The NoMad Hotel in New York City is giving us dark and mysterious vibes and photographer Emily Kirke couldn’t agree more - The hotel's Beaux-Arts building served as the timeless backdrop for her wedding-inspired shoot. The photoessay starts in one of the NoMad rooms featuring a claw foot tub and ends at the opulent Library Bar.
As the couple advances towards their nuptials, we can’t help but fall in love with the vintage Parisian accents of The NoMad Hotel - and the way Emily Kirke so romantically captures them. We chatted with her about standout moments of the shoot, favorite features of the venue (distressed leather, anyone?!) and a little history and design insight into what makes the NoMad hotel so alluring.
Words and photography by Emily Kirke
Why did you choose this hotel as the backrop for your shoot?
The NoMad Hotel transports its guests, making you feel like you’re in Europe or the library-themed bar inspires a feeling of Harry Potter’s famed alma mater Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. It is a beautiful vintage space that is big for NYC, dark and moody, and has so much character!
What are the standout features of this spot?
The NoMad Hotel’s impeccably styled rooms make it a versatile venue for a sophisticated high-fashion elopement, as couples can get ready, get married, and then have dinner and drinks without ever sacrificing style. My favorite guest room features? The wooden plank flooring and claw foot tub (both unheard of in a NYC hotel!), the distressed leather arm chairs, and the eclectic mix of art on the carefully curated gallery wall.
Could you share a little history about this venue?
Designed by Jacques Garcia, The NoMad Hotel was inspired by an old picture of an apartment in Paris where he lived in his 20s. The aesthetic of the building is 1900 French Renaissance with a Beaux-Arts cupola.
Where did you actually shoot? What was your favorite backdrop?
There are so many fantastic places to shoot, like the vintage library themed bar, the grand cupola on the roof (visually interesting both inside and out), and an atrium-like dining area.
What kind of events are best suited for The NoMad Hotel?
Elopements, small-mid-sized weddings, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, rehearsal dinners, cocktail parties, engagement shoots, and anniversary shoots are all events that would do well at The NoMad Hotel. There are a number of event spaces highlighted on the website, including a tented space on the roof. Also, if you're wanting a European wedding but don't want to get on a plane, it's the perfect place. The NoMad Hotel has a sexy and mysterious vibe that would add some magic to a wide range of events.
Any standout moments during your time at The NoMad?
The entire staff was exceptionally accommodating about us shooting wherever we wanted, especially Laura Wagstaff from the events staff. “Want to go up to the completely closed roof and shoot? Sure. Just go let yourself up to the penthouse floor.” We also had no issue working with the front desk to get a special room with a clawfoot tub to shoot!
Did you eat or drink anything memorable onsite?
The service there was exceptional, and I had the best oatmeal I've ever had in my life for breakfast — baked apple with a lump of buttered brown sugar that slowly melted into the dish.
Credits
Photography: Emily Kirke | Venue: The NoMad Hotel | Florals: Heart & Soil Flowers | Stationary: Crafted by Anamarie | Hair & Makeup: Upstyle | Dress: Everthine Bride
