A New York City Winter wedding has a special place in my heart. I remember it being cold, no F-R-E-E-Z-I-N-G, the morning of Thursday, February 26th as Sascha and I approached the High Line Park stairs at 23rd street. The sharp wind blew through my hat and scarf as we searched for our newlyweds to be. In a doorway were Veronika and Stefan as they rubbed each other’s shoulders to keep warm. It was after all, 14 degrees Fahrenheit or -16 degrees Celsius for my international crowd. These two had found the perfect spot the day before so they led the way. After walking 8 blocks, we found their perfect spot landed us directly in drastic wind tunnel. However a reconsidered spot landed us being surrounded and protected by the NYC skyline. It was perfect.
As I started to fill out the marriage license paperwork, I was also trying to keep my lips warm so I wouldn’t slur my speech while reciting E.E. Cummings ‘I carry you in my heart’. Did I mention it was 14 degrees?
You know when you are doing something slightly crazy and keep saying in your head, ‘are we really doing this?’ I was saying that from the moment we walked onto the Highline but let’s be real, I will do just about anything my couples ask me to do if it will make their ceremony perfect for them. I will do it with a smile and I will be happy doing it because I love being part of this special moment in time. Just when I heard myself once again say, ‘are we really doing this?’ these two adorably in love people started shed their physical protection from the cold—they took off their hats, and their scarves and their gloves and their coats.
14 degrees Fahrenheit or -16 degrees Celsius and Veronika and Stefan stood in front of me with their warm hearts smiling and ready to get married.
As with all our ceremonies that Sascha and I do together, Sascha directed us all in the best spots to capture the memory perfectly. Veronika and Stefan shared this moment with us, promising to love one another on their journey together no matter the obstacle they may face and it was perfect. It was so cold and these two did not care one bit and neither did we. Sascha and I would do it over and over again to be part of this moment with Veronika and Stefan.
Sascha spent the afternoon with Veronika and Stefan capturing the two of them together in various places around the city indoors and out as you can see from the beautiful shots included.
Thank you Veronika and Stefan for allowing me marry you in 14 degree weather and introducing you for the first time as husband and wife.
You may kith your bwide and you may kith your huband. Brrrrrr.
Photographer: Sascha Reinking Photography
Officiant: Jackie Reinking New York Elopement Officiant
Shoes: Converse
