If I built out the perfect autumn New York City day, it would be full of sunshine, crisp fall air, orange leaves on the trees and crunching on the ground beneath my feet, buzzing crowds, and it would be absolutely filled to the brim with the sweetest romance everywhere you look (If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaking suspicion… love actually is all around). I don’t know if that’s what TeriAnne and Kyriell had in mind for their elopement day when they decided to have a Central Park ceremony tucked away in a private alcove with just their immediate families as witnesses, but that’s what they got. It was intimate and quiet; both in New York City, but also something private and special and just for the two of them.

TeriAnne and Kyriell’s journey began over a decade ago, all the way back in high school where they became best friends. This couple went from high school sweethearts to forever lovers, and let me tell you, their story will make your heart melt.

Choosing the Unconventional Path

They began to think about their wedding years before saying “I do.” For a long time, they’ve known that a big, traditional wedding was simply not for them. So after a recent move to New York City, and in the midst of this new season of their life, TeriAnne and Kyriell opted for an intimate elopement in their new home… or in their new home’s backyard (Central Park, duh). For them, it was important to choose a photographer who not only understood, but supported their decisions for the day. Enter: me 🙂 We immediately connected on their desires for a less conventional day that made sense for their needs. What they really truly wanted for their day was time together in their new favorite parts of Central Park and time to share this part of their lives with family, and boy did they get it.

Getting Ready + Intimate First Looks

Getting ready separately at an Upper East Side hotel, TA+K did it their way. TeriAnne got ready in a modest little hotel room with her mom and best friend. I felt flashes of girlhood, watching as every woman in the room took their turn adorning TeriAnne with mementos of womanhood. Like little rituals we all practice for years, waiting for the perfect moment to showcase our skills. Tying bows, applying makeup, and clasping necklaces. Once ready, TeriAnne and I made our way to Central Park where Kyriell was waiting for her. We saw him from across the street and caught his eye halfway down the block. She walked over to him to share the moment together, and even though there were plenty of people around, it somehow felt like they were the only ones in all of New York.

A Central Park Elopement

Central Park became their love nest. Picture this: a ceremony with both nature and the cityscape as the backdrop, sunshine glistening off the water, and love in the air. No frills, just pure, unadulterated love. It’s like falling into a warm embrace from your favorite person, and your whole body fills with a soft, quiet peacefulness, which was so fitting for these two.

A Rom-Com Love Affair

As the sun dipped below the skyline, TeriAnne and Kyriell savored the day and their love without a care in the world. Their families hung out for a bit before parting ways so that TeriAnne and Kyriell could spend a bit of time just the two of them. The day felt present, intentional, and, most importantly, FUN. It was like a feel-good rom-com: playful, lighthearted, slow in all the right ways. Their day was first and foremost about spending time together, so a stroll through New York’s most infamous park was the only thing we needed. And while there are many iconic parts to Central Park, electric with the buzz of the city, some of my favorite corners of the park happen to be away from the crowds. So I took TA + K on a tour of my favorite hideaways, aimlessly meandering from one flower-filled meadow to the next and always always always stopping to run through an open field or lie down in a bed of wildflowers, savoring every last moment.

To end the evening, we made our way to the subway, where I dropped them off so that they could go meet family for a celebratory dinner.

An Intentionally Curated Wedding Day

As their photographer, I was left with a heart full of love, having witnessed a rad, fantastic, and lovey-dovey celebration that perfectly mirrored TeriAnne and Kyriell’s one-of-a-kind love story. It’s so important, at the end of the day, to make your day YOURS. Do whatever it takes to choose your moments, plans, and day so that it feels like your love. I would love to photograph your elopement day! Inquire with me to dream about the day. Also, check out my Pinterest profile for more inspiration and follow me on Instagram!