Birthday Weekending in NYC


Happy Monday friends!! What a whirlwind weekend – from Midtown to the Lower East Side all the way to Brooklyn, this was the ultimate weekend! With the pictures doing much of the explaining, there’s really no need for an introduction! Warning…picture overload ahead! 


Stay ||

Park Avenue Hotel, New York Hotel, Iberostar Hotel New York

Park Avenue Hotel, New York Hotel, Iberostar Hotel New York


When it was decided that we (my family including parents & sister / BIL) would be coming to New York for a wedding and my birthday I jumped on to Jetsetterto see what types of deals we could get for a great location & nice hotel. We lucked out with Iberostar on Park Avenue– seriously we paid such a great price – a quick walk to 5th Avenue & not too far from everywhere we would be going over the 36 hours in New York. I really appreciated all the full length mirrors in the room, which it seems like hotels never have & free WiFi – that coupled with a comfy bed and I was a happy camper! 



Birthday Celebrations ||

Lower East Side Restaurant, LES, Beauty and Essex, New York Restaurants,


Figuring out where to host a birthday dinner in NYC is no easy task – loads of restaurants to choose from, but I was looking for a place that had a private room, could easily host 20 people & gave you an experience to go along with the food. After doing a little research and asking some friends I kept hearing Beauty & Essex as the top choice. If you followed along on Insta Stories then you saw you enter the restaurant through a working pawn shop. 


The minute you walk into B&E you are transported – it’s a mix between old hollywood glamour & over the top decadence. The private room in situated in the back of the restaurant on the first floor & although a tad bit loud with the music that’s played in the other areas of the restaurant you do get a nice bit of privacy to enjoy the night. I was surrounded by my family and friends –  some that live in NYC & other’s that just happened to be in town. 


I preselected the menu that was served family style & oh my word was it delicious. All I kept hearing from everyone was how incredible everything tasted. I’d go back for the tuna sashimi alone! 

private party menu at beauty and essex


I wasn’t able to get any photos, but if the menu gives you any indication – there really is no other way to describe it other than delicious! Each course was better than the one before & even though we were all incredibly stuffed we couldn’t stop eating! The restaurant was very accommodating with a couple allergies that we had which makes things that much more enjoyable. 



I have to say the biggest surprise was the size of the cake – when I selected the dessert I had no idea that the cake would be bigger than any cake I’ve had before and just as everything else – incredibly delicious. It was the most fun I have ever had for a birthday & without a doubt one I will remember forever! My cheeks hurt from laughing & smiling so much & the toasts that were given in my honor brought tears to my eyes! Oh & did I mention there is a champagne bar in the women’s bathroom – that’s right a full on lounge with a bartender serving champagne!! That’s reason enough to go!




Wedding Celebration ||


The wedding we went to on Saturday gave us views of the Statue of Liberty, the most gorgeous ceremony followed by a stunning loft reception – with cherry blossoms and twinkle lights!! I was in wedding planner heaven! Jackie & I need to find a couple in Boston to recreate this for soon! 




I had a couple folks ask about the two dresses I wore this weekend & both were bought on a whim and pure luck! I found the blue Pamella Rolland dress in the Runway section of TJ Maxx & it’s my new favorite piece in my closet! A touch long, but higher heels make everything work! The red dress was a random find at Nordstrom Rack – sometimes you just have to buy the dress because you never know when you’ll need to wear it!! 


Sunday morning we packed our bags & made our way to California…vacation mode in full effect!! Literally the first stop we made after picking up our car was to In-N-Out burger. To me, it totally lived up to the hype!


This was without a doubt one of the best weekend ever – so much fun and I want to thank you all so much for your birthday wishes!! 



How was your weekend? Link up below to share! 


‘);

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84 Comments

  1. Erica Ashley
    March 13, 2017 / 10:21 am

    Happy Birthday!!! Looks like a great celebration!! I love your dress from the wedding as well πŸ™‚

  2. Rachel Emily
    March 13, 2017 / 10:29 am

    I was dying over your snaps of the bar in the bathroom! You know you are in New York when!! I'm so glad you had such a great birthday weekend, you totally deserve it! Now relax and enjoy that vacay!!

  3. Andrea Nine
    March 13, 2017 / 10:29 am

    Can I just say AMAZING in all caps! The perfect birthday celebration weekend, the cake, the company, the atmosphere and the beautiful birthday girl!! LOVE your dresses and have a ball in Cali. PS, I have never been to an In & Out burger either but it's one of the first places I'm going in Vegas, lol.

  4. Sarah Shaneyfelt
    March 13, 2017 / 10:31 am

    That's the best 30th birthday weekend ever! I loved watching you IG stories and the restaurant sounds so interesting! Have a great time in CA!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

  5. KelseyB
    March 13, 2017 / 10:33 am

    What an amazing weekend!! The restaurant sounds fabulous!! And you look so beautiful. I am totally jealous of the in-n-out I have to say. Being from Vegas, I miss it so much! Ha! Enjoy your vacation.

  6. Rachel McCarthy
    March 13, 2017 / 10:36 am

    What a wonderful way to celebrate your 30th! Looks like it was a fabulous weekend in NYC — that cake looks incredible. Enjoy your time in CA! Super jealous of the In-n-Out, that's always our first stop when we head west, too!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  7. Jenn
    March 13, 2017 / 10:39 am

    So glad that you had such a great birthday weekend–if it was any indication I'd say that your 30s are off in the right direction πŸ™‚ Love that photo of you two under the lights at the wedding–so pretty! And YES to In N Out–so glad it lived up to the hype. I'm drooling just remembering how delicious it was when we were in san diego haha

  8. Unknown
    March 13, 2017 / 10:41 am

    Happy belated Birthday! Looks like such a fun evening!
    Xo, Elizabeth
    stripesandsolitaires.com

  9. Lindsay's Sweet World
    March 13, 2017 / 10:52 am

    I'm so glad you had a great weekend, B! Enjoy your trip!! And I'm SO jealous of your In-N-Out!! B and I literally hop off the plane and drive straight there, too, when we're on the west coast! SO FLIPPING GOOD.

  10. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    March 13, 2017 / 11:12 am

    Glad you had SO much fun for your birthday weekend! You look so freakin' gorgeous in that blue dress lady! We'll be up in NYC in a few weeks so this post just made me even more excited!!

    rosyoutlookblog.com

  11. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    March 13, 2017 / 11:30 am

    Looks like such a great time!!! NYC is seriously the weirdest and the coolest all in one. Walked in through a pawn shop?!?!?! Have a fabulous time in Cali!

  12. Kristin
    March 13, 2017 / 11:35 am

    That looks like so much fun!
    That chocolate cake is enormous…or maybe it's just the angle!

    Happy Birthday!

  13. Life as the Mrs.
    March 13, 2017 / 11:39 am

    What a fabulous and fun 30th birthday weekend! And how beautiful was that wedding?! Happy Birthday again!

  14. Lizzie @ This Happy Life
    March 13, 2017 / 11:47 am

    What an amazing way to celebrate your birthday!! And that blue dress, gorgeous!

  15. Unknown
    March 13, 2017 / 11:49 am

    What an amazing weekend! I love to use Jetsetter, so glad you got a beautiful and affordable hotel! Your party looks amazing and I can't believe that they have champagne in the bathroom, a must go now for sure! Happy late birthday and glad you had an amazing weekend. You looked fantastic!
    Xoxo,
    Whitney & Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  16. theonethattravels
    March 13, 2017 / 11:50 am

    From the photos I can tell that you've had a blast.
    xx
    theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
    youtube.com/channel/UC_zn7IqrAY1I44bRuN6dH-Q

  17. kerri @ cheshire kat
    March 13, 2017 / 11:54 am

    not only do i miss NYC something fierce right now – i need to add that restaurant to my list! what an amazing choice for your bday! every detail was just amazing right down to the menu and great group you were with. i am so glad you had the best birthday! have an amazing time in cali girlfriend!

    xoxo cheshire kat

  18. Unknown
    March 13, 2017 / 11:56 am

    Sounds like such a blast! I'm glad you had a great trip and you look sooo gorgeous! XO- Kim

  19. MONICA SORS
    March 13, 2017 / 12:13 pm

    Very interesting post! Cool pics babe!
    xx
    MΓ³nica Sors
    MES VOYAGES Γ€ PARIS
    NEW POST: PFW | GINGHAM PANTS & STRIPES
    DON'T MISS: PFW STREET STYLE MARCH 2017 (II)

  20. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    March 13, 2017 / 12:20 pm

    I can't get over how gorgeous that wedding was! The cherry blossoms and the lights are so amazing! And you look stunning in both of those dresses but dying over that blue one! Glad you had the best birthday friend, you totally deserve it! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  21. Emily @ Everyday Accounts
    March 13, 2017 / 12:34 pm

    So glad you were able to have such a fun birthday celebration weekend! Beauty and Essex looks incredible! We may be headed to NYC this summer, and if we do, I'm making a mental note to make a dinner reservation there! πŸ™‚

  22. Hannah
    March 13, 2017 / 12:45 pm

    Girl, you look like you have the BEST birthday celebrations. I followed all your instastories and the dinner looked amazing.

  23. Anonymous
    March 13, 2017 / 12:46 pm

    It looks like your birthday celebration was top notch πŸ™‚ Such amazing photos and I'm sure an amazing time

  24. Chelsea
    March 13, 2017 / 12:51 pm

    I am so glad you had a wonderful birthday πŸ™‚ Looks like it was amazing!!! Happy 30th

  25. Ashley @ The Wandering Weekenders
    March 13, 2017 / 12:53 pm

    Oh my goodness your birthday weekend sounds absolutely perfect, and that's so awesome that you found such a great venue for your birthday dinner! Everything sounds so delicious, and that cake looks amazing! It also sounds like your California adventure is off to a great start!

  26. Nichole @ casadecrews.com
    March 13, 2017 / 12:56 pm

    Sounds like a fab birthday weekend!! Excited to hear how your trip to Cali is!

  27. Lindsay Latimer
    March 13, 2017 / 1:11 pm

    Wow are you stunning! Hope you had the best birthday ever! Enjoy your trip!

  28. Brittany
    March 13, 2017 / 1:13 pm

    Yay for a fun birthday weekend!!! Loving all your dresses and that food looks delish! Hope you have a great week!

    Brittany πŸ™‚
    kingdomofsequins.com

  29. Zelle B.
    March 13, 2017 / 1:17 pm

    This looks like the best weekend ever! You looked stunning on your birthday and that blue dress – wow! So glad you had so much fun!

    Zelle
    Southern Style

  30. Leah Behr
    March 13, 2017 / 1:21 pm

    Aww happy birthday! Beauty and Essex is my absolute fave! They have one in Vegas I went to last week, but the NYC one is the best!

    xx Leah / eatpraywearlove.com

  31. Tess Felber_Sequins are the New Black
    March 13, 2017 / 1:33 pm

    Your birthday seriously looked incredible and that wedding… OMG! Have the best time on your trip, can't wait to photo overload πŸ™‚
    xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black

  32. A Dash of Pretty
    March 13, 2017 / 1:46 pm

    This is the most epic birthday weekend ever! Beauty and Essex is RIDIC and a reason to wear a gown, PLUS In n Out?! Amazing!!!

  33. Marie
    March 13, 2017 / 1:48 pm

    What a wonderful way to celebrate your Birthday! That blue dress is stunning on you!! What a great find. Have a wonderful vaca.

  34. Carly
    March 13, 2017 / 1:48 pm

    What an amazing birthday celebration- I love that your entire family was able to get together– your cake looks amazing! Love the dress you wore to the wedding- such a stunning color! All of the details and decor of the wedding looked amazing! I can't wait to follow along with your CA trip.

  35. Meg Taylor
    March 13, 2017 / 1:51 pm

    Have the best time in California! In-and-Out is always our first stop when we get to the West Coast. I love both of your looks from this weekend – Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx are the best. Looks like you got out just in time before the crazy Northeast blizzard!

    Meg, Borrowed Heaven

  36. Making Restorations
    March 13, 2017 / 1:52 pm

    Wow what a weekend and happy birthday. Love the pattern detailing in your dress.

  37. Christina Lea Loves
    March 13, 2017 / 2:20 pm

    I seriously loved following along with your weekend – it looked like the absolute best! Loved both of your dresses and your dinner menu looks beyond delicious! Speaking of delicious – in & out – yum!! Can't wait to follow along and hope you guys are already having a great time!

  38. Kathy@MoreCoffeeLessTalky
    March 13, 2017 / 2:25 pm

    happy birthday! sounds like a fantastic weekend andyou guys looked amazing at the wedding.

  39. Nadine
    March 13, 2017 / 2:25 pm

    You look absolutely fabulous!!!! The place you guys stayed at looked real nice and that menu!!!! Everything sounds so amazing! You sure do know how to celebrate in style!!! I hope you had a great time! Happy Birthday again!

  40. Unknown
    March 13, 2017 / 2:45 pm

    That wedding scene looks so gorgeous, I completely love all of those light. But you and the blue dress are just spectacular!

    Camila,
    My Vogue Style | myvoguestyle.com

  41. Girl Meets Bow
    March 13, 2017 / 2:53 pm

    You had such an amazing birthday weekend & looked absolutely stunning – 30 looks good on you!! So glad that you had so much fun friend!! Enjoy Cali! πŸ™‚

  42. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    March 13, 2017 / 3:07 pm

    Fabulous birthday party, I love that you enter through a pawn shop.

    The wedding was gorgeous!

    Have a fabulous birthday trip in CA!

  43. LHWinstead
    March 13, 2017 / 3:21 pm

    Looks like a FANTASTIC weekend!! I love the fact you were able to get together with friends & family to celebrate your birthday – looks like such a neat spot too!! You looked stunning in both dresses!

  44. runwright
    March 13, 2017 / 3:32 pm

    Oh this looks like such a fabulous weekend in NYC. That hotel room. That party room. The wedding. Exquisite.
    Happy belated birthday and I wish you a wonderful year and decade ahead.
    runwright.net

  45. Nina Kobi
    March 13, 2017 / 3:34 pm

    Happy belated Birthday, gorgeous. Sounds like you had amazing time. The cake looks yummy. I need to check out that place in NYC.
    Nina
    Nina's Style Blog

  46. Missy
    March 13, 2017 / 3:42 pm

    Happy Birthday! What a lovely way to spend it! That menu sounds amazing! Have the best time

  47. Nikki @ makeupHER
    March 13, 2017 / 3:47 pm

    Looks and sounds like the absolute best birthday celebration! I love that you can customize the menu and that cake, holy moly!! That wedding looked AH-MAZING! You also look beyond fab in both dresses! I have yet to go to Cali, so I'll be living vicariously through you, but everyone I know that has been stops at In-n-Out first!

  48. Christina
    March 13, 2017 / 4:01 pm

    glad you had a wonderful birthday honey!!!! we'll have to celebrate soon! bubbles of course.

  49. JMO
    March 13, 2017 / 4:18 pm

    SO SO fun! You looked stunning and I'm so happy your bday was fabulous! xo

  50. Brianne
    March 13, 2017 / 4:23 pm

    Sounds like you had an amazing birthday weekend!! You looked gorgeous!

  51. Rebecca Jo
    March 13, 2017 / 4:34 pm

    THAT CAKE!!!!! That is one way to celebrate!!!
    Your dress for that wedding… didnt you know you're not supposed to outshine the bride πŸ˜‰
    I loved following your Instastories all weekend.

  52. Doused in Pink | Chicago Style Blog
    March 13, 2017 / 4:49 pm

    Happy Birthday! Such a fun birthday weekend! That restaurant sounds amazing! You look stunning in your blue and red dresses!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

  53. Rachel F
    March 13, 2017 / 5:02 pm

    SO glad your birthday party was all you had hoped for and more, but it's a shame you had such a small cake. Sheesh. (Kidding of course!) You looked stunning throughout the weekend and I'm glad you made it to California!! Enjoy!!!! XOXO, R

  54. Jackie @ My (Sort Of) Adult Life
    March 13, 2017 / 5:34 pm

    Oh my gosh NYC is the best place to spend a birthday! Looks like so much fun and you looked great in that blue dress!

  55. Brandi Jo Little, Author
    March 13, 2017 / 7:05 pm

    I watched your Insta story from the wedding and it looked absolutely STUNNING! Your weekend sounds like so much fun, and I'm glad you had a good celebration!

  56. Unknown
    March 13, 2017 / 7:16 pm

    this sounds like SUCH an amazing birthday weekend! yah!! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

  57. The Siberian American
    March 13, 2017 / 7:22 pm

    What an amazing way to celebrate your 30th birthday! Beauty & Essex sounds amazing. I wouldn't mind a piece of Biana's Vanilla Cake. πŸ˜‰ Your dress for the wedding is super gorgeous too! Have a blast in California this week!

  58. Julia
    March 13, 2017 / 7:32 pm

    Happy Birth Day! Looks like you had an wonderful time! I love the dress!

  59. Emily @ Beauty Blether
    March 13, 2017 / 8:03 pm

    What a fun birthday celebration! And LOVE the decor at the wedding – that archway and the twinkle lights are amazing …as is your blue gown lady! Stunning! xx

  60. Brooke
    March 13, 2017 / 8:46 pm

    You had the best birthday weekend!! Hope your vacation is the best too!

    Brooke
    Pumps and Push-Ups

  61. Straight A Style
    March 13, 2017 / 8:57 pm

    Yay!!! Looks like you had the best time. I have heard good things about B&E. Need to try it next time I am in NYC. You looked gorgeous at the wedding!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  62. Bri Runde
    March 13, 2017 / 9:13 pm

    Your birthday weekend looks AMAZING! Happy 30th!

  63. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    March 13, 2017 / 10:41 pm

    Ahhh looks like the best birthday weekend ever! Sounds like a lovely dinner spot for your birthday with your own custom own menu and all your family there to share in the fun…You look gorgeous in all the pics and I can see you get your good looks from your stunner mama. The wedding scenery looks gorgeous! So exciting you're now onto a new adventure on the west coast! Enjoy pretty lady and get the most out of your birthday month!

  64. Unknown
    March 13, 2017 / 10:49 pm

    What an amazing way to spend your birthday Biana! I hope this is the best year yet!

    Heidi || Wishes & Reality

  65. Hena Tayeb
    March 13, 2017 / 11:47 pm

    Happy Birthday!! We just last month ate at the Vegas Beauty and Essex. So good.

  66. sara [at] journey of doing
    March 14, 2017 / 2:04 am

    Happy belated birthday B!!!! Your NYC trip looked SO fun!! I love getting a great deal on Jetsetter!! (Reminds me.. I need to check that out!!) Details on your blue dress, please?! You seriously look so svelte and gorgeous!!!! I'm still obsessed!!

  67. Shelly @ The Queen in Between
    March 14, 2017 / 12:17 pm

    Oh my goodness what a fun weekend! You looked so incredibly happy celebrating your birthday! I loved all the pictures and what a neat restaurant to find. Champagne bar in the restroom…sign me up! Cannot wait for the recap of your Cali trip! Have so much fun.

  68. Jalisa
    March 14, 2017 / 2:19 pm

    Scrolling through these photos made me smile, I'm so happy you had a great time celebrating your birthday, beauty! You chose the best place for your dinner party it seems, the food sounds delish and I love the ambiance, I'll have to check it out! You're so right. You know how many times I've seen gorgeous dresses at Nordstrom Rack and have passed because I felt I didn't need them at the moment and when I actually did, of course I couldn't find a dress. So, I will definitely buy when I see from now on! That said, I love your dresses, they look so good on you; you have such a gorgeous dress collection based off all the special events you share with us! Thanks for sharing this recap, beauty, and I hope you're keeping warm and safer from this storm!

    Xo,

    Jalisa
    thestylecontour.com

  69. Karly @ What Karly Said
    March 14, 2017 / 2:26 pm

    How fun – you had the best birthday weekend! That restaurant looks awesome, I was cracking up about the bathroom champagne bar when you shared it on Insta stories. Hope you're having a great time in California!

  70. Unknown
    March 14, 2017 / 5:26 pm

    Such a great post!Happy birthday:-)

    lostindaydreams.com/

  71. P!nky
    March 14, 2017 / 6:25 pm

    Looks like the bestest celebration. So glad you had fun, you deserve all the happiness.

  72. Unknown
    March 14, 2017 / 7:17 pm

    looks like you had a blast! love that blue dress!

    xoxo,
    Sakura

    midorilinea.com/blogs/midori-linea/cest-la-vie

  73. Tanya Dufour
    March 14, 2017 / 7:48 pm

    Your birthday dinner sounded amazing and that wedding looked beautiful!

  74. Gold Coast Girl
    March 14, 2017 / 8:16 pm

    Looks like so much fun! LOVE NYC and happy birthday!
    ~Samantha
    goldcoastgirlblog.com

  75. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    March 14, 2017 / 8:22 pm

    oooh that hotel looks and sounds awesome. the restaurant also sounds great – the food sounds delish! the cake looks amazing. you are right, it's huge! and your dress for the wedding? gorgeous! that colour is fabulous on you. wait. what is the runway section of tj maxx? that could be dangerous.

  76. Elle Sees
    March 15, 2017 / 1:31 am

    What a PERFECT weekend!! And you got out before the crazy snow!! Now in Cali–my first stop is In N Out,too.

  77. Laura Darling
    March 15, 2017 / 2:20 pm

    This sounds absolutely amazing! And oh my gosh that cake!!! I loved following along on instagram this weekend – so glad you had a fun celebration!

  78. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
    March 15, 2017 / 2:41 pm

    I love your dresses for your birthday weekend! You looked gorgeous πŸ™‚ Your insta stories really showed off the atmosphere of Beauty & Essex! I know this isn't a popular opinion but I am not a fan of In-N-Out haha. I like the fries but I never really liked the burgers. Happy you got to try it though!
    Have a fabulous week in Cali πŸ™‚
    xo
    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams

  79. The Girl who Loved to Write
    March 15, 2017 / 3:30 pm

    You look so gorgeous in that red dress! stunning!

  80. Kayla MKOY
    March 15, 2017 / 4:51 pm

    Girl you seriously look AMAZING! Such cute dresses! I'm so glad you had such a wonderful 30th!!! That restaurant looks SO neat!

  81. Annessa
    March 16, 2017 / 9:34 am

    Happy birthday girl! Your celebration looks so amazing – and how fun your family was able to make it to town! Love your dress, you look gorg!

    Annessa
    seekingsunshine.com

  82. Taylor
    March 16, 2017 / 2:50 pm

    Happy Happy Birthday!! What an incredible weekend. Beauty and Essex is the absolute best – that menu looked incredible. And your cake! Beautiful spot for a wedding and amazing TJ Maxx find, that dress and you look like a million bucks. Happy 30th!!
    xx Taylor
    The Sarcastic Blonde

  83. alamode
    March 16, 2017 / 7:29 pm

    Wonderful and perfect! I follow you blog, please follow me too. alamodenatine.blogspot.com

  84. Meghan @ I'm Fixin' To
    March 19, 2017 / 1:23 pm

    Such a fun 30th birthday celebration! You looked like you had the time of your life and your dresses were so fabulous for both events! xx, I'm Fixin' To