When Lisa and Julian decided to get married, they knew they wanted their wedding day to be a true reflection of who they are—New Yorkers through and through, living, loving, and building a life together on the Lower East Side. So they didn’t just plan a wedding; they created an experience that was as vibrant, fun, and meaningful as their lives together. This day wasn’t just about getting married; it was about celebrating everything they love about each other, their community, and their city.

Getting Ready: A Moment of Girlhood & Nostalgia

The day began with Lisa getting her hair and makeup done by the incredibly talented Alexa Gould, surrounded by women who had gone through life with Lisa. Her mother and future mother-in-law, friends as old as elementary school, and women who’d come along a little later but made just as much of a lasting imprint on Lisa. As they sat together, a mixture of having their makeup done and doing it themselves, they told stories of their first times experimenting with makeup. A friend Lisa had had since grade school told me, “it was actually Lisa who taught me to do my eyeliner, so I’m doing it myself today for her wedding.” This wasn’t just about getting ready for a wedding— it was about being girls together ♡

An Intimate Ceremony at The Ludlow Hotel

Lisa and Julian chose The Ludlow Hotel for their ceremony, a space that perfectly matched the simplicity and beauty they wanted for their day. A private Dirty French room with gorgeous, large windows overlooking Ludlow street set the stage for a ceremony that was short, sweet, and oh-so-emotional. Family gathered beforehand to adorn the aisles with delicate white ribbons and handkerchiefs embroidered by Julian’s mother— a thoughtful and generous way for her to stay involved with wedding planning while back home in Switzerland. Julian’s two small nieces played quietly with their flower girl baskets in the window. Family caught up with each other, long distance besties reunited, and folks who had heard so much about each other were introduced to one another. With a small guest list, every tear and every smile felt magnified, making the moment even more intimate and personal.

Exploring the Lower East Side

After the ceremony, Lisa and Julian went back to their penthouse room at The Ludlow Hotel to take a few shots, sign their marriage license, and look out over their balcony ledge at the neighborhood they call home. They pointed out the places they frequent— the deli where they grab breakfast, the bar where they know the bartender by name, the grocery store where they make bi-weekly visits. The stories of their two distinct lives, coming together in one place and able to be seen in full on the day they vowed forever to each other :’)

We wandered the streets of the Lower East Side, stopping to take photos at the spots that mean the most to them. We walked right past New York staples like Katz’s Deli in favor of the local digs, leading us to take shots at the back entrance of one of L+J’s regular bars. It was pure LES energy, and it was pure Lisa and Julian. It’s their story.

Shared Plates and Shared Memories at Il Posto Accanto

I’m a firm believer in food as a great unifier. I grew up in a home that ate dinner around the table, and I carry that fondness for conversation over a shared meal into adulthood. When Lisa + Julian invited their friends and family to lunch at one of their favorite neighborhood spots, Il Posto Accanto, it was out of their desire to share their life with their loved ones. They told stories of how this restaurant had been where they’d gone for celebrations, pick-me-ups, reunions, and happy hours. It had become a part of their story, and they wanted their families to see that.

Siblings, parents, and friends shared endearing and embarrassing stories from both Lisa and Julian’s pasts, poking fun at them lovingly during their speeches. Grandparents blushed, aunts revealed secrets, and everyone was in on every inside joke. The celebration moved effortlessly from interior to the street. It was a beautiful spring day in New York City, after all, and we would be fools not to spend our time outdoors. Neighbors stopped to chat as they passed by on their commutes home from work, and you could really feel that New York magic that’s so extra prevalent during springtime.

A Boat Reception for an Iconic NYC Wedding

If you haven’t figured it out yet, let me spell it out for you: Lisa and Julian are a damn good time. There was never any question in their mind that they would go out dancing with friends later that night, but before that party started, they wanted some time to actually sit in conversation with their guests. After all, they’d invited them to their wedding day because they’re so important to them.

We hopped out of our crosstown taxi and at Chelsea Piers and boarded a Classic Harbor Line schooner, where the party continued on the water. As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the city, everyone danced, laughed, and toasted to the couple. Guests mingled on cushioned benches inside the boat, clinking champagne glasses and cheersing red wine. We sailed by all of the most iconic sights— starting south on the Hudson River right past the Freedom Tower and the Statue of Liberty before making a turn at Ellis Island to head right back up the East River under the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and even under the Williamsburg Bridge all the way north to Roosevelt Island and the United Nations. It’s a gentle yet breathtaking reminder that we really do live and love in the greatest city on earth. Each time we passed another landmark, more guests poured out onto the deck until Lisa + Julian were joined on the bow of the boat by all of their friends and family. The night ended with more dancing, more laughter, and a party that felt like the perfect culmination of a day filled with love, joy, and a deep sense of community.

Craft the Wedding Day of Your Dreams

Lisa and Julian’s wedding was a testament to making your wedding day truly your own. From the intimate ceremony at The Ludlow Hotel to walking through their entire relationship by way of visiting their local favorites around the Lower East Side, to the Great Gatsby-esque yacht party that capped off the night, every detail was a reflection of their life together. This was a day that wasn’t just about getting married—it was about celebrating their love, their city, and the community that makes their life so rich. These are the stories I love telling. I love the thought and intentionality behind this wedding day, and I’m reminded that it is not just possible but even easy to build a wedding day that is low-stress, centered around you, and filled with love.

If you’re considering an intimate wedding in NYC, think about the treasures hidden in your own story and the special places that mean the world to you. As an NYC wedding and elopement photographer, it’s a privilege to capture these unforgettable moments. I help couples build out wedding days that reflect their authentic love for each other the lives they’ve built together. Reach out for more information about planning your dream day. Also, check out my Pinterest profile for more inspiration and follow me on Instagram!