Getting Ready at the 33 Seaport Hotel

On the day of their elopement, I met Katherine + Joe early that afternoon at the 33 Seaport Hotel, a beautiful, luxury hotel set along the cobbled streets of South Street Seaport. The two had booked the Brooklyn Bridge Grand Terrace Suite, which came with sweeping views of both the bridge and skyline along the East River. 

While they were getting ready, they were joined by their sweet pup who offered plenty of laughs and wardrobe checks as Katherine + Joe prepped for the day ahead. Once Katherine had her hair and makeup complete, she ducked into the bathroom to slip into her wedding dress. Even though they were going small for their wedding, Katherine went for the full glam look, choosing a beautiful, sleek wedding gown with gorgeous matching heels. 

As Katherine finished her final touches, Joe, in a sharp black suit and tie, headed out to the terrace to wait for their first look. He leaned against the railing and took in the skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge before him. The bridge held special meaning to the couple as it was where Joe popped the question. The two chose this suite and this hotel specifically so the bridge could be incorporated as part of their big day. When Katherine emerged from their room and onto the terrace, a smile instantly lit Joe’s face and in a moment, he was embracing his lovely wife-to-be.

A Simple Ceremony at the NYC Courthouse

From the hotel, Katherine + Joe headed to the courthouse to make things official. They signed in at the clerk’s desk and waited for their names to be called. I made sure to snap a few photos of them cozied up on the waiting room couch while they waited for the official start to the next chapter of their lives. When their names were finally called, they were ushered into the ceremony room. With no friends or family members joining them, the moment became all about them. It was a short and simple ceremony with no extra bells and whistles. Even so, it was exactly what Katherine + Joe wanted for their special day. 

After the two said their I do’s, they asked me to sign their marriage certificate as their witness – a small but meaningful role I was honored to play – and we headed out for newlywed portraits. This is where Katherine + Joe’s personalities really came through. They found a classic NYC hot dog cart near the courthouse and ordered celebratory hot dogs for impromptu “wedding cake” photos. Then, we wandered around the courthouse grounds snapping photos among the building’s grand historic architecture. Katherine also loved the idea of the juxtaposition of their glam bride and groom look against the grit of the city, so we took to the streets and even down into the subway for a mix of polished portraits and fun candids along the way. 

Ending Their Wedding Day in Style

After their newlywed portraits around the city, we headed back to their hotel to regroup and refresh a little. We took a few bride and groom portrait shots on the terrace with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background and then Katherine + Joe pulled out private letters they had prepared for each other for their big day. Courthouse ceremonies don’t leave much room for personal touches, so this was their chance to slow down and do something special that was just for them. 

As the day wore down and the sun began to set, we made our way to Saga where Katherine + Joe booked the Solarium for a private dinner. Once we arrived at the restaurant, they started with drinks at the bar before heading up to the top floor where the staff had prepared the room just for them. 

For a couple whose love story is so intertwined with the city, they could not have chosen a more fitting place to end the day. Saga’s Solarium was like something out of a dream. Their table was set up in the center of a huge glass-enclosed space with sweeping bird’s-eye views of the city all around them. The Saga team even left them a personalized note on the table congratulating them on their marriage and wishing them the very best. We took some final golden hour portraits on the rooftop balcony before I said my goodbyes and let Katherine + Joe enjoy the rest of their wedding dinner in peace, just the two of them with the city they love glowing around them. 

Dreaming of a wedding or elopement that captures your love story? I’d love to be there to document it all!

Hey there! I’m Rachael Crowe of OkCrowe Photography. I’m a wedding photographer based here in New York City. I’ve shot hundreds of weddings and elopements throughout the city and even a few across the globe. I would be honored to be there to capture each moment of your special day. To get started, head over to my contact form to schedule a free discovery call.