I love photographing elopements in Central Park. There is nothing like the energy that happens when a couple decides to get married in public. A wedding is such an intimate moment, folded in to the groove of a shared space, it creates a truly unique experience to behold. I have had weddings at Strawberry Fields and near Bow Bridge, but never at Cop Cot, the coveted rustic pavilion along Central Park South.
When Sarah and Kate first emailed me with their plans, I was super excited. Like I said, I love shooting in Central Park, and on top of that, these two brides were flying in from the United Kingdom to elope in Manhattan. I knew it was going to be awesome! Once we FaceTimed, I learned the story of their engagement and it’s a good and sneaky one.
The couple knew they were going to get engaged and decided they would get rings designed by a local jeweler. Unbeknownst to Sarah, Kate picked the rings up early. When Sarah stopped by to check on their status, the jeweler claimed they weren’t ready yet, which of course bummed Sarah out as she had plans to propose. Well, Kate was ahead of her. When they traveled to Jones Beach Long Island for a family vacation (Sarah was raised on Long Island despite having Irish roots) Kate had a plan in place. Once morning at 4am she woke Sarah up to say that she wasn’t able to sleep and would she like to go for a walk on the beach with her. Sarah obliged, and the two went for a walk in the sand as the sun rose. To Sarah’s surprise, Kate dropped down on her knee in the wet sand and proposed. Sarah cried out “you had them all along!” while crying and kissing Kate. Then, when they went back to the house, Sarah’s family (who were in on the surprise) had a lovely brunch ready for them to celebrate. How wonderful is that?!
For their wedding day, Sarah and Kate got ready in Long Island and took a party bus into Manhattan with their families. Kate’s mom, dad, and best friend flew in from England to be present. Sarah’s parents, sisters, brother, brother-in-law and adorable niece attended as well. Everyone rode the bus in and met me along Central Park South to walk over to Cop Cot.
Their ceremony was short and sweet, filled with perfect sentiments. A family friend officiated. Afterwards the newlyweds kicked off their green heels (a nod to Sarah’s familial heritage) and changed into their comfy white converse. We took family portraits at Cop Cot, and then meandered around the southern area of Central Park and neighboring Fifth Avenue for couples portraits. It was so much fun capturing these two and observing them from behind my camera. At one point as I was taking Kate’s portrait, I told her to take a look at her new wife, and I watched as her eyes lit up. I then instructed her to look back at me and I captured the most genuine smile I’ve seen in a long time. It warmed my heart.
After we wrapped up, the ladies hailed a cab and went off to dinner at Toro restaurant in Chelsea. They then went back to Long Island to celebrate with their friends in the evening.
Thank you Sarah and Kate for having me capture your day. It was so much fun exploring and watching your elopement unfold. I wish you both a lifetime of traveling the world together, sharing smiles as true and genuine as the ones I saw you radiate on your wedding day.
Vendors:
Venue, Cop Cot, Central Park South
Kate’s tea length wedding dress, Blue Bow Bridal UK
Sarah’s floor length wedding dress, Wed2Be Newcastle UK
Hair and makeup, Victoria Lyn Schade, Long Island NY
Custom leather jackets, BespokeChick UK
Rings, Gavin Shelley Jewelry Design, Durham UK
Florals, Petit Florist, Bellmore NY
Officiant, Michael Mascitti, friend of the family
