If you've been following my blog and social media for a bit, you'll know that Janelle & Michel are two very important people in my life, and were one of my earliest couples. They hired me to do their engagement photos in late 2021, and just a few month later we found ourselves celebrating their elopement in Manhattan.
Janelle and Michel are the perfect example of a couple who can plan and execute a beautiful vision while also still rolling with anything that comes their way. They are truly two of the chillest people I've ever met and nowhere was that more evident than on the day of their intimate micro wedding,
The plan was to start at the Hilton Midtown while they both got ready with their immediate family in tow, followed by a ceremony at Shakespeare's Garden in Central Park. Since there was no first look, everyone hung out in the same suite. The morning was super relaxed - sipping drinks, chatting, applying finishing makeup touches. They even bought me gluten free pastries!! And then...
...it started to rain. Big, giant, downpour raindrops sliding down the poster windows of the suite. It felt a bit like being inside of a snow rain globe, to be honest! As Michel, Janelle's dad and I watched the scene outside, I knew that the likelihood of us making it to Central Park in one piece was slim, and I suggested the officiant marry them in the suite - which is exactly what they did!
And it was perfect.
Their officiant, Mark, was so flexible and kind - switching things up and re-routing to us at the hotel, and then delivering a short and sweet ceremony tailored to Janelle and Michel's story. Their family - whom I absolutely adore - rallied around them in the most perfect way, as family does at a wedding. We ended it all spraying each other with bubble makers brought by J&M - so fun!
I'll never forget one moment from the day that perfectly sums up how effortless these two are. As we - fairly casually I may add - rearranged the day, calling the officiant to change locations and reorganizing the suite furniture - Janelle put down her mascara for a moment, looked right at Michel and said 'Well, I guess we're getting married at the Hilton Midtown!'. To which Michel replied, 'Guess so!' and then they both turned back to whichever task they'd each been in the midst of.
Total. Legends.
By the way, we did make it Central Park in the end, for some gorgeous portraits and fun with bubbles. Stay tuned this year because their adventures aren't over, as they celebrate with family and friends in two parties on the west and east coasts! And of course, I'll be there to document it all!.
Until next time,
Em
Venue: Hilton Midtown
Officiant: Mark at One Heart Ceremonies
