Le Parker Meriden: New York, NY: Tracy & Ben's Wedding

The night before their wedding, Tracy and Ben gathered together their closest friends and family for a rehearsal dinner, the theme of which (New York meets Michigan) was a representation of story of the couple and the blending of the two families in attendance.

New York was the backdrop of Tracy and Ben’s love story. It was where native-New Yorker Tracy met Michigan-raised Ben as they were pursuing their careers in the bustle of Manhattan. It was where they bonded over their shared love of great food and wine in the abundant restaurants of the city. It was where Ben had proposed on a chilly winter day under the arch in Washington Square Park. New York had been such a big part of their relationship that when it came time to select the perfect place to celebrate their marriage, they didn’t have to look much further than their own home city.

For some of their guests, the wedding was a whirlwind introduction to New York and the weather that weekend gave them a glimpse into how resilient New Yorkers can be, even when the rain is coming down sideways in sheets in Midtown. I’ve always thought there is something really romantic about New York City in the rain, the sound of it on the windows, the way the pavement reflects the lights of the city, how it gives everyone an excuse to hold each other a little bit closer under an umbrella.

And really, once you were instead the ballroom of Le Parker Meriden watching Ben twirl Tracy on the dance floor as she flashed him her infectious smile, it was easy to forget there was even a cloud in the sky that day, because these two light every room they are in.