In the early 1960’s New York City’s JFK Airport added an absolute architectural gem to its busy system of gates and runways. Designed by Eero Saarinen, the TWA terminal (or Terminal 5) with its iconic shape and wing-inspired roof was full of bustling jetsetters for the latter half of the 20th Century. In 2017, 16 years after it closed its doors to travelers, the midcentury masterpiece was reincarnated as the TWA Hotel, a hip and retro getaway with total time machine vibes.
When Tara, a flight attendant, and Nick, a pilot, found out that TWA Hotel was also a wedding venue, they knew that it was THE place for them to tie the knot. They joined forces with Petite Planning Co. to create a vintage-inspired celebration fit for a high-flying couple.
Planes took off and landed nearby while Tara + Nick said “I do,” guests were greeted with all sorts of amazing air travel-themed details, and photographer Rebecca Renner was there to capture it all!!
Bride Tara has a background in graphic design and created the day’s amazing midcentury paper goods and signage.
Nick’s wedding band is by Emblem, and Tara’s GORGEOUS single stone ring is from The True Gem. Check out this rundown of our favorite minimalist engagement rings.
We spy Tiffany Eau de Parfum by Tiffany & Co! A classic floral choice for a signature wedding scent.
Tara + Nick had welcome bags waiting for their guests full of their favorite in-flight snacks and this adorable newspaper!
How perfect are Tara’s retro white heart-shaped sunnies?! And this white pajama set feels so totally Mad Men! Take a look at these PJs from Revolve if you love the look.
Fasten Your Seatbelts For This First Look
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding Our first look was pretty magical. We decided to do it on the bridge above the main lobby, and there was another event going on down below in the Sunken Lounge. We had no idea that another event was taking place earlier in the day, and so when it came time for our first look, we had a huge crowd of strangers cheering us on. So when Nick turned around, it felt like a movie. Nick didn’t expect the emotion to hit him, and combined with the cheers from down below, it felt like a movie.
Now Boarding: Portraits
Nick’s classic tux by Men’s Warehouse is giving major James Bond energy.
Tara embarked on her dress shopping journey at Seng Couture. She loved that they had their entire inventory online so she could browse the available options before she got there. She’d found 5 or 6 she knew she wanted to try, but when she got them in the fitting room, none of them were right. She was about to call it when her stylist said there was *one* more dress she might like that they’d just gotten in the day before. And it was this gorgeous full-train plunge-neckline gown by Enzoani!! We love its timeless silhouette.
Left hand… WED!
Is this not the most photogenic wedding venue in history?!
We are SO here for this all-black wedding party look!
Julia Testa Flowers was the mastermind behind the day’s colorful florals and the way they pair perfectly with that iconic red TWA carpet.
A Midcentury Ceremony
What an amazing use of the vintage arrivals/departures board ❤️
All My Loving! The TWA Hotel’s historic Sunken Lounge was one of the spots where crowds gathered to see The Beatles arrive in the US for the first time!
Our Musical Choices Processional: The theme song from “Outlander" (instrumental)
Recessional: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
First Dance: "Lover" by Taylor Swift (First Dance Remix)
“Connie,” TWA Hotel’s restored Lockheed Constellation plane is a cocktail lounge as well as a piece of aviation history!
We LOVE Tara’s pearl detail veil! Check this one out if you’re loving it, too.
Tara’s Old Hollywood curls are by hairstylist Samantha Cox, and her elegant glam look is the work of Makeup By Allison.
Gotta love when your venue comes with a photo booth!!
Our Advice To Those Planning Now We debated for the longest time if we needed a day-of coordinator, and I truly don’t know how we would have handled the day without one. You want the wedding day to be as stress free as possible so you can actually focus on enjoying your wedding day! So put money into a quality day-of coordinator who’s been in the business for a while and you can trust to put out fires, because believe us, they will happen.
A Retro Reception
All this red! 😍 Take a peek at our fave red wedding dresses if you’re feeling inspired by Tara + Nick’s crimson celebration.
Tara says the goal for the day was to “lean into the theme without making it too cheesy” and details like this “In-Flight Menu” are a great example of how they pulled that off!
Tara + Nick’s airport wedding was nonstop retro romance! Wishing these two frequent flyers nothing but clear skies!!
photography: Rebecca Renner Photography // venue name: TWA Hotel, New York, New York, USA // planning: Petite Planning Co. // florals: Julie Testa // wedding dress: Enzonai // wedding dress boutique: Seng Couture // bride's ring: The True Gem // hair stylist: Samantha Cox // makeup artist: Makeup by Allison // groom attire: Men's Wearhouse // groom's ring: Emblem // videography: James Liu Films // catering: TWA Hotel // cake: Paige DeSimone // music: New Power Soul // officiant: Harris Bloom
