A Non-Traditional Elopement in Central Park

Jessika and Alex eloped last fall in Central Park. They live in Southern California but have always loved New York City--one of their earliest trips as a couple was to NYC and they've known ever since they got engaged that they wanted to elope here. On a cool Thursday morning, they were married in the Shakespeare Garden, a tucked-away corner of Central Park that we had almost entirely to ourselves for their beautiful ceremony. It was very important to Jessika and Alex to have a queer-affirming officiant, so I put them in touch with Karla at Once Upon a Vow, who crafted a personal, meaningful ceremony for them. Once married, we wandered through Central Park for photos--the leaves were just starting to change color, and Jessika and Alex's autumn-colored custom bridal outfits were spectacular against all the fall colors in the morning light. Next, we headed downtown to pay tribute to the historic queer landmark The Stonewall Inn, before hopping on an empty subway car for a few photos and then ending the morning with champagne at the classic Ludlow Hotel on the Lower East Side. Jessika and Alex's elopement was full of iconic NYC moments and locations, and was still perfectly them. It was one of the highlights of a very full wedding season!