I Choose You | Elopement at Katz’s Delicatessen NYC
Leading up to their NYC Katz’s Deli elopement, this love story is one for the books. Dian and Jonathan met while playing Pokémon Go. They bumped into one another trying to catch the same Pokémon in City Hall Park, and the rest was history! Their serendipitous meeting quickly turned into a strong friendship and budding romance. With such a unique story, they wanted to pay homage to this iconic downtown spot and their love of all things NYC.
For Dian and Jonathan, what better way to make that statement than over a pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Deli?! Dian and Jonathan are passionate foodies. (In fact, at our first meeting, we shared stories about our most memorable culinary adventures over rosé, oysters, & baby radishes at Joesph Leonard in the West Village.) Dian explained how she wanted a non-traditional “wedding” that reflected their passion for food and love of NYC while also creating a few timeless portraits to share with family living abroad (to make it “official”). So, they invited their closest friends to the Beekman Hotel for portraits downtown. Their friends happily served as witnesses for their one-of-a-kind NYC Katz’s Deli wedding on a perfectly uncanny afternoon.
In all my years as a NYC wedding photographer documenting all kinds of unconventional weddings and elopements, I had never seen this before—and it’s quickly become one of my very favorites! These two knew what they wanted and went after it, and their day could not have been any more meaningful and heartfelt. Cheers to you, Dian and Jonathan! Only in NYC, my friends!
How to Decide on Your Wedding Style & Experience
Gone are the days when all engaged couples would hop on the same trend going around that year. From the puff sleeves and frills of the 80s to the matchy-matchy dresses and small bouquets of the 90s to the strapless dresses and tight updos of the early 2000s, every couple followed suit (pardon the pun). Ceremonies typically occurred in a church or synagogue, and receptions happened at a nice hotel or reception hall. Elopements were a bit taboo and reserved for the most spontaneous (or most secretive) couples.
Now, that’s all changed! The world—or New York City—is your oyster to do your wedding day your way. Borrow styles from past decades, wear something totally unconventional, tie the knot on a rooftop, or celebrate at a world-famous deli if you’re like Dian and Jonathan! Take portraits in front of a graffiti wall, grab a bite at a food cart, or savor the moment with a Central Park Lake gondola ride. As they say, you do you! Making portraits with couples has never been more fun, and I am here for it!
Not sure what your perfect wedding day looks like? It’s time for an old-fashioned brainstorm. Ask yourself these questions to get you going in the right direction:
What are your wedding priorities?
Both of you take out a sheet of paper and jot down the top three things you’re most looking forward to on your wedding day (e.g., getting ready with your crew, strolling around and creating portraits, seeing each other down the aisle, a night of dancing, toasts with loved ones….it could be anything, big or small).
Is there a specific date or location that is meaningful to you? Are you foodies or music aficionados? Do you want your day to revolve around the people and connections, or does the wedding experience mean a lot to you? Are style and design important to you? Highlight the things you both have in common to start shaping your vision.
How big (or small) do you want to go?
Do you want a small wedding with only your nearest and dearest, or have you always dreamed of a grand affair? Does your heart belong to NYC, or does a destination wedding seem more your style?
What caught your attention at other weddings?
Before hopping on Pinterest and getting lost down a rabbit hole with 5,000 pins, simply think back to some of the previous weddings you’ve attended. What are some things you really loved about those experiences? What are some things you would’ve done differently? If you still need a little more, you’re welcome to browse our blog for recent wedding stories. I’m always amazed by the creativity of the couples we work with!
NYC Katz’s Deli Elopement Details
Photographer | Edward Winter | @READYLUCK
Elopement Location | Katz’s Deli
Portrait & Meetup Location | Beekman Hotel