She called me mid-November with a secret- she & Joe were engaged! But no one else knew. And no one else was going to know until after they tied the knot. “We were thinking… we want to elope in New York. And before I even met Joe, I knew that you would one day be my wedding photographer. Will you be there?”

So with everything under wraps, we began to plan; where would the ceremony take place? What would she wear? Would Central Park be alright for portraits? (Btw, Central Park will ALWAYS be more than alright for portraits). And what about a place to get ready on the morning of? “I found this amazing loft apartment in Chelsea with a ton of natural light!” Wendy, I could kiss you.

In the end, she settled on a pink gown, a vintage mink shrug, a birdcage veil, and an antique diamond bracelet. They got ready together- he zipped her into that stunning blush frock, helped her into her mink. She fixed his tie, fussed over his hair a little. And as they stood there facing each other at the High Line, the windy gusting, a crowd of onlookers swelling with each passing minute, they wore these matching smiles so bright that even the sun might pale a little in comparison. This was THEIR day, the start of the rest of their lives, Day 1 of thousands and thousands.

Joe & Wendy, I don’t even know where to begin. To have the honor of being one of a mere four friends to witness your marriage ceremony, it’s something I will always treasure and never forget. And to be able to have done so in such an iconic location was a dream come true!! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for one of the most special days of my career, and for the chance to photograph your unabandoned, unrestrained, and completely exuberant love!

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New York City High Line elopement with pink wedding gown - Abby Grace Photography

New York City High Line elopement with pink wedding gown - Abby Grace Photography

New York City High Line elopement with pink wedding gown - Abby Grace Photography

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New York City High Line elopement with pink wedding gown - Abby Grace Photography

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And then this past Saturday, they told their family & friends! Everyone gathered in Richmond for what they thought was an engagement party, and had no idea that the video Joe & Wendy were about to show would actually reveal that they’d eloped! Here’s the amazing announcement film by Molly B. Ransone!

Details
Dress- Lela Rose
Mink, bracelet & veil: Bygones Vintage
Officiant: Sondra Peeden
Video: Molly B. Ransone

A huge thank you to my brother, Ethan, for making the up-and-back-in-one-day trip with me to assist for the day. This would have been a lot more complicated without him!

 

Joe & Wendy- an intimate New York City elopement at High Line Park

January 15, 2015

  1. Moriah says:

    These are breathtaking! What a beautiful couple and such a sweet wedding day all to themselves!

  2. Wendy Byrd says:

    Abby, you posses a gift, you not only capture the beauty and sentiment of an event but you are able to see and connect with people in a way that comes across so vividly in your photographs.

    I called you the moment I knew a wedding was in the works, no one else would be the photographer for us.

  3. Kristyn says:

    Abby, These photos are absolutely amazing! You captured their love beautifully!

  4. The story that these images tell. Remarkable. Beautiful work Abby!

  5. Okay seriously. How were you not SQUEALING the entire time this was all happening. Your best work evah evah. Love it.

  6. absolutely stunning. The BW of Wendy looking out the car window is so beautiful 🙂

  7. Caili says:

    Just magical, Abby! These were so fun to look through.

  8. Jean says:

    what a great blog! Must have been hard for you and Ethan to keep this secret. The photos are gorgeous. Love them all.

  9. Megan says:

    Umm this is magical! There was not a single photo I didn’t love!! I also love that your brother & his bowtie made it on the film 🙂 GREAT job Abby!

  10. Brittany says:

    This is next level. I am so in awe. Stunning work. Simply stunning!

  11. Rebekah says:

    These are so stunning! I particularly love the B&W image where the bride is in the car & looking up out of the window. Such classic beauty. I love the idea that they did this secretly. So intimate.

  12. Heather says:

    OH WOW!!!! These are SO AMAZING!!!! I love how you captured this beautiful couple and how natural they looked! So classic and elegant! LOVE IT!!!!

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