Pre-eloping before your wedding…it’s a thing now!
More and more couples are craving the intimacy of an elopement, the feeling that it's not about the flowers or the destination, but just the two of you and your commitment to each other. But, just because you want to share that special moment with your one and only, doesn't mean that you don't want to celebrate finding the love of your life with all of your other favorite people. So what's a modern couple to do? Pre-elope, of course!
Typically couples just go to the courthouse to pick up their marriage license but wait to sign it (aka make it official) until the big day. This couple had other ideas. They went to the courthouse dressed for the moment and brought Rajotte Photography along to document every last moment. Keep scrolling to see all of the snaps from their chic courthouse wedding in NYC and their post-elopement wedding in the Hamptons.
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a pre-wedding elopement
On October 26, 2023, Ashton and Harry eloped in a classic NYC Town Hall ceremony. During their elopement, we explored Grand Central Terminal, The New York Public Library, and a local bar, Raines Law Room.
the dress
For their outdoor fall wedding, the bride rocked a luxe form-fitting satin gown with bishop sleeves and a dramatic plunging neckline. She accessorized with modern pearl jewelry and pointed-toe pumps with pearl accents.
a chill first look
Ashton and Harry decided to have a simple first look in the Airbnb backyard where Ashton and her girls had stayed. It really felt more organic this way and less curated. It also took the pressure off of the couple so they didn't have to follow a rigid timeline.
a hamptons farm wedding
Two days later, I had the honor of photographing their stunning wedding reception under the twinkling lights at Sagaponack Farm Distillery in the Hamptons. I loved the focus Ashton and Harry had on enjoying their time and having me document their day organically. Sagaponack Farm Distillery is a gorgeous venue in the Hamptons of Long Island. It truly is one of a kind and a stunning place for an outdoor reception.
a touching gift
The couple and their family did a quick toast before heading to the venue, and Ashton's mom had a handkerchief embroidered with the late father's handwriting in a note where he had written, "I couldn't have asked God for a better daughter! Love Always, Dad."
a warm fall color palette
Every single detail was so beautifully curated by Platinum Party Planners. They had a stunning warm color palette for the florals that Ashton and Harry handpicked the morning before the wedding. The stationery was also designed by Ashton! The bridesmaids wore gorgeous warm-toned dresses that perfectly matched the fall aesthetic.
sweet and simple
Small cakes, like this adorable heart-shaped one, are trending at the moment. Couples are putting the emphasis on guest experience and ditching the towering fondant cake for something more pared back and real.
wedding photo trend spotlight
Rajotte Photography also did a great job capturing this wedding in a timeless way while still incorporating the current wedding photography trends. Right now, it's all about blurred motion, flash, and contrast.
- Wedding Photographers: Rajotte Photography
- Venues: Sagaponack Farm Distillery
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Angela Zavala
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Ink & Ivy
- Event Planning & Design: Platinum Party Planners
- Cakes & Catering: Platinum Party Planners
- Dress & Apparel: Watters by Watters
- Dress & Apparel: Indochino
- Lighting, Entertainment & Photo Booth: Faces For Radio
- Rentals: Elite Tent
- Jewelry: Rolex
- Accessories & Lingerie: Jimmy Choo
- Accessories & Lingerie: Dolce Vita