Barton Cowperthwaite Instagram – We were married in the Solarium next to the Piano Bar at the Hotel Chelsea. Choosing the Chelsea was an easy decision. It’s iconic, filled with art and history. I grew up on 22nd between 5th and 6th, and remember it in its late 90’s crumbling glory. The Solarium, small and perfect for our 35 guests, has a beautiful skylight running the length of the room. Decorated with plants and greenery, it was perfect as it was, requiring minimal decoration.
Our best friend Sammy (Bart’s best friend since birth) who knows us as individuals and as a couple better than anyone else, officiated the ceremony. It felt comfortable, relaxed, and unfussy. Our violinist played as we each walked down the aisle with our parents. The three of us stood in front of an arch I constructed from wooden dowels, tissue paper flowers from Etsy, Velcro, and hot glue. We were flanked by two bunches of my favorite Allium flowers. We each took a long moment to take in the space before our vows. We wanted to be as present as possible.
After the ceremony, we had a champagne toast, and Bart’s brothers each said a few words. Our guests stayed for a cocktail hour while we left to do photos in our room. We left the Hotel Chelsea and went to the West Village with our photographers. Standing on a corner next to a tipped-over trash can for 15 minutes, trying to hail a cab, we were met with honks and cheers. It was a quintessential New York moment, a reminder that the city stops for no one.
We walked around the West Village, taking photos at all our favorite neighborhood spots. We stopped by Grove Apothecary to see our pharmacists, who have always taken such good care of us. We visited the Jane laundromat, where Bart has made friends with everyone who works there. We were all heartbroken when he got sick, but no one was as crushed as our friends at the laundromat. We dropped in at Casa Magazines, where Bart buys copies of the magazines he’s published in. This community is a part of our everyday lives. They’ve made our New York City feel like a close knit small town. Their kindness and care got us to the other side of a terrifying time, and we wanted to share a piece of the other side with them. | Posted on 29/Jul/2024 19:57:58
