Creative Wedding and Elopement Photography in New York City: Capturing the Magic of Your Day

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It's a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments that you will cherish forever. As a husband and wife team, we at Alex + Jess Photography believe in the importance of capturing these moments in a unique and creative way that reflects who you are, and what your relationship is. We specialize in creative wedding and elopement photography in New York City, and we're here to help you capture the magic of your wedding.

Capturing the Magic

When it comes to wedding and elopement photography, it's not just about taking pictures of the two of you. It's about capturing the unique story of your day and all of the moments that make your wedding special and unforgettable (from special gifts, to the tears to the kids and grandparents that are present. This comes by focusing on capturing candid, natural moments that tell the story of the day, allowing them to happen naturally rather than posing or directing. This lets us capture the raw emotion and beauty of your day in a way that is unique and personal to you.

One of the ways we capture candid moments is by getting to know you on a personal level. We want to know your story - it’s the first thing we’ll ask about! The better we know your personalities, your vision, your wedding day goals, the more we can anticipate moments and capture them in a way that is authentic to you.

We also prioritize the little details that make your wedding day unique. From the intricate lace on your wedding dress to the floral arrangements, all of those small details are what make the day special. We understand that these details are an essential part of the story of your day, and we capture them in a way that is both artistic and personal.

Creativity in Wedding Photography

Creativity is key when it comes to wedding photography. It’s what makes this fun for both us and you, and we're committed to constantly striving for creativity and capturing images that you haven't seen before. Our creative approach is all about finding unique locations, using creative compositions, and capturing unusual angles or perspectives. We want to create images that are as unique and special as you are on your wedding day.

We're always on the lookout for new and exciting locations to take photos. Whether it's a hidden alleyway in the city, a beautiful park in the suburbs, or hiking to the top of the nearest mountain (or skyscraper) We also make sure to get creative with lighting to create stunning and memorable images.

In addition to unique locations and lighting, we also capture unusual angles or perspectives. We believe that taking a different approach to capturing images can result in some of the most memorable shots of your day. Whether it's capturing the two of you through a reflection in a puddle, shooting through a window, or through the legs of a giant dancing robot, we're always looking for ways to push the boundaries of creativity to find something unique.

Bringing experience to the table

Experience and a calm personality are crucial when it comes to wedding photography. With over 12 years of experience as photographers, we have the skills and knowledge to capture your wedding day while being calm, collected, and prepared. We know that weddings can be stressful, and we're here to help you feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.

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So, let’s make some killer images, and have fun while we’re doing it! Let’s make something creative, and document the experience of your day, and your story, in a way that you’ll want to look back on again and again. Reach out, and let’s chat today and the best way to capture your day creatively.

Proposal Locations in NYC

Congratulations! You are finally ready to pop the question! Now to make the day extra special, finding the perfect spot that photographs well might be the hardest part about this. Don’t worry here at Alex and Jess Photography we have done some research to find some cool New York City spots perfect to make any engagement shoot wow your future spouse! 

Brooklyn Bridge

What better place for a proposal than an iconic spot in New York? The Brooklyn Bridge is one of those places that you just can't miss when visiting NYC. As soon as the sun starts rising, this location gives a gorgeous light perfectly to get those shots!

Top of the Rock

Located midtown Manhattan overlooking all that life has to offer; you can't beat this view! You'll need reservations and tickets - but it is worth every penny! 

The Loeb Boathouse 

The Loeb Boathouse is a stunning building in the middle of Central Park, with breathtaking views. You can enjoy rowing or just people watching from its terraces - located right in the middle of the iconic Central Park! There are rowboats available for rent as well for the most romantic shots. Your lover is for sure going to be speechless.

Bow Bridge

The Bow Bridge is a two-sided bridge that crosses an inlet of Central Park which runs east to west and bisects the land for approximately 1,200 feet. The construction was completed in 1862 with unique stone archways, wooden decking made up mostly by oak trees symbolizing peace (because they are strong), and located right next door near over 102 acres of lush green space! This has become one popular spot amongst tourists who want their photos taken at this beautiful landmark. To avoid crowds you should visit early morning before 10 AM when there will be fewer people visiting! 

Shakespeare Garden 

When you think of the most photographed gardens in New York, it’s hard not to imagine a place like Shakespeare Garden. Located right on Central Park's southern section and surrounded by three beautiful bridges. There are plenty of perfect spots to pop the question! 

The Edge Hudson Yards 

The view from The Edge at Hudson Yards is one of my new favorite locations for an engagement session. With 1,000-foot tall skyscrapers and 78 stories offering unbeatable views across New York City; it's no wonder this spot has become so popular with tourists looking to capture their memories before heading back home or even just spending some time in NY! 

Versa Rooftop in Midtown

This cute, hidden restaurant in Midtown called Versa is the perfect spot for some engagement photos or even to host an elegant party right after to celebrate that YES! It's located inside the Renaissance Hotel. Such a cute spot under the lights to ask that special person to spend the rest of your life with you! And the romantic pictures that will come from this will be gorgeous! 

When choosing your special spot for your engagement New York City is one of the most gorgeous places for any special occasion, Alex and Jess are ready to hit the town and get those surprise photos that you’ll never forget.

7 Photoshoot Locations in or near Central Park in NYC

Alex Plus Jess Photography in New York City is a leading photographer specializing in wedding engagement and elopement, as well as family and proposal photography Here are 7 of our favorite locations for a photoshoot in or near Central Park!

1. BETHESDA FOUNTAIN AND BETHESDA TERRACE is one of our favorites! We recommend getting there early not just for the light, but also for the crowds. Bethesda Fountain and Terrace are one of the most famous parts of Central Park, but when you get there early it’s still pretty empty. Don’t sweat people in the background. We’ll shoot around them or edit them out if we have to - the important thing is to be in the moment and capture YOU.  We’ll cruise around and explore the whole area. There’s all kinds of secret spots in Central Park, particularly around the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace such as The Mall, the Naumburg Bandshell, and Bow Bridge, and every little corner has character and a story to tell. Be open to looking all over for that special light.

2. GAPSTOW BRIDGE is a gorgeous spot covered in vines that blends in with the scenery around it. This is a very popular spot for photographs, so let's make sure to get there early! The current Gapstow Bridge was built in 1896 to replace a more elaborate bridge with distinctive cast-iron elements that deteriorated. It’s hard to beat the backdrop of the skyline, mixed with the romantic stone bridge surrounded by the pond and willow trees.

3. WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK is gorgeous. The arch which was created in 1891 (!), is iconic. The lighting and lack of people are a strong reason we’ll frequently recommend mornings for engagements in New York City, and Washington Square Park and the surrounding area are no exception. The way the light bounces off the buildings, the lack of crowds, the (usually) cool weather, really allow you to have the city to yourself.

4. WAGNER COVE -  This gorgeous lesser-known spot in Central Park, is such a great spot for photos, especially if you are looking for an intimate wedding ceremony with your closest family and friends, or just want a more quiet spot for engagements, a proposal, or even family photos. It’s nearby other attractions, down some stone steps near Cherry Hill and the Bethesda Fountain. Also a plus that this spot is not known by many, you'll be sure to share an intimate photoshoot space with you and your loved one(s) or even for intimate weddings. Looking for great intimate wedding spots? We've got you covered in our blog here.

5. CONSERVATORY GARDENS - A beautifully curated garden within the park. They’re much stricter about rules here, but it’s all to protect the amazing gardening that’s been done. This gorgeous setting is perfect for any shoot you can imagine, and is well kept through every season.

6. LADIES PAVILION - This gorgeous pavilion has a rock area next to it with a giant view of the cityscape behind it. Located near 75th street on the west side of the park. The pavilion itself is also a great location for small wedding ceremonies

7. TREEHOUSE FOR DREAMING - This is a smaller gazebo structure, with the city and skyline in the background. Central Park has many great photo spots that are best suited for elopements or proposals but they also provide beautiful backdrops for weddings too!

We specialize in wedding photography, family photography, elopement, and engagement photography. If you are interested in a photoshoot in the New York and Central Park area, we are so ready to chat with you!