Cities like New York may be a little quieter, but they sure do make for gorgeous elopement backdrops…especially with fewer people in the background, when you’re taking newlywed portraits! If you love art, iconic architecture, or Gossip Girl, this editorial wedding shoot will speak to you. Shot in front of The Met and its famous steps, Fallon Carter Events, August Sage and Violet, and Elizabeth Austin Photography put together this story to promote The We Do! Collective’s “Married at The Met” all-inclusive elopement package this summer.

“I love the MET! It is by far one of my favorite places in New York, and since the pandemic—I have missed it so,” planner Fallon Carter says. “With so many iconic New York City attractions now empty, they have become the perfect setting for elopements and micro-celebrations.”

At 7:00 a.m., the light was perfect to shoot a quick portrait session in Central Park before heading to the steps for the ceremony “officiated” by Carter herself. The shoot “was designed to reflect a couple who just wanted to get married, and this was their spontaneous ceremony,” Carters remarks. The bride’s Katie May Call Me Slim dress and Dannijo Crawford earrings were from Rent the Runway, since Carter is an ambassador, and the groom wore a Tommy Hilfiger suit, Charles Trywhitt shirt, Turnbull & Asser tie, and velvet Ralph Lauren Purple Label shoes.

In-between shots, it really lightened the mood when the passersby thought it was an actual elopement. In reality, Dr. Audrey A. Abner, whose makeup was done by Keys Rebelle Makeup Artistry, and Nick Arrington are just really great friends…and marathon runners. And they had great fun playing along.

Carter hopes that this creative shoot shows engaged couples that “smaller celebrations are just that—smaller. They are not less meaningful or beautiful.” She continues, saying, “I would like to encourage people that are pivoting or still planning to focus on the dream wedding that is unfolding in front of them. I am hopeful that this elopement and micro-celebration inspiration will create a new visual on what is possible for weddings…even during a pandemic.”