Wedding planning can be overwhelming, and during the process, many couples tend to joke they should just elope. Well, that’s exactly what Elaine and Nick decided to do – elope!
Even when you decide to elope, in NYC you still have a similar process to follow in the fact that you have to get a marriage license and set a date. The NYC Court only sets ceremony appointments a few weeks in advance. Elaine and Nick chose a July 2023 date at 2pm. Finally, the last step was to arrive and say the “I Do’s.”
I, alongside the bride and grooms parents, arrived thirty minutes prior to there ceremony time to sign in. The ceremony was quick and sweet. They said their vows, exchanged the rings, and sealed their marriage with a kiss!
After they said, “I Do” we took the must-have picture outside on the courthouse steps followed by more couple portraits and family pictures.
The following day, Elaine and Nick hosted a dinner celebration at Union Square Cafe in Gramercy Park. Before the dinner began we took a few couple portraits. I was obsessed with the bow on her dress so we couldn’t let it not have it’s own moment!
Once couple portraits were complete, guests arrived for cocktail hour followed by a sit down dinner. Elaine and Nick celebrated their marriage with mostly Elaine’s family that night because Nick’s family lives out of state. They, however, are already planning another dinner type celebration for Nick’s side!
It’s nice to be reminded, especially if you’re a bride and groom debating eloping, that a courthouse wedding is beautiful too. Again, thank you to Elaine and Nick for letting me a part of their intimate wedding day and celebration!
Photography: Siobhan Stanton Photography
Bouquet: NYC Bodega Shop
Celebration Dinner: Union Square Cafe
Shoes (Friday): Manolo Blahnik
Bridal Shop (Friday): Neiman Marcus
Dress (Saturday): Alexia Maria
