An Upper East Side Post-Elopement Couples Shoot With Amy and Parker

Amy and Parker

A cozy, late-fall Upper East Side post-elopement couples session filled with film, golden light, beloved pets, and a heartfelt stroll through the couple’s favorite NYC spots.

Some sessions stay with you in the loveliest way — the light, the neighborhood, the outfits, the feeling. Amy and Parker’s late-November elopement portraits were exactly that. They reached out to take photos shortly after their City Hall ceremony in Brooklyn, asking if I could meet them back on the Upper East Side for some relaxed family photos. And when they mentioned bringing their “pets” along, I naturally assumed we’d be wrangling a few dogs.

So you can imagine my absolute delight when I learned that their family actually includes one dog, Margot… and one leash-trained cat, Nolan. A cat. On a leash. For elopement portraits. Truly a photographer’s dream.

The glorious Margot and Nolan

We met in Carl Schurz Park, the couple’s go-to neighborhood spot and one of the prettiest, quieter gems on the Upper East Side — perfect for anyone wanting NYC elopement or couples photos without the heavy crowds of Central Park. The air had that crisp, cold edge of late fall, but the last bits of foliage were still hanging on, glowing warm in the background. We snapped a handful of cozy, quick photos with Nolan and Margot (who were champions despite the temperature), then walked the pets home to the warmth before continuing our little adventure around the neighborhood.

A New York Couples Session That Felt Like a Stroll With Friends

What I love most about couples and elopement photography in New York City is how personal it can be. You don’t have to stage anything. You don’t have to chase every iconic landmark (unless you want to!). You just get to wander the places that matter most to you — and that’s exactly what Amy and Parker wanted.

From Carl Schurz Park, we walked through their streets, stopping by their favorite coffeeshop, lingering on classic brownstone stoops, and letting the city become a natural backdrop. Their all-black outfits were impossibly chic (so New York), and the golden late-afternoon light gave everything a soft, cinematic glow — especially once we reached Central Park right before sunset.

Their friends — who had flown in from South Carolina to witness the City Hall ceremony — joined us for a few portraits outside the Met before heading to The Carlyle to end the night with celebratory drinks. Film, digital, movement, quiet moments — it all blended into this beautiful little slice of their life together.

Tips for Planning the Best NYC Elopement or Couples Session

Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a relaxed couple’s session around your neighborhood, here are a few things that can elevate the experience (and your photos):

1. Choose locations with meaning

NYC couples have endless options — Central Park, the West Village, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Dumbo, the Upper East Side brownstones, your favorite café. The photos always feel more natural and personal when we choose spots you already love.

2. Consider the season and timing

Golden hour in late fall hits different — soft, low, warm light that flatters everyone. In winter, we plan for earlier sunsets and build in warm-up breaks. In summer, we chase shade or start at sunrise to avoid crowds. Your photos will feel so much better when the timing aligns with light, temperature, and your comfort.

3. Pets are always welcome

A cat on a leash isn’t required (though highly encouraged — Nolan, please call me), but if your dog or cat is part of your story, let’s include them. We plan shorter bursts, bring treats, and choose spots where pets feel safe. Pet-friendly elopement photography is one of my favorite things to shoot.

4. Outfits that reflect you photograph best

Amy and Parker opted for all black — classic, chic, timeless, and perfect for a fall NYC elopement. Whether your style is minimalist, bold, neutral, or colorful, choose clothing that feels like an elevated version of you. Comfort = confidence, and confidence always photographs beautifully.

5. Mix of film and digital for that warm, nostalgic feel

If you love texture, grain, and that imperfectly perfect magic, adding 35mm film or 120 medium format to your session gives your gallery depth and character. Film always slows the moment down a bit — and Amy and Parker’s images show exactly why I adore weaving it into elopement stories.

6. Trust the process and treat it like a date

The best photos happen when you're present with each other. Walk slowly. Hold hands. Wander. Laugh. Pet the dog. Kiss your spouse. I’ll guide when needed, but the magic happens in the in-between moments — the way you naturally are together.

Considering an NYC Elopement or Neighborhood Session? Let’s Make It Beautiful.

If you're dreaming of a session that feels like you — warm, personal, intimate, cinematic, and rooted in the places you love — I would absolutely love to create that with you. Whether you’re eloping at City Hall, wandering the Upper East Side, or bringing your pets along for the adventure, let’s capture your story in the most honest, joyful way.

Ready to start planning?

👉 [Click here] to learn more, check availability, or dream something up together.