WEDDINGS + ELOPEMENTS  IN NEW YORK CITY & BEYOND.

Real tips and inspiration to help you plan a day that feels relaxed, intentional, and perfectly you.  

Created For modern romantics who want ENJOY THEIR DAY WITH STYLE, JOY AND ROMANCE.

WEDDINGS: Ideas & Advice

Thoughtful tips and modern inspiration to help you plan a wedding that feels intentional, meaningful, and beautifully you.


Essential tips for your wedding

Top 10 Things Every Wedding (Big or Small) Should Include 

Make sure licenses and paperwork are suared away ahead of time.

Every wedding needs the legal essentials: a marriage license and someone who can legally marry you.  Whether it's a judge at City Hall, a registered officiant, or a friend who became ordained, make sure you have the license in hand, the ceremony performed legally, and the completed paperwork mailed or returned afterward.  Once that's done - you're officially married.

Your guest list sets the tone for everything.  Maybe it's just the two of you, maybe you're inviting the parents to City Hall, or maybe you're celebrating with every person that  full room of loved ones.  It may even be different celebrations, a City Hall ceremony and a full wedding celebration at a later date.

There's no "right" choice - only what feels true to your love story.


Invite the ones who matter most; the energy of the day begins with them.

Start with clarity so every decision feels intentionalk not stressful 

Determine what your budget will be and what you're comfortable spending.   Your budget should reflect both of your priorities — photography, outfits, florals, a celebratory dinner, and travel.

When you know what you're comfortable investing, the planning becomes clearer.


Small details go a long way.

A handwritten note, a family heirloom, a ribbon in your hair, or even a special fragrance — these tiny touches add warmth and romance your day.

This is your moment — in a gown, a vintage dress, a tailored suit, a sleek jumpsuit, something beautifully minimal, or that iconic second-dress reveal.

And trust me: professional hair and makeup can make all the difference. Small ceremony or not, you deserve to step into your day feeling luminous and camera-ready.

And this goes for your partner too — a polished grooming session or a light touch-up from a makeup artist can elevate their look, help them feel confident, and ensure they’re just as photo-ready. Everyone deserves a little pampering on a day this special.

Choose outfits that make you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself.

Your backdrop matters.

It could be the steps of NYC City Hall, a quiet corner of Central Park, your favorite rooftop, a hotel suite, an elegant venue.  What matters most is that the setting feels connected to your story and the energy you want for the day.

Choose a setting that reflects you two, whether timeless, modern, or somewhere in between.

Every couple deserves one.

A first look, a quiet walk, exchanging letters, saying a prayer together, taking a breath right after your ceremony  — these moments become some of your favorite memories.

Build in room for connection, quiet breaths, and the motional beats you'll want to remember.

Prioritize photography that reflects your relationshp and honors the emotions of the moment.

Photos, videos, or both — choose whatever feels right for you.

You’ll want to relive the emotions, notice the little details you missed, and remember exactly how the day felt. 

If you’re planning a City Hall wedding, consider extending your coverage. You’re already dressed up, glowing, and in love — make the most of it. Capture the getting-ready moments, a first look, the subway ride, a walk through your favorite neighborhood, or a portrait session after you say “I do.”

The same goes for larger weddings: the story isn’t just the ceremony. It’s the anticipation, the reactions, the quiet moments, and everything in between.

Your wedding day is a whole experience — document it fully.

A thoughtful flow keeps the day smooth and stress-free for everyone.

A light structure brings calm to even the smallest ceremonies.

For full wedding days, a well-crafted timeline keeps everyone — your wedding party, vendors, and guests — aligned and in the right place at the right time, making the entire day feel effortless.


Celebrate that "just married" glow before diving into the rest of the day.

Every wedding — big or small — deserves a joyful ending.

For couples hosting a full wedding, that celebration might be a quiet moment together right after the ceremony, slipping out for a quick sunset photo (and a deep breath) before rejoining your reception, a champagne tower, or even a grand exit at the end of the night.

For elopements or intimate weddings, it might look like popping champagne on the sidewalk, sharing cake at a picnic table, or ending the day with a beautiful dinner reservation — just the two of you, savoring the moment.

Whatever form it takes, let yourselves be present. Enjoy it fully — you’re married.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Savor a quiet moment together

Step away from the noise for just a minute — breathe, hold eacho other, and let the reality of what you did just sink-in.

Add an iconic New York touch

Hail a yellow cab, hop on the subway, or stop for champagne at a chic hotel bar — these smal choces create unforgettable cinematic memories.

Wander through your favorite NYC streets

Take a walk through Greenwidh Village, the Upper West Side brownstones, or a tree-lined corner of Central Park.  There in between moments often become the most beautiful photos.

Document your first hours as newlyweds.

Whether it's a quick portrait session or a stroll through the city, these first moments beome the begining of your married story — unposed, full of emotion, and uniquelu yours.

WEDDINGS &
PLANNING

Whether you're planning a city hall elopement, a big weekend bash, or something in between, this section is here to help you dream it up and pull it off - without losing your joy (or your mind).  These are tips I trust, stories I love, and things that are great to keep in mind as you plan your big day.

Learn some great tips and advise on how to elevate your day and stretch your budget.


(from the blog)
Step into this fashionable couple's stylish NYC celebration- complete with mezcal, caviar, and all the rainy-day romance.  Portrait session at their Upper East Side lobby was perfect and allowed for their handsome furry son to join in on the fun.

A study in simplicity, movement, and elegance. Flowing fabric, clean architecture, and soft natural light come together to celebrate the timeless beauty of a bride alone in her quiet power.

Explore this beautiful Brooklyn waterfront venue.  From the bridal getting ready through the end of the reception, enjoy an overview and details of what makes it a great choice for your dream wedding day.

Featured Articles
& Resources

How to Make your Wedding Look Expensive
Giando on the Water Wedding Guide | Brooklyn Waterfront Venue
AN INTIMATE NYC WEDDING AT THE EAST POLE
noma Bridal Portrait editorial 

Watch the video->

Download the PDF Guide->

View the full gallery ->

See the photos + story ->

Packed with timeline tips, photo prep, and all the little details that make a big difference.  This guide is designed to help you plan with less stress and more joy — from your first look to your last dance.

Your Wedding 
Planning Guide

Discover Giando on the Water ->

Unique wedding ideas

Party all Weekend

Signature Cocktails

Alternative FlowerGirl

Getaway in a Sport Car

Entertainment

The easiest way to ensure your wedding day is unique is to add elements that are personal and a bit unexpected,  Why not let grandma be your ring girl or how about your best bud?  He'll look adorable throwing flower petals down the aisle.  If it's super warm, why not let your ushers hand out cold beers? And of course, there's nothing like entertainment, the   live music, your 'hora loca' troupe or an a riveting lion dragon team.

MORE to EXPLORE

Explore curated stories and expert insights created to inspire meaningful moments.  A blend of beauty, intention, and thoughtful guidance — made just for you.