A Sweet Elopement at Fort Tryon Park Amidst the Corona Virus Pandemic

The corona virus pandemic took NYC by storm. By mid march, everything was shut down- restaurants, bars, companies were all working remote and all services were all on halt- including all nyc wedding photographers and the New York City Hall Wedding Bureau!! Everything just froze in time… and it seemed that no one would be getting married in nyc anytime soon. It was a time of so much uncertainty. But we overcame!!! NYC took precautions, played it safe and we started to flatten the curve! By late June, we were already in Phase 2 of re-opening- which meant: NYC weddings + photography were allowed to happen!!! (IN SMALL GROUPS while practicing social distancing and mask-wearing! :D) …. And I got SO lucky to meet Minji & Don! They wanted to have their intimate ceremony at Fort Tryon Park on the Upper West Side of New York City. It was going to be a small little group and they would have a camera set up to broadcast to more friends & family via zoom. It was a SUPER sweet ceremony. Beautiful music (played off a speaker by a close friend) and some heart warming speeches to their parents. I loved the way Don looked so lovingly at Minji at all moments of the ceremony and I loved that I was able to capture this sweet, sweet moment in time!! I am so thankful to have been part of this celebration- it was more of a blessing to myself more than I think even Minji & Don realized! I was separated from my craft— my passion—my joy and source of creativity for months without any real hope or idea of what would happen next— so be able to photograph this wedding brought me BACK TO LIFE!!! I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue to do what I love in this great city. I know we’re not through this pandemic yet— but I am thankful that with proper care and guidelines we can have these moments again.

And with that… I will share with you guys some of my favorite shots from their session!

An Intimate and Sweet Pandemic Elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park - Connie & Joonbo

Connie and Joonbo initially envisioned their wedding taking place in California. However, the onset of the Covid pandemic necessitated a change of plans. Entranced by the allure of New York City, and already residing there, they opted to elope amidst its captivating backdrop rather than postponing their nuptials indefinitely—an understandable decision given the uncertain trajectory of the pandemic.

In July, when Connie approached me, the uncertainty persisted. The operational status of the NYC Marriage Clerk remained ambiguous, casting doubt on their ability to secure a marriage license. Fortunately, luck was on their side as they managed to secure an appointment and obtain the necessary documentation to proceed with their union.

Selecting a picturesque spot in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Dumbo, overlooking the iconic New York City skyline, Jane's Carousel, and the majestic Brooklyn Bridge, they exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony officiated by their pastor. With only a handful of close friends and Connie's parents in attendance, they ingeniously utilized technology, including iPhones and Zoom, to involve loved ones from afar.

Their celebration was a testament to creativity and resourcefulness. Friends contributed to a homemade cupcake tower, while they indulged in slices from the renowned Juliana's Pizza—a personal favorite. The clinking of champagne glasses marked the beginning of their sweet reception, held right there in the park, a fitting conclusion to their joyous occasion.

Connie and Joonbo radiated happiness, their smiles lighting up the park as they embarked on this new chapter amidst the chaos of the year. It was an honor to witness their love and be a part of their unforgettable day on a sunny day, overlooking the gorgeous New York City skyline in Brooklyn!

The Most Perfectly Planned Social Distance Elopement / Micro Wedding in Queens, New York City

The Most Perfectly Planned Social Distance Elopement / Micro Wedding in Queens, New York City.

In NYC, the pandemic has radically changed the way we celebrate weddings and couples. For the last few months, most of us had quarantined at home, stayed indoors and tried to minimize as much interaction with others as so to also minimize the spread of the Coronavirus.

Kate and Jonathan still wanted to get married but in the safest and most thoughtful way! They had been together since college and thought that it was time- and a pandemic would not hold them back any longer!! So they planned a thoughtful and sweet socially distanced elopement at a special Queens, NYC park (Flushing Meadows Park) with close friends and family.

We met up before the ceremony at Flushing Meadow Park and we got some fun and beautiful portraits together!! (We were socially distanced and I was masked up at all times!! Safety is always key!) New York City parks are always full of happenings and beautiful views- both urban and also organic and full of gorgeous trees and foliage. Afterward, we met up with the rest of the group, saw the parents setting up the chuppah for the ceremony. (Apparently, they bought all the pieces of Etsy and simply assembled everything themselves!

They also hired someone off Task-Rabbit to drive and set up a booth full of assorted and beautifully designed masks (made by the bride!) to give to all the guests. The guest book was postcards of all different landmarks in New York City. They had their guests sign and hang the postcard up. They also prepared a tote bag with snacks, drinks, and a picnic blanket for every guest! It was the perfect set up for a Pandemic Socially Distanced wedding! After the ceremony, everyone set up their picnic blankets in small groups and enjoyed their packed lunch! They also had individually packed dessert (PIES!!!) and they went to each group greeting and enjoying their time together!

It was honestly such a well planned and executed micro wedding/ elopement for these kinds of times!!!

Sunset Brooklyn Intimate ELOPEMENT WEDDING Ceremony at Brooklyn Terminal Park in New York City with Joan and Chris

Joan and Chris live in the Sunset neighborhood in Brooklyn, NYC, and decided to have an intimate little ceremony at Brooklyn Terminal Park with close family. Originally they were planning to get married on one of the Caribbean islands but because of this year’s pandemic- traveling would be out of the question. - things had to be a little different! Instead, they decided to pick their neighborhood park to host their wedding ceremony! We first got some photos at this cute abandoned factory that had SUNSET written on it’s windows (super cool!!) and then wandered over to the Brooklyn Army Terminal (where Chris told me they filmed parts of JOKER at!) and got some cool shots inside and around the area. Afterwards we met up with the family at Brooklyn Terminal Park at the tip of the pier; and with an amazing view of the New York City skyline, they said their vows and promised themselves to each other. It was so sweet! I love these types of days, photos, family and heartfelt vows are really what make the day so special!!!