Previews of a City Hall Elopement / New York Wedding Photographer
In June I had the honor of capturing E&R’s intimate city hall elopement. Joined by two of their best friends, we journeyed to the Manhattan city clerk’s office to celebrate their wedding day.
This winter, Eleanor & Rob booked me to capture their late summer wedding reception. They chose to get married at the start of the summer & have a big celebration with all their closest friends and family a few short weeks later. I absolutely love this idea, it’s such a fun way to really enjoy the intimate celebration with your partner the day of, while still celebrating this milestone with all of your loved ones! Shortly after confirming their reception, E&R asked me to capture their wedding day as well, and I couldn’t be more excited! It meant so much to me to be asked to document both of these special days.
The day of their wedding, we met at their apartment for a few formal photos, including a few with their pup, Gilda! We spent a short time around the neighborhood and then headed inside to finish getting ready. With no shot list expected of me aside from a few formal shots, I was able to really document and be creative with the photos. It was so refreshing to have the time & space to just photograph the day, honestly and without interrupting. I truly believe that wedding photography shouldn’t guide the day, it should reflect the day with integrity and care. I love every single one of my couples as my own friends, and it meant so much to me to be given the creative space to document these precious moments.
After a quick champagne toast and a few makeup touch ups, we hopped in an Uber to head over to city hall. We checked in, anxiously awaited for their number to be called, and excitedly headed up when the screen flashed C088.
The ceremony was so sweet, with happy tears and lots of hugs afterwards. There’s something so special about city hall weddings - they just feel so matter-of-fact in the most beautiful way. It’s such a unique gathering, love and joy in the cold stone building, excitement and anticipation as we sign the paperwork. The dichotomy of all the pure emotions amidst this official, regal space is just so beautiful. Knowing that so many others have come here before to celebrate their marriage in the same way, it’s a space that breathes with humanity that might otherwise just look like a cold hard city hall.
Following the ceremony, we walked over to the Odeon, where E&R started the newlywed celebrations with more of their close NYC friends. They ordered their signature drink as a couple - Martinis - and celebrated into the night.
Forever grateful for this job - for the incredible individuals I cross paths with, for the happy tears and honest moments - capturing these memories to reflect on, pass down, hang up on the walls of your home. It’s something I’ll never take for granted.