Once their respective best friends started dating during their senior year of high school, Samantha Smith and Eric Truss began to see each other around often. They became friends for a while, and after their freshman year of college, they started dating. Years later, Eric proposed on the boardwalk as they were walking to dinner in Long Beach, New York, stopping to give her a hug – and then a ring. “I felt his heart racing and knew it was about to happen,” smiles Samantha. 

When deciding where to get married, the couple decided on St. Jean Baptiste Roman Catholic Church, where they were parishioners while living on the Upper East Side. Once the ceremony location was selected, the couple had two close-by venues in mind, and the reaction of the bride’s parents upon entering one of them sealed the deal. “You immediately can see how it’s in a league of its own,” describes Samantha of their historic venue. “Built in 1893, the palatial architecture is stunning with its grand rooms gilded in gold and marble… it takes your breath away.” 

Desiring a classic black-tie wedding, the day began with a Catholic ceremony that reflected the pair as a couple, introducing their appreciation for tradition. Following the “I dos,” friends and family made their way to the exquisite reception site for a cocktail hour complete with passed hors d’oeuvres, as well as a raw bar and carving station. Cocktail napkins, as well as matchbooks and the pair’s save the date, highlighted a playful monkey motif for a unique twist and keepsake. 

“We wanted it to have the look and feel of a party during the Gilded Age.”

When loved ones entered the ballroom, they were in awe of the stately space embellished with luxurious décor inspired by a bygone era. “We wanted it to have the look and feel of a party during the Gilded Age,” shares Samantha of their vision, adding that they leaned into rich burgundies and light blush hues in terms of the color palette, which was accented with golden details. 

Rectangular tables showcased mirrored tabletops to reflect the beautiful ceiling of the venue, and round tables were strewn with printed burgundy linens for an antique-style look. To create a grand, yet intimate feel in the ballroom, gilded candelabras provided a grand, opulent design element, and the center of the ballroom was decorated with two oversized urns brimming with white feathers that were perfectly illuminated to pull in more 1800s-style design details. 

After a traditional wedding menu was enjoyed, friends and family hit the dance floor. In lieu of a wedding cake, the couple instead had servers pass desserts to guests on the dance floor. “We wanted our guests out dancing for the entire set and to have so much fun,” notes the bride. “We also had espresso martinis passed, which our guests loved!” 

When looking back on their special day, Samantha and Eric vividly remember entering the magnificent space to see their guests enjoying the black-tie event they worked so hard to plan over the course of two years. “Coming down the stairs in the Great Hall of The Metropolitan Club, seeing all of our guests down there, was so special,” Samantha smiles. “Everyone in attendance was there because they are special to us, and there was so much love in the room… [It] overwhelmed me with joy and gratitude.”

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