A Fifth Avenue Wedding Story

Weddings at The Fifth Avenue Hotel unfold across a collection of spaces, each one with its own spirit and charm. No two celebrations are ever the same, and every couple finds a story written just for them. From an intimate rehearsal dinner in The Conservatory and cocktail hour in The Study to an after-party in The Cellar, the special day becomes a layered experience of moods and memories. For couples planning an intimate wedding in New York City, The Fifth offers the rare luxury of holding every moment in one destination, with intimacy and elegance at the heart.

Last year, Elizabeth Gopal, owner and creative director of East Made Co., designed an intimate fall celebration at The Fifth for clients Rachel and Michael. Here, she shares her approach, inspirations, and advice for couples dreaming of a micro wedding or destination wedding in Manhattan.

Here at The Fifth, The Study and The Conservatory each hold such distinct charm. How did you approach weaving these spaces together for a fall wedding that felt cohesive and layered, yet allowed each room to shine?

“All of the spaces in The Fifth Avenue Hotel are so inspiring design-wise. It’s definitely one of those goal venues where you can weave color, pattern, and texture from the space into an event design for the right client. I love to think about giving guests an experience that feels cohesive but still keeps them guessing as they move through each part of a wedding.

For this wedding, we held the ceremony and brunch in The Conservatory and transformed the room during cocktail hour. We kept the décor in The Study minimal since it was more of a transitional space—for gathering, cake cutting, and champagne; we even brought in a pre-ceremony coffee cart. But we really went all out in The Conservatory. The goal was to make The Conservatory feel more like the other opulent spaces in the hotel, while still bringing the garden-feel indoors.”

Notes from The Fifth: With vibrant and varied spaces, The Fifth allows couples to design celebrations that feel imaginative and layered. Imagined by acclaimed interior designer Martin Brudnizki, the interiors at The Fifth balance whimsical detail with refined elegance, making every venue a creative canvas for weddings of every style.

Autumn offers such a rich palette. For this particular celebration, what tones, textures, or floral elements did you gravitate toward to bring the season indoors in a refined, modern way?

“More is more was definitely the guiding phrase here! We started with the pairing of the Ginori Porpora plates and bird-patterned linen from Nuage, and everything else fell into place from there. Our main hero moments were the chuppah florals and the brunch table, and Designs by Ahn is fabulous at putting together complex floral pieces that are textural and interesting.

We wanted the florals to be opulent, overflowing, and rich in color tone. Definitely not the ‘typical’ autumn color palette, but, in our opinion, way better!”

Notes from The Fifth: Culinary artistry plays as much of a role as décor. Led by James Beard Award–winning Chef Andrew Carmellini, menus at The Fifth blend warmth and sophistication. Whether a seasonal brunch, a multi-course dinner, or cocktails inspired by the moment, cuisine becomes an important part of each wedding’s storytelling.

Your events are known for their thoughtful storytelling. Were there any bespoke design details that helped reflect the couple’s personality within The Fifth’s already beautifully storied setting?

“The tablescape was definitely our shining star and primary focus when designing this wedding. The couple was very invested in creating a high-touch, curated table scape for their guests (only 36 people) that would foster connection and intimacy over brunch.

We also incorporated numerous personalized touchpoints throughout the day: a welcome coffee cart serving lattes and espresso, family photos, personalized matchbook mementos, fun cocktail napkins, and a little box of Ladurée macarons at every place setting.

These elements added to the personality of the day and warmly welcomed guests into this special space. They made the wedding feel both luxurious and personal, exactly what couples often look for in a micro wedding in New York City.”

Notes from The Fifth: White-glove service ensures that each detail is executed seamlessly. The Fifth’s dedicated team works hand-in-hand with couples and planners, bringing thoughtful touches to life while removing stress from the process. For those staying with us, this level of care extends to our extraordinary butler team, who orchestrate the unseen so that every guest experiences the day at its most magical.

Fall in New York can be magic, but also unpredictable. What are some practical or creative considerations you recommend for couples planning autumn weddings? 

“One thing we’ve learned in 10 years of business is that every season on the East Coast can be unpredictable! Number one is to always have a backup plan for the rain.

We’d originally planned to hold this wedding’s ceremony in a garden, but after months of back and forth on possible garden closing uncertainty, and the chance of unpredictable weather, our couple decided to definitively opt for The Conservatory. Not only did this give them peace of mind, but we were also able to expand on the design and focus on Plan A.

For autumn weddings, I also love exploring lush textures—velvet linens, vintage jacquard ribbons, richer colors, buttery cuisine, spiced signature cocktails.

Lighting is always a huge element as well, and we often layer candlelight at varied heights with more complex artificial lighting to achieve the perfect glow. Fall weddings are my personal favorite; I just love a cozy ambiance and mood.”

Notes from The Fifth: Every celebration at The Fifth is designed to glow. Layered lighting, creative use of spaces, and seamless execution bring depth and intimacy to the day, ensuring couples and guests feel immersed in a mood that’s entirely their own.

Designed for Every “I Do” 

Rachel and Michael’s celebration is the ideal example of how The Fifth Avenue Hotel serves as a true planner’s dream, a property where distinct spaces provide endless opportunities for design, while every element flows together as one. From a micro wedding of 36 guests to a destination wedding in New York City with a full weekend of events, The Fifth offers couples a setting that is elegant, inspiring, and entirely their own.