Wings of Love: Tropical Lunch Wedding

Phil & Shawn’s lunch wedding was themed in an Indochine-meets-Hermès style. They became the first same-sex couple from New York to be legally married at the Empire State Building since the law was passed this year.

February 14^th, 2012 was the first day same-sex couples could legally
wed on the Empire State Building.

The ceremony and reception on the 61^st floor overlooked lower
Manhattan, including Phil & Shawn’s neighborhood.

Phil & Shawn wore matching suits and plaid ties by Men’s Wearhouse.

The dark brown pinstriped suits were an elegant choice for their 11am
ceremony.

Phil & Shawn complemented their suits with simple loafers.

Matching Stepped Edge Bands by De Beers would be exchanged by the
handsome couple.

The Estée Lauder team gets Phil & Shawn camera-ready before their ceremony.

With Phil’s hair and makeup complete, he takes a moment to absorb the feelings of the day.

After 18 years together, Phil & Shawn couldn’t imagine getting ready
for their wedding without each other.

Phil adjusts Shawn’s tie before guests arrive.

Shawn admires Phil’s handiwork with a necktie.

Phil checking Shawn’s suit to make sure everything is in place.

The couple calms each other’s nerves before their ceremony.

Phil & Shawn awaiting the arrival of their best men in the
Gentlemen’s Corner.

Shawn & Phil’s best men, Brian and Victor, wore matching bow ties and pocket squares.

The persimmon-hued Indochine-meets-Hermès ceremony with tropical floral décor from Grymes Cannon Designs and Jenevieve Peralta. The runner was a persimmon felt that was hand-woven with chocolate ribbon.

Votive candles float in glass urns hung from the floral altar.

Phil waits for Shawn under the verdant altar.

Shawn pauses at the end of the aisle as his eyes met Phil’s to take in the moment.

Kim Kirkley officiated Phil & Shawn’s ceremony.

Banana leaves and orange ranunculi added a lush look to the altar.

Prior to the big day, Kim, worked with Phil & Shawn to craft a personalized ceremony that reflected their relationship.

A lovely floral ritual: each guest added an orange ranunculus to the altar and made a wish for the couple when they arrived.

Not only a long-awaited moment for these two men, but a historic moment for same-sex couples everywhere.

Phil & Shawn, surrounded by family and friends, embrace as their
ceremony concludes.

Phil & Shawn make their way back up the aisle together – officially married!

The couple enjoys a moment of quiet in one of the Empire State
Building’s stylized elevators.

Phil & Shawn pose for portraits overlooking views of the city they
call home.

Colin joined Phil & Shawn on the Observatory for a toast with Dom Perignon champagne.

Banana leaf-printed linens from Resource One Luxury Linens, orange flowers and dark brown Chiavari chairs from Classic Party Rentals gave the reception an elegant and organic feel.

Clusters of orange votive candles surround a tall vase overflowing with
bright banana leaves.

Low arrangements of orange blossoms and votive candles were a chic
and simple centerpiece.

RedBliss Invitation Design designed menus on banana leaf-patterned paper, each printed with a guest’s name.

Guests enjoyed a buffet catered by Mary Giuliani, including a mixed
green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette and plantain chips.

Mary Giuliani’s Pollo de Saltado and Ropa Vieja were served with
black beans, yellow rice and sautéed potatoes.

Phil’s best man and brother, Victor, mingles with guests in the Dom Perignon Cocktail Lounge.

Shawn & Phil make a grand entrance as they are announced for the first time as a married couple.

An electric violinist, arranged by Troy Curtis Inc., played as the guests enjoyed their lunch.

Phil & Shawn pause for a private moment near their wedding cake by Cheryl Kleinman.

A second violinist took to the stage to accompany Phil & Shawn’s first dance.

Phil & Shawn’s guests applaud as the newlyweds make their way to the dance floor.

Shawn & Phil’s first dance was performed by a duo of electric violinists.

After meeting, falling in love and sharing 18 years together in New York City, an Empire State Building wedding was a wonderful way to celebrate Phil and Shawn's romance in Big Apple style.

Guests congratulate Phil & Shawn on their wedding.

Cheryl Kleinman created a four-tiered cake covered in the same banana
leaf print as the menus and linens.

Orange ranunculus blossoms rested on each tier of the cake.

Colin provides expert advice as Phil & Shawn cut their wedding cake.

In addition to cake by Cheryl Kleinman, guests enjoyed Mary Giuliani’s
Arroz Con Leche.

Phil’s Mom and a young guest admire his De Beers wedding band.

Phil & Shawn pose for pictures during their reception. The couple met 18 years ago on the floor of the infamous Roxy Disco in NYC.

A wonderful mix of family and friends came to the Empire State Building to celebrate with Phil & Shawn.

Shawn’s best man Brian mingles with guests.

Two guests point out Phil & Shawn's neighborhood from the Empire State Building’s 61st floor.

Shawn & Phil share a kiss in the Empire State Building’s marble lobby.

These New Yorkers were thrilled to take their celebration to the street
and have Christian Oth Studio document the day.

Phil & Shawn looking dapper crossing 33^rd street.

The corner of 34^th Street and 5th Avenue was a memorable place to
celebrate the first few hours of married life.

Phil & Shawn mingle with the crowds hours after saying “I Do” on
the Empire State Building.

With their marriage official, the two happy grooms look forward to
a long and happy future together.

Phil & Shawn celebrate their marriage with a kiss in the Empire State
Building’s gleaming lobby.