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