August 13, 2017

Central Park Cop Cot Wedding

Central Park Cop Cot Wedding– Last Winter I had the upmost pleasure of photographing my first series of weddings in NYC. As some of you know, I am only into my 3rd year of wedding photography, and after booking many NYC destination weddings in 2016, the first series of these weddings came about in early 2017. It was something I always wanted to do, live and work in both Florida & New York. And our wedding seasons are quite opposite, so it was the perfect balance of being steady with weddings throughout the year; Winter & Spring in Florida & Summers & Fall in New York. Or course since then, I can proudly say I have done other weddings in various locations; Philadelphia, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans, & Atlanta.

But seriously, my 3rd year?! It still strikes me something of a dream to be doing this very thing, something I would have never imagined only 5 years ago. But here it is, the wedding of Steve & Joy, and their Central Park Cop Cot Wedding in New York. It was actually such a perfect elopement. We started at the Residence Inn NYC on 61st, up on the 62nd floor with the most perfect views of both central park and the hustling city. Steve and Joy were right down the hall from each other, Thank the high & mighty! It’s so much easier that way. Anyway, the day went smooth, and their bridal party met them in the rooms as it was time to toughen up for the first look. They drank, popped champagne, made jokes, & embraced as they should the friends and family they love.

The first look was in a quiet area in the hotel. Intimate and perfect, looking over the city with the picturesque scenes of iconic NYC buildings in the midst. She shed a tear, he giggled in his silly ways, and then they embraced in a hug that was felt across the room.

The best part was the journey through the city. After the first look, everyone regrouped in the lobby to walk 5 blocks to Central Park. Joy turning heads and creating awe-struck faces from strangers passing by through the city. I felt like a cool kid with my sharp dressed crew walking down the streets; and the mom’s trailing behind in their amazing, customary Koren & Chinese wedding gowns.

We got to the Cop Cot in no time, and waited as the remaining guests came through. And for those of you that didn’t know, you can rent and permit the Central Park Cop Cot space for weddings and events. It’s worth every dime, which is not that much! And let’s not mention the scene behind the ceremony! I know we think of ccenery and imagine lush forests, or crazy mountain tops. But my perfect image is the city. Gimme of the rooftops, and skyscrapers, because my first and greatest love is that of NYC! Call me Carrie Bradshaw! Ok. I’m done gawking. 

After a perfect ceremony, we trekked it downtown to Tribeca at China Blue. I remember Joy mentioned that it was something like an old Chinese gangster/prohibitionary spot – and ooohh sh*t, it was! Old Chinese propaganda, vintage chandeliers, and old velvet couches surrounded the place. It was actually such a treat to be doing something out of the norm. No first dances, no bouquet tosses, no cake cutting, no Journey songs (which is totally acceptable, btw!), but it was perfect. Just moments and food and toasts all around!

I present to you Steven & Joy. I’m glad you came. -XO

Bride getting ready in Loews hotel NYC to elope in Central Park.

Bride getting ready in Loews hotel NYC to elope in Central Park.

Groom Getting ready at the Loews Regency in NYC for an elopement wedding in Central Park.

Bride and Needle & Thread London Dress
Dress: Needle & Thread London Dress.

NYC Elopement Bride getting ready Needle & Thread London Dress
Bride getting dressed in Loews Regency NYC with a Needle & Thread London Dress.

First Look Groom and Bride crying

First Look groom and bride
First Look groom and bride

NYC Loews Regency hotel bride & groom to elope at Central Park
NYC Loews Regency hotel bride & groom to elope at Central Park

NYC bride & groom to elope at Central Park Cop Cot.
NYC bride & groom to elope at Central Park Cop Cot.

Cop Cot Central Park NYC
Walking up hill to the cop cot in Central Park.

Central Park NYC Wedding at the Cop Cot in Manhattan
Central Park NYC Cop Cot in Manhattan

Cop cot views from an elopement wedding in Central Park NYC
Cop cot views from an elopement wedding in Central Park NYC

Central Park bride and groom eloping in NYC Need and Thread London
Central Park bride and groom eloping in NYC Need and Thread London
Central Park bride and groom eloping in NYC Need and Thread London
Central Park bride and groom eloping in NYC Need and Thread London

Central Park bride and groom eloping in NYC Need and Thread London
Central Park bride and groom eloping in NYC Need and Thread London

Central Park bride and groom eloping in NYC Need and Thread London
Central Park bride and groom eloping in NYC Need and Thread London

Central Park bride and groom eloping in NYC Need and Thread London
Central Park bride and groom eloping in NYC

Central Park bride and groom eloping in NYC Need and Thread London
Central Park bride and groom eloping in NYC Need and Thread London

Central Park first kiss of bride and groom eloping in NYC
Central Park first kiss of bride and groom eloping in NYC

Groomsmen of Central Park Asian Wedding at the Cop Cot

Central Park first kiss of bride and groom eloping in NYC
Central Park bride and groom elopement in NYC
Central Park first kiss of bride and groom eloping in NYC
Central Park first kiss of bride and groom eloping in NYC

Central Park first kiss of bride and groom eloping in NYC
Central Park first kiss of bride and groom eloping in NYC

Bride at Loews Hotel in NYC after party traditional Chinese Asian dress
Bride at Loews Hotel in NYC after party traditional Chinese Asian dress

China Blue in Tribeca Reception and wedding for bride and groom

China Blue basement tribeca NYC
China Blue in Tribeca Reception and wedding for bride and groom

SHARE THIS STORY