and receptions.
In addition to the atrium, The Beekman has a number of private dining rooms and event spaces that can be tailored to suit each wedding celebration. These spaces are adorned with sophisticated decor, reflecting the hotel's commitment to blending historic preservation with modern luxury.
The Beekman's culinary offerings are another highlight for couples planning their wedding. The hotel's on-site restaurants, Temple Court and Augustine, are helmed by renowned chefs Tom Colicchio and Keith McNally, respectively. The culinary team can create bespoke menus for wedding celebrations, offering a range of options from cocktail receptions to multi-course seated dinners.
The hotel's experienced event planning team works closely with couples to ensure that every detail of their wedding day is meticulously planned and executed. From selecting the perfect event space to designing the menu and coordinating with vendors, The Beekman's staff is dedicated to making each wedding a truly unforgettable experience.
The Beekman also offers luxurious accommodations for the wedding party and guests. With 287 guest rooms, including 45 suites, the hotel provides a comfortable and stylish place to stay during the wedding festivities. The Beekman's central location in Lower Manhattan also makes it convenient for guests to explore the city's many attractions before and after the wedding.
In summary, The Beekman Hotel is a remarkable venue for weddings in New York City, offering a combination of historic elegance, modern luxury, and exceptional service. Couples who choose to celebrate their special day at The Beekman can expect a truly unforgettable experience that they will cherish for years to come.
With such a gorgeous hotel as a backdrop, it's sometimes impossible to choose just where to take wedding photos at the Beekman! I've compiled a list of some of my favorite spots:
Atrium: The atrium is located in the heart of The Beekman Hotel. It is a nine-story space with a magnificent skylight that allows natural light to flood the interior. The atrium is adorned with intricate cast-iron railings. Victorian-style balconies overlook the space, adding a sense of grandeur and elegance to the setting.
Temple Court Restaurant: Temple Court Restaurant can be found within the hotel and is led by renowned chef Tom Colicchio. The restaurant features a luxurious dining area with opulent furnishings, plush seating, and dark wood accents. Large arched windows let in ample light, while the rich color palette and soft lighting create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Foyer: The Beekman Hotel foyer welcomes guests as they enter the building. The space is characterized by a stunning black and white marble floor, laid out in an intricate pattern. The walls are adorned with elegant wood paneling, and the space is illuminated by a combination of ambient light and exquisite chandeliers.
The Beekman's Bar and Lounge: The hotel's bar and lounge area is a sophisticated space with a cozy and intimate ambiance. It is furnished with comfortable seating, including plush velvet sofas and armchairs, as well as elegant marble-topped tables. The room features rich, dark wood paneling and a distinctive tin ceiling, which adds an element of historical charm to the space.
The Rooftop Terrace: The rooftop terrace at The Beekman Hotel offers an outdoor space with spectacular views of the surrounding Manhattan skyline. The terrace is equipped with stylish seating, including comfortable lounge chairs and sofas, as well as an assortment of potted plants and greenery that create a serene, garden-like atmosphere. This open-air space provides a unique vantage point from which to appreciate the architectural beauty of the hotel and the city beyond.
To show different parts of New York City in wedding photos, couples might leave The Beekman. It's a beautiful place, but going to other spots can offer more exciting photos. By visiting nearby places, they can take pictures with famous buildings, pretty parks, and well-known sights. This way, their wedding photos will tell a bigger story about their special day and the city they love.
City Hall Park (43 Park Row, New York, NY 10038) Distance: Approximately a 5-minute walk from The Beekman City Hall Park is a small but charming public park located at the heart of Lower Manhattan. Surrounded by historic buildings like City Hall and the Tweed Courthouse, the park features lush green lawns, mature trees, and well-manicured flower beds. The centerpiece of the park is a beautiful fountain, which adds a serene ambiance to the space. Winding pathways and benches throughout the park provide a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll or rest.
Brooklyn Bridge (Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038) Distance: Approximately a 20-minute walk or 10-minute drive from The Beekman The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. Completed in 1883, it is one of the oldest roadway bridges in the United States. Its distinctive Gothic-style towers and intricate web of cables make it a marvel of engineering and design. Pedestrian and bike lanes along the bridge offer stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, East River, and Statue of Liberty.
Battery Park (Battery Pl, State St & Whitehall St, New York, NY 10004) Distance: Approximately a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive from The Beekman Battery Park is a 25-acre public park located at the southern tip of Manhattan. The park boasts expansive lawns, picturesque gardens, and waterfront promenades that provide sweeping views of the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Within the park, there are numerous monuments, sculptures, and the historic Castle Clinton National Monument, which adds a touch of history to the area.
South Street Seaport (12 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038) Distance: Approximately a 10-minute walk from The Beekman South Street Seaport is a historic district situated along the East River in Lower Manhattan. It features renovated 19th-century buildings, cobblestone streets, and a lively atmosphere. The area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and the South Street Seaport Museum. The Seaport offers stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Washington Square Park (5th Ave, Waverly Pl, W. 4th St. & Macdougal St, New York, NY 10012) Distance: Approximately a 15-minute drive or 30-minute subway ride from The Beekman Washington Square Park is a 9.75-acre public park located in Greenwich Village. The park is characterized by its large central fountain, expansive lawns, and tree-lined pathways. The iconic Washington Square Arch, modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, serves as a focal point and gateway to the park. The space is a hub of activity, hosting street performers, artists, and community events throughout the year.
SoHo (SoHo, New York, NY) Distance: Approximately a 20-minute walk or 10-minute drive from The Beekman SoHo is a trendy neighborhood in Lower Manhattan known for its cast-iron architecture, high-end boutiques, and art galleries. The streets are lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings featuring ornate facades and large windows. The area is filled with a mix of luxury retailers, unique shops, and a variety of dining options. SoHo's cobblestone streets and historic charm make it a popular destination for strolling and exploring.
The High Line (Gansevoort St to W. 34th St., between 10th and 12th Ave, New York, NY 10011) Distance: Approximately a 20-minute drive or 30-minute subway ride from The Beekman The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated linear park built on a former railway line on Manhattan's West Side. The park features lush greenery, including trees, shrubs, and flowers, as well as art installations and seating areas. The High Line offers beautiful views of the city, the Hudson River, and the unique surrounding architecture. It is a popular destination for leisurely strolls, enjoying the outdoors, and taking in the urban landscape.
Tribeca Park (Beach St & W Broadway, New York, NY 10007) Distance: Approximately a 15-minute walk from The Beekman Tribeca Park is a small triangular park located in the heart of the Tribeca neighborhood. The park features well-maintained green lawns, mature trees, and inviting benches, providing a peaceful oasis in the bustling city. A central focal point of the park is the elegant 19th-century subway control house, which adds a historic touch to the landscape. The surrounding Tribeca neighborhood is known for its cobblestone streets, warehouse-style buildings, and trendy atmosphere.
DUMBO (Washington St & Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201) Distance: Approximately a 25-minute walk or 15-minute drive from The Beekman DUMBO, short for "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass," is a thriving neighborhood in Brooklyn located between the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. This former industrial area now features refurbished warehouses, upscale shops, and art galleries. The cobblestone streets and unique architecture contribute to the neighborhood's distinct character. DUMBO offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, East River, and both bridges, making it a popular spot for leisurely walks and exploration.
Rockefeller Park (North end of Battery Park City, New York, NY 10280) Distance: Approximately a 20-minute walk or 10-minute drive from The Beekman Rockefeller Park is a serene and spacious green space situated at the north end of Battery Park City along the Hudson River. The park features meticulously landscaped lawns, gardens, and waterfront promenades with stunning views of the river and the Jersey City skyline. The park also contains playgrounds, sports fields, and public art installations, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation. Its location on the waterfront provides a peaceful atmosphere amidst the urban landscape.
As a highly skilled and experienced photographer, I am the perfect choice for capturing a Beekman Hotel wedding in all its splendor. My expertise in lighting, both natural and artificial, ensures that every detail of the venue and its unique architectural features are beautifully showcased in each photograph.
The Beekman Hotel's interior, with its intricate ironwork, grand atrium, and elegant event spaces, presents a wonderful opportunity for me to exercise my talent in manipulating light. I understand how essential it is to create the perfect balance of light and shadow in order to accentuate the stunning architectural elements that make The Beekman such a special place for a wedding. When working with natural light, I can expertly harness the sunlight streaming through the atrium's skylight or the large windows of Temple Court Restaurant, creating a soft, warm, and inviting ambiance in each image.
In situations where the natural light is limited or insufficient, I am adept at creating artificial light that complements and enhances the existing environment. With my collection of professional lighting equipment and my extensive knowledge of different lighting techniques, I can produce a visually stunning atmosphere that highlights the beauty and elegance of The Beekman. My ability to seamlessly blend natural and artificial light sources allows me to create images that are both true to the venue's character and uniquely captivating.
As a photographer, I am committed to delivering a collection of wedding photographs that perfectly capture the essence of your special day at The Beekman Hotel. My proficiency in lighting and my keen eye for detail will ensure that each image is a breathtaking representation of the love, joy, and elegance that define your unforgettable wedding celebration.