A Romantic Setting
Getting married amid symbols of love is every bride’s dream, and so she decorates with her favorite flowers, chooses her special gown, and creates her tables with charm. Now at Above, she also can experience the inspiration of special artworks that further enhance her romantic vision.
Hoteliers and real estate developers Lois & Richard Nicotra, owners of Above and Nicotra’s Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn and other properties, have curated a unique art and sculpture collection throughout their hotels and grounds.
“Many are ‘wedding-centric’ sculptures for our most important guests, our wedding couples,” says Susan Anderson, executive director of marketing at Above. “The Nicotras’ have enhanced the hotel grounds with art and flowers and have been present at almost every wedding in the last 17 years, working alongside their team to make sure every detail is perfect.”
Wedding-Centric Art
Just inside the entrance to the Above property stands the 10-feet tall by 40-feet long LOVE sculpture. “Maybe it will make you think a little bit,” says Mr. Nicotra, as Mrs. Nicotra adds, “Much of the desire Rich and I had for this space and the artwork stems from our wish that the world be filled with more peace, and that the borough we call home has the best art, flowers, hotels, and wedding venues.”
“The XOXOX sculpture is a gift for our couples, giving them the opportunity for a picture-perfect moment,” continues Lois of the 22-feet long and 6-feet high structure. “We built LOVE at the entrance for our guests, brides and grooms, and the community alike, but XOXOX is located in a more secluded location, mainly for the couples who get married at Above.”
Embrace is a modern sculpture that stands just over 11 feet tall amid the greenery at the edge of their Great Lawn and is another favorite photo spot for couples.
“Lois & Richard Nicotra built the Bridal Swing at the request of the very first bride who booked her wedding with us,” says Carroll Tavella, senior vice president, event planning and sales, and a Nicotra team member for over 18 years. “During one of our meetings, she showed me a photo of a bride sitting on a swing and asked if we were planning something like this.
“Once Mr. and Mrs. Nicotra saw the picture, they found the perfect place at our garden’s edge and built the swing as a special thank you to the couple for booking their wedding when Nicotra’s Ballroom wasn’t yet built. What began as a heartfelt gift to that first wedding couple has grown into a favorite spot for brides and grooms for the last 17 years.”“So many couples find themselves running from location to location on their wedding day, searching for the perfect photo opportunity,” adds Jennifer Finch, senior events specialist/sales manager, who has been on the Nicotra team for more than seven years. “It’s stressful and takes up a lot of time on their day. So it’s wonderful that our venue has romantic art which can serve as perfect backdrops for dream photos. Many of our couples come back on their anniversaries to revisit our artwork for photos and then have dinner and a special toast at Lorenzo’s Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret.
“One of my favorite pieces of art in Above,” continuers Jennifer, “may not be thought of as art. The Nicotras’ have an eye for provocative lighting fixtures and outdid themselves with the installation of Bubbles.
The Above rooftop fixture has over 300 glass globes with fiber optic lighting, allowing for color rotation and amazing effects, such as a twinkling night sky above the crowd.” Above Ballroom also has a unique Custom Light Installation, with 4,000 Swarovski crystals, each with its own LED light. “The ballroom’s two-story single slab Carrera marble candle wall also features carved niches that our brides and grooms can customize with dramatic color – becoming artists for the night!”
“I’ve been working with the Nicotras’ for 14 years,” says Sue Vaiana, assistant director of sales, wedding and event specialist, “and I love how their art and sculpture collection has grown. It’s fantastic to walk a couple through the property and have them be so enthusiastic about all the different art. A perennial favorite is our historical Red Tulips sculpture, which was originally located on Park Avenue.
“In addition to our warm customer service, panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, and our on-site overnight accommodations,” adds Sue, “another reason couples entrust us with their most important day is because we have a ‘Wedding Sculpture Garden’ right on our grounds.”
Above1100 South Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314718.477.2400 X 2
[email protected], www.eventabove.com
The Above rooftop fixture has over 300 glass globes with fiber optic lighting, allowing for color rotation and amazing effects, such as a twinkling night sky above the crowd.” Above Ballroom also has a unique Custom Light Installation, with 4,000 Swarovski crystals, each with its own LED light. “The ballroom’s two-story single slab Carrera marble candle wall also features carved niches that our brides and grooms can customize with dramatic color – becoming artists for the night!”