Real elopement: Erica + Tom

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This little elopement in Central Park really proves that sometimes, the only guests you need are your closest family.  So beautiful!

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plaid groom accessories

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bright bouquet

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little vows book

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Public menus

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From the bride:

Our wedding celebration was a hybrid of elopement and intimate family gathering. Nobody has been there to support and stand by us through the ups and downs in our lives like our parents and siblings, and that’s exactly who we wanted by our side when we made our vows as husband and wife. Being surrounded by the love of our families made the day even more beautiful than we had imagined. Our relationship has included countless adventures and romantic walks through Central Park. With our love for the park, my husband and I knew it was the only place for us to marry. Ladies Pavilion allowed our families to be gathered closely around us with just enough room for all of us underneath; it was dreamily intimate. The most important thing to us on our wedding day was that we could truly celebrate our marriage, but we still wanted a day filled with pretty details. Creating a beautiful day is easy when you’ve got so much love to work with. My talented sister, Kerry, graciously offered to make me a wedding dress. She thought of every detail, right down to including a button from my mother’s wedding dress and the surprise of my new initials sewn (in blue!) into the inside of the dress. My husband’s brother, Dan, did my makeup and our brothers Wayne and James also read two different works during our ceremony. My mom even learned how to use Pinterest and responded to me (via email) with her comments on every single item I posted to the secret board I shared with her and my sister. Etsy was a favorite for many of our details, and other friends and family contributed in the way of our flowers and paper designs. Perhaps the most special part of all of these contributions made by family and friends were the hours spent together enriching our relationships leading up to the day. I’m so grateful for the all of that extra time I was able to spend with my sister and brothers. In the busy lives we all lead, it’s hard to find that sometimes.

Reception Venue: Central Park Ladies’ Pavilion
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Public Restaurant

[images from Kate Neal]