A Manhattan Elopement: Chelsea & Ben

Sometimes your backyard is a destination elopement location for someone else, as in the of Chelsea and Ben. They traveled from Wales, and in complete style, for their destination Manhattan elopement with twenty of their closest friends and family tagging along with them! How amazing is that?! Their Manhattan elopement was on board one of the Hornblower Dinner Cruise ships out of pier 40. Chelsea and Ben were married by the ship’s Captain in a private ceremony on the ship’s upper deck. They got to enjoy a first dance as husband & wife, before departing to cruise the Hudson River around New York City.

Chelsea & Ben got to choose a unique menu from the regular dining passengers, and can I say that the braised short ribs were beyond delicious! And it ended with personal cheesecake that was HEAVEN. Seriously, this was one of the best meals out of all the weddings that I shot this year. Source, me, I’ve eaten a lot of wedding dinners ha!

Most importantly, as far as photos go I should say, it was a photographer’s dream. We were able to get some amazing shots all over the yacht with the city as our backdrop. The gorgeous light from an epic setting sun, followed by the romantic blue hour light, with the sun reflecting off of the skyscrapers. After the sun set, a lit up Manhattan was equally as gorgeous. The ship ended its trip by circling The Statue of Liberty all lit up. This truly was one of my favorite New York City summer elopements! If you are looking for a unique idea for your elopement in New York City, as well as a smaller intimate venue for under 100 guests, the Hornblower Cruises are definitely worth looking into!