Celebrating With Family in Central Park


Jennifer and Ed’s wedding weekend was a wonderful reminder that there is no single timeline for love. The two met about four years ago and have spent the last several years building a life together in New York City. Jennifer originally grew up in Oregon before attending school in Boston and eventually making New York her home. Ed is originally from Long Island and has lived in the city for many years as well.


Rather than planning a large traditional wedding, they chose to get married quietly at the courthouse on a Friday and then celebrate with family and friends the following day. I absolutely love this approach because it allows couples to focus on the marriage itself while still creating space to celebrate with the people they love most.


Their plan was simple: portraits in Central Park followed by a celebratory lunch on the Upper East Side with family and friends.

Couple in formal attire walking hand-in-hand on a stone path in a lush green garden, woman holding pink bouquet.

A Beautiful Pivot to Shakespeare Garden


Originally, Jennifer had hoped to take photos in Conservatory Garden because of the flowers and formal garden atmosphere. Unfortunately, parts of the garden were under renovation at the time, so we pivoted to Shakespeare Garden instead. Honestly, it could not have worked out better.


The Shakespeare Garden is one of my favorite hidden gems in Central Park. Between the winding paths, seasonal flowers, stone walkways, and views of Belvedere Castle, it offers so much variety while still feeling tucked away from the busiest areas of the park.


We spent the first portion of the session photographing just the two of them among the flowers and greenery.

One thing that stood out throughout the session was how relaxed they were together. There was no pressure, no rushing, and no feeling that they needed to perform for the camera. They simply enjoyed being together and celebrating this milestone after taking their time getting engaged and planning the next chapter of life together.


From there, we made our way up toward Belvedere Castle for additional portraits overlooking the park.

Couple posing in wedding attire outside a stone castle, woman in pink lace gown holding bouquet, man in dark suit.

A Castle Full of Unexpected Cheerleaders


One of my favorite moments from the day happened completely unexpectedly. While we were taking photos near one of the castle turrets, a group of middle school students happened to be visiting at the same time. As soon as they realized Jennifer and Ed had just gotten married, they started cheering for them from above.It was incredibly sweet and completely spontaneous. Jennifer and Ed laughed, waved back, and soaked up the unexpected celebration from their young audience.


Afterward, family and friends joined us back in Shakespeare Garden for group portraits. It was immediately obvious how loved and supported they are. Everyone was genuinely excited to celebrate them, and the atmosphere throughout the group photos felt warm, joyful, and relaxed.


The entire day reflected exactly what Jennifer and Ed wanted: meaningful time together, beautiful portraits, and a chance to celebrate with the people closest to them.


After photos wrapped up, everyone headed to lunch on the Upper East Side to continue the festivities.

Their wedding weekend was proof that celebrations do not have to be elaborate to be meaningful. Surrounded by family, friends, flowers, and plenty of laughter, Jennifer and Ed created a wedding experience that felt completely true to who they are.

Couple in formal wedding attire posing outdoors near a stone building, woman holding pink floral bouquet.
Black and white photo of bride and groom walking at Belvedere Castle in Central Park on their wedding day.
Group of tourists waving from the battlements of a historic stone castle on an overcast day.
Couple in pink and black pinstripe suit poses with bouquet before white flowering bushes in park.
Close-up of couple holding hands showing diamond wedding rings and a gold Rolex watch at a wedding ceremony.
Couple in pink lace gown and pinstripe suit share tender moment before white flowering bushes.
Couple sharing a tender kiss among white blooming flowers, groom in pinstripe suit with pink tie, bride in lace dress holding bouquet.
Bride in pink lace dress joyfully embraces a guest in cream knit wrap, surrounded by lush green foliage.
Bridesmaids in floral and lace dresses chat with guests at an outdoor wedding in a lush green park.
Wedding guests embracing and celebrating outdoors in Central Park with a bouquet of pink flowers.
Wedding couple poses with elderly woman in floral dress in lush garden setting.
Smiling bride in pink lace dress and groom in pinstripe suit pose in garden.
Group of eight women in elegant dresses posing together outdoors at a garden wedding celebration.
Eight women in elegant pastel dresses pose together laughing in a lush garden setting at a wedding celebration.
Bride in lace gown poses with bridesmaids in colorful dresses outdoors in Central Park, NYC.

Looking for a Central Park Wedding Photographer?


Whether you're planning a courthouse wedding, an intimate celebration, or simply want beautiful portraits with your loved ones afterward, Central Park offers some of the most timeless locations in New York City.


As an NYC wedding photographer, I love documenting weddings that focus on genuine connection and meaningful moments rather than complicated timelines. If you're planning a Central Park wedding, courthouse wedding, or intimate NYC celebration, I'd love to help tell your story. Contact me here to learn more about wedding photography in New York City.