One of the coolest parts about being a wedding and lifestyle photographer is that after working with one awesome couple, I often get to meet more awesome couples when they refer me to their circle. Such was the case with Jessie Lauren and Rob, who came to me through friends of theirs that I'd worked with the year prior.
Jessie Lauren & Rob were planning a fall wedding, but decided to elope first with their family at City Hall and wanted some portraits before to capture the moment. As we spoke about their ideas and locations near City Hall we decided that a NYC wedding deserved some unique NYC locations - and what's more unique than Chinatown and Little Italy?
We started our journey at the Grand Street subway station and colorful graffiti walls and then meandered down the winding streets of Chinatown laden with restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores. It had just rained so the streets were quieter, which allowed us to take our time and enjoy the walk and the excitement of their wedding day.
Our walk led us down Grand Street to the iconic Ferrara's bakery, an Italian mainstay since 1892. We couldn't help ourselves but to go inside, and I grabbed a few sneaky shots of them choosing their pastries. As we left the shop a downpour started! With no other options, we sought shelter in Gelso and Grand, a cute Italian restaurant that graciously allowed us not only to dry off but take a few photos by their window while Jessie Lauren and Rob people watched outside.
When the coast was clear, we made our way back to our path towards City Hall, stopping briefly at Doyers Street to play amidst the painted road and lanterns lining the streets. I loved watching them interact with each other, giggling and striking poses while tourists walked by and ooh'ed and aah'ed at their outfits. Classic New York - you can always be yourself here!
Finally we arrived at City Hall for one last memorable moment they wanted to share with their families. Jessie Lauren's dress was actually originally her mom's wedding dress which, with permission, she had modified for her elopement. She wanted to surprise her mom with the final design, so when her mom arrived at City Hall to join them for the ceremony, we were able to catch her mom's excited face at seeing her daughter in this now family heirloom. It was priceless!
