For Courtney and Alex, there was no better way to get married than this - spending sunrise at Bethesda Terrace in New York City’s Central Park, then signing the paperwork back at their local courthouse in New Jersey. Having spent many of their dating years coming into the city and walking around this corner of the park, they knew its where they wanted to start their forever.

Dress: Anthropologie

Sunglasses: Prada

Florals: Fleur de Mer

Eloping in New York City - the only way that Courtney and Alex could imagine starting their forever. With its historic, picturesque fountains, bridges, and lakes, there’s really no better place than Central Park. There are centuries of love stories that have unfolded within these 843 acres, theirs is now one of them.

It was a very early morning, we wanted to avoid the crowds that flock to the area soon after sunrise. I flew into the city the night before and barely slept a wink out of anticipation and excitement. We met outside of the park while the city was still cast in the blue light of dawn.

As the sun rose on Bethesda’s Terrace, everything began to glow. I’ve never been to a city I loved more than New York and I feel that adoration and wonder all throughout these photos, just as I felt it in these moments with Courtney & Alex. It’s a stunning contrast - soft, tender love in a city that is so big and busy and grand.

We spent about 2 hours exploring the park and taking stunning portraits and then found a secluded area for the couple to exchange vows. When we parted ways, I rode the subway back to my hotel, thinking that this is the perfect example of how elopements should be done.

“Her work is incredible, so dreamy. We would be honored to work with her again.”

Courtney & Alex