Where we met
A rainy Tuesday, a corner bookshop in the West Village, and the last copy of a novel we both reached for. Sebastian offered it up; Genevieve offered to split a coffee instead. Neither of us ever finished the book.
Saturday · the twenty-seventh of September · Two Thousand Twenty-Five
Genevieve&Sebastian
Together with their families, Genevieve Ashford and Sebastian Vance request the honour of your presence at their black-tie wedding — an evening of ceremony, dinner and dancing at The Astor Court in New York.
Engagement & story
The Gallery
Our story told in chapters — the evening we met, a proposal above the harbour, and the black-tie portraits on the library steps. Each collection opens to the full set of photographs.
Our story
How it happened
Six years, two cities, and one very good decision. The short version of a story we'll happily tell you the long way over a glass of champagne on the night.
The proposal
Five years later, on a balcony above the Amalfi coast at dusk, with a ring that had been hidden in a coat pocket for three long weeks. The question was barely out before the answer was given — twice, for certainty.
What comes next
A small apartment full of books, a standing Sunday dinner, and a life we'd like to keep building in good company. We would be honoured to have you there for the beginning of the next chapter.
Order of the evening
The Schedule
An evening unhurried and beautifully kept. Arrive a little early, stay a little late — the whole night is yours as much as it is ours.
- 01
Half past three — Arrival
Doors open at 3:30 in the afternoon. You'll be welcomed with a glass of something cold in the Court's marble atrium and shown to your seat before the ceremony begins. Please be seated no later than 3:55.
- 02
Four o'clock — The ceremony
At four we'll marry beneath the west windows, in a short candlelit ceremony of no more than half an hour. We ask that phones and cameras stay away — our photographers will capture everything, and we'd love to see your faces, not your screens.
- 03
Half past four — Cocktails
Following the ceremony, join us on the terrace for champagne, canapés and the first of many toasts as the tables are turned for dinner. There will be a string quartet, a raw bar, and a very good negroni.
- 04
Six o'clock — Dinner & dancing
A seated dinner of four courses, speeches you'll want to have a handkerchief ready for, and dancing until the small hours. Carriages at one o'clock; a late-night bite for anyone still standing.
The details
Everything you'll need
The venue, where to stay, and a note on gifts — all in one place. If a question isn't answered here, write to us and we'll be glad to help.
The Venue
Astor CourtNew York
- 455 Madison Avenue, New York
- Ceremony beneath the west windows
- Reception in the Grand Ballroom
- Valet parking & coat check on arrival
Where to Stay
The Carlyleroom block
- Rooms held under 'Ashford–Vance'
- Special rate through 1 September
- A short walk from the Court
- Complimentary shuttle on the evening
Gifts & Registry
Registryyour presence is plenty
- Your company is the greater gift
- A curated registry, if you wish
- A fund toward our first home abroad
- Charitable giving options included
Kindly note the evening is black tie. Full attire and travel details follow on the Our Story page.
From the wedding party
A few words
I have known Genevieve since we were seven, and I have never once seen her as sure of anything as she is of him. Come thirsty and wear comfortable shoes — we are dancing until they turn the lights on.
Sebastian rehearsed the proposal on me for a month. He was terrified. He needn't have been — she said yes before he'd finished the sentence. Honoured to stand beside him, and to hold the rings.
To watch our daughter marry a man this kind, in a room this full of love, is more than we ever hoped for. Thank you for travelling to share it. Every one of you belongs at that table.
Good to know
Frequently asked
Black tie. Floor-length gowns and dinner jackets, please — this is an evening to dress for. If you'd welcome a little guidance on attire, write to us and we'll happily help.
Will you celebrate with us?
Please send your reply by the first of August so we can save you a seat at the table.