Things can’t quite get more perfect for me than NYC in the fall, so, you can imagine my excitement when Maddie & Eran said “yes!” to having me photograph their Central Park Boathouse Fall wedding last Sunday!

A little backstory
A year and a half ago I had the opportunity to photograph one of my best friend’s destination weddings (while 5 months pregnant, and a bridesmaid!) in Dahlonega, Georgia. Noelle, one of the other bridesmaids, was so lovely and I enjoyed getting to know her during the wedding weekend! Little did I know, her mom was also in attendance and tucked me away as someone to keep in mind for her daughters’ “someday” weddings.

Well, lucky for the Voges family they had two proposals happen in the last year! So when I met Liesl (the oldest sis!) & Leslie (super momma) for coffee this spring to chat about Liesl & Adam’s spring 2019 Florida wedding, Maddie (the baby sis!) and Eran also came up in conversation. Before I knew it, this family had welcomed me in, open arms, to be the photographer for both weddings– what an honor!

Central Park Boathouse Fall Wedding, 9/30/18

I’ll be honest, I would “work” last Sunday over and over again if I could! It was the perfect fall day in NYC, the staff members at The Plaza Hotel (where Maddie got ready!) and The Central Park Boathouse (where their wedding & reception were held!) were incredible, and every family member and friend who traveled and joined to be a part of their day were truly the kindest people I’ve met collectively in a long time! Maddie and Eran have been together since high school here in Tampa. But, after navigating long-distance during college, he finally made his way out to NYC and it’s been home for several years.

Maddie is an actress, and Central Park Tour Guide, so of course this day fit them like a glove. From the golden hour gondola ride to the late night NYC hot dog truck! There was an ease about the entire day that made it so fun to be romping through the city, stopping at Bethesda Fountain, and enjoying sunset on the Boathouse terrace! Just a few of my favorite moments from the day…!

Meanwhile downstairs at The Plaza, a kind manager named Robert jumped in to save the bowties! Such excellent customer services and a fun moment– he even jumped in a shot with the guys and I texted it to him the next day!

First Look 

Maddie told me she had written a note on Eran’s shoes and made the joke that “he probably wouldn’t even see it!” Well, she was right! When I went to take this shot he was so confused. But the look on his face was priceless when he figured out her surprise. It was perfect timing, too, because she was at the top of the stairs in the grand lobby of The Plaza ready to see him for the first time!

I took these portraits in the time we had waiting on Ubers to come pick up our crew to head to Central Park! On the move we went to explore Eran & Maddie’s favorite spots before their sunset gondola ride to The Central Park Boathouse.

 

Maddie is a Central Park Tour Guide professionally so this girl knows every corner of this iconic place! Of course, we had to do a few photos at Bethesda fountain– a favorite of hers.

While we made these portraits, a family friend met Leslie (momma planner extraordinaire!) and Kent (real life George Banks) to secure the couple’s private gondola as well as a row boat for me. I won’t soon forget following them around on Centra Park Lake and I know it will be one of the moments the really remember from their day because they were able to just be together.

A Magical Night

Right on time, the gondolier pulled into The Central Park Boathouse. Guests were greeted with champagne and able to enjoy the private veranda before the evening ceremony & dinner began!

The Party

Guests enjoyed multiple courses prepared by The Central Park Boathouse while toasts , dances and blessings took place. The Boathouse is all glass and I would guess that people nearby could sense the joy, warmth and celebration overflowing throughout the evening!

Even with the excellent food provided by The Boathouse, you can’t have a NYC wedding without a hot dog truck, can you? Walter’s was amazing!

This was the first wedding I got into the getaway car with the couple after their send off! We had to officially end with a few images on the steps of the iconic Plaza hotel. And how crazy that when we arrived at 1AM, another couple was also getting out of their car having just been married as well! We’ve corresponded with them already– a memory not soon forgotten!

A bittersweet thank you!

Maddie & Eran,
I cannot thank you enough for inviting me to travel to NYC, meet you & be a part of such an incredible day! There are moments where you realize your clients helped make dreams come true you didn’t know you had and your wedding day was certainly this for me. I am so thrilled this isn’t “goodbye”, since I’ll see you at Liesl’s wedding this spring! Again, truly honored and wishing you all the best!!

And lastly, a sincere thank you to Maddie & Eran’s families, specifically their parents Leslie, Kent & Virgil, for all of their hard work in making this day possible and the kindness they extended to me! And not to be forgotten– the wonderful vendors who contributed their talents and gifts! Loved this team! And New York City, I hope to see you again real soon my friend!

Salon: Paul LaBrecque, Florals: Lennox Hill Florist, Bride’s Gown: The Bridal Garden, Badgley Mischka, Tuxes: The Black Tux
Officiant: Rev Brad,  Cake: Madison Lees Cakes, Catering + Venue: The Central Park Boathouse, DJ: Remixologists, DJ Luke
xo,
Laura