Karlena and Tom planned a big Australian wedding and then they decided to call the whole thing off, opting instead for a stylish New York City elopement. Somehow a large wedding just didn’t feel like they were being true to themselves. We’ve all been there! Somehow in the excitement of planning a dream wedding, it’s easy to get lost in the details of what color the table cloths should be, who to invite, buffet or plated, or whether or not you should have round tables or long, rectangular Tuscan style tables (sorry, Mom!). So Karlena and Tom decided to completely change things up and opted to have the most intimate wedding.
While the two originally were drawn to San Francisco’s City Hall, they chose New York City since it was a place they’d always wanted to visit. And boy, was I in for a surprise when somehow they listened to my suggestion of making things even more personal by hiring an officiant and getting hitched on a rooftop overlooking the city. With Bettina booked as their officiant (a fellow Aussie herself!) and the lovely people at the SIXTY SoHo Hotel, everything was in place. And while their families weren’t there physically, their presence was definitely felt. Karlena’s mom made her the delicate paper flowers and those little corks belonged to Karlena’s grandma from her wedding day many years ago – so sweet next the newlyweds new shiny cork.
Karlena and Tom, you are two of the classiest, kindest souls I’ve met in this crazy ol’ town. Thank you for trusting me with your day. And I sure hope the next time you come to NYC you have better luck catching cabs. Goes to show even a wedding dress won’t help you hail a taxi any faster.
This wedding was featured on Refinery29.
And of course a big thank you to their officiant, Weddings by Bettina.
Rachel Graham 05/28/18
Hi Cassidy,
I was looking through your website and your photographs are beautiful! My fiancé and I are eloping at the New York City clerks office on June 8 and were wondering if you would be available to be our photographer and witness? We are planning to go there right when it opens at 8:30 and it will be just the two of us. Thank you so much!
Best,
Rachel
Best,
Rachel
Katie Shepherd 08/22/18
Hi there! We are trying to work out if we can afford to elope to NYC from the UK. I don’t have a specific date set yet but it’s going to be in Feb or March 2019.
Could I get an idea of your prices for City clerk elopements please? We may opt for an officiant in Central park instead, depending on price. Also, are you happy to be a witness?
We are on a strict budget and can’t afford to be paying $1000s for a photographer.
Kind regards,
Katie