Spotted is an interview series that features all sorts of creative people - in destinations around the globe - who have a fresh perspective and "see" the world uniquely.
Photographer Leila and Art Director David of LL Style Photo have photographed dozens of weddings and elopements in unique spots across NYC and beyond (including my own!). With a contemporary, editorial style, this creative duo artfully captures each couple’s own personal love story, using the city’s streets and parks as a backdrop. In this Q&A, they share some of their favorite photos and advice with couples looking to elope in NYC - from choosing a ceremony spot to picking the perfect time of day.
Q. What's the most original location where someone eloped in NYC or had a small wedding?
The great thing about eloping is that you normally don’t need a permit to celebrate an intimate wedding in any park or cute spot in the city. If you’d like to have a wedding reception is also easier and usually less expensive to book a private room at a restaurant, a gallery or any other private setting. For example we had a wedding ceremony on an art studio in Brooklyn and it was really cool! (You can find more location ideas and elopement tips here.)
Moments after eloping at City Hall
Q. Many of your couples get married in Central Park or City Hall and then do a photoshoot in another part of the city? What are the best locations for photos?
Our couples usually choose us because they look for pictures which reflect the real colors of the city and the vibrancy of the streets. You can tell you are in NYC. We think the best photos are captured when the couple is relaxed, enjoying their day so we try to avoid hectic commutes and very touristy areas and usually work in great colorful spots of Downtown NYC like the SoHo, The West Village, or Chinatown and also maybe some spots in Brooklyn like Dumbo or Williamsburg.
Overlooking Manhattan in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Q. What makes a great location for photos?
NY offers many great locations for photos and we respect each couple’s tastes for the location and their personal style. But there are some areas with better light at certain times of the day. For example the light in Central Park is better in the afternoon, much softer and complex than during mid-day when the light is harsh and creates strong shadows. So we always recommend the locations depending on the time the couple is getting married.
Cop Cot in Central Park, NYC
Q. What's your favorite moment from an elopement photo shoot?
We like to capture the moments in a way they tell a story. The ceremony is obviously a very important moment but we also like to capture the moments after the ceremony when the couple feel in a way more released and are ready to have fun! :)
Hey - that's me! Toasting together after eloping in Battery Park City
Q. Do you have any advice for couples who are preparing to elope in NYC?
We recommend couples who are planning to elope to think about their day as a day for joy and fun, and book great professionals with a lot of experience so they will make their day really special and stress free.