A Love-Filled City Hall Wedding: Matt and Jeremy’s Celebration at Hotel Chelsea
Matt and Jeremy’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that love knows no bounds. Celebrating their union at City Hall and the iconic Hotel Chelsea, their day was filled with laughter, love, and special moments shared with close friends and family. This intimate wedding was a perfect blend of personal touches, heartfelt emotions, and classic New York City charm. As photographers, we were honored to capture these special moments for a couple whose love story is truly one for the ages.
Photographers: Gabriel and Michelle
Couple: Matt and Jeremy
Venue: The Hotel Chelsea
City Hall Ceremony: An Iconic NYC Wedding Experience
Matt and Jeremy began their wedding day at the New York City Marriage Bureau, located at 141 Worth Street, for their City Hall ceremony. The City Hall setting is a popular and timeless choice for couples looking for an intimate and no-fuss ceremony. For Matt and Jeremy, this was the perfect way to celebrate their love in a meaningful yet simple way, surrounded by close family.
The day started with candid shots of the couple as they obtained their marriage license. There was lighthearted laughter in the air as they navigated the waiting room, and we captured some fun, playful moments that reflect their sense of humor—like pretending to be bored as they waited. This is what we love about photographing City Hall weddings: the blend of everyday simplicity and life-changing significance.
After the official ceremony, we moved outside to capture some beautiful shots of Matt and Jeremy exiting the building. The iconic brass doors at City Hall provided a stunning backdrop as their family clapped and cheered. These post-ceremony moments were filled with joy, and we made sure to capture group shots of the couple with their families, creating a timeless collection of images.
Exploring NYC: A Walk to Remember
After their ceremony, Matt and Jeremy wanted to incorporate a few of their favorite NYC spots into their wedding day. We followed them to Motel Morris, their favorite restaurant, where they shared a celebratory cocktail at the bar. This location, meaningful to the couple, added a personal touch to the day, and we captured candid moments as they toasted to their new life together.
The walk from Motel Morris to Hotel Chelsea offered the perfect opportunity for some urban portrait shots. Strolling hand-in-hand through the streets of New York, Matt and Jeremy radiated joy. These candid moments, set against the city’s vibrant streets, perfectly encapsulated the energy of their love story.
Inclusive Weddings: Celebrating Love in All Its Forms
Capturing Matt and Jeremy’s wedding was a reminder of the importance of inclusivity in weddings. Every couple deserves to have their love story told in a way that reflects who they are, and for LGBTQ+ couples, weddings are an opportunity to celebrate love and commitment in all its beautiful forms. We approach all weddings with the same enthusiasm and attention to detail, making sure that the unique dynamics and personalities of each couple shine through in their photos.
Whether it’s a gay wedding or any other kind of love story, our goal is to capture the moments that matter most. For Matt and Jeremy, that meant photographing the joy of their union, the laughter of their family and friends, and the love that radiated from every interaction.
Getting Ready at Hotel Chelsea: Special Moments with Family
The next part of the day took place at the iconic Hotel Chelsea, where the couple had reserved a suite to prepare for the evening celebration. We took the time to capture some special getting ready photos of Matt and Jeremy as they put on their final accessories, shared laughs, and spent quiet moments with their parents.
In inclusive wedding photography, it’s important to reflect the unique dynamics and special bonds of each couple. For Matt and Jeremy, the presence of their parents during this time was deeply meaningful, and we made sure to document every hug, smile, and tender glance. These moments serve as a beautiful reminder that weddings are not only about two people coming together but also about the merging of families and communities.
Group Photos in the Bard Room: A Close-Knit Celebration
Before the evening’s reception, we took group photos in The Bard Room at Hotel Chelsea. With just 30 guests in attendance, this intimate wedding allowed for meaningful interactions and plenty of time to capture each guest with the couple. Matt and Jeremy’s cousin, Christia, helped facilitate the group photos, ensuring that everyone was included in the celebration.
The Bard Room’s warm, historic ambiance added a touch of elegance to the group photos, creating a timeless collection of images that perfectly matched the feel of the day. From family portraits to fun candid shots, these moments reflect the close-knit relationships that Matt and Jeremy cherish.
Cocktail Hour: Candid Moments with Loved Ones
The cocktail hour was a lively part of the evening, filled with laughter, conversation, and plenty of candid moments between the couple and their guests. The intimate size of the gathering allowed us to move around the room, offering guests the opportunity to pose for photos and ensuring that every special moment was captured.
As the lead photographer, Gabriel focused on group photos and more formal shots, while Michelle, the second photographer, captured the ambiance, food, and candid moments throughout the cocktail hour. With just one long table for dinner, the event felt intimate and familial, allowing for a deeper connection between guests and the newlyweds.
Reception at Hotel Chelsea: An Intimate Dinner Celebration
The reception at Hotel Chelsea was a relaxed, elegant dinner where family and friends came together to celebrate Matt and Jeremy. The couple opted for candid shots during dinner rather than formal table photos, allowing us to capture the natural interactions and lively conversations that took place around the table.
The couple made brief remarks during dinner, expressing their gratitude to their guests for being part of their special day. These heartfelt moments were filled with emotion, and we made sure to document every smile, tear, and toast as the evening unfolded.
Cake Cutting: A Sweet Moment to End the Night
No wedding is complete without a cake cutting, and Matt and Jeremy’s was a sweet moment shared with their guests. Surrounded by their family and friends, the couple cut their cake and shared a few laughs as they fed each other the first slices. This lighthearted and joyful moment was a perfect reflection of their day—filled with love, fun, and celebration.
As the evening came to a close, we captured a few final shots of the couple with their family, ensuring that every special relationship was documented. The Hotel Chelsea’s historic and artistic atmosphere added a touch of magic to the photos, providing a timeless backdrop for the final images of the night.
Final Thoughts: A Celebration of Love at City Hall and Hotel Chelsea
Matt and Jeremy’s wedding day was a beautiful example of how love can be celebrated in a way that reflects the personalities and values of the couple. From their intimate City Hall ceremony to their lively reception at Hotel Chelsea, every moment was filled with meaning and joy. We were honored to be a part of their day, capturing their love story in a way that celebrates inclusivity, family, and the unique journey of two people coming together.
For LGBTQ+ couples planning a wedding in New York City, City Hall and Hotel Chelsea offer a perfect combination of simplicity, elegance, and history. Whether you’re planning a large celebration or a small, intimate gathering, the most important thing is that your day reflects your love story. We were thrilled to document Matt and Jeremy’s day, and we know that the memories they created will be cherished for a lifetime.
Matt and Jeremy’s wedding was a beautiful, inclusive event. If you’re interested in learning more about our approach to photographing inclusive weddings, feel free to check out our article here.
For Matt and Jeremy, their wedding at The Hotel Chelsea was a day filled with love, joy, and cherished memories. And we’re so glad to have been there to capture it all!
