I am so pleased to introduce you all to Jace and Michael — whose NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding I recently photographed. This transgender couple met in 1997 while on a bus to school when Jace was Jennifer. I’ve got all the details of this couple’s creative, DIY wedding in today’s blog post!
How Jace Met Michael
Michael chased Jace for ten years off and on before Jace finally gave in and said ‘yes.’ The proposal took place while sitting at the bar at Tia Pol Restaurant in NYC. Jace convinced Michael that he didn’t have to wait to buy an engagement ring before asking him to be his spouse, and Michael proposed on the spot. Jace said ‘yes,’ announced to the whole restaurant that they just got engaged, and then the couple split a delicious bottle of wine!
The Wedding Details
Every detail of their intimate wedding reflected the couple’s artistic tastes as well as the sincere love the couple has for their family and friends. All the decorations and flowers were designed and created by Jace and Michael. The crayons on the tables encouraged creativity from guests, and the couple cooked all of the food that was served in the post-wedding picnic in Gantry Plaza State Park. And rather than have traditional cake cutting or bouquet toss ceremonies to break up the evening, the entire evening at the Waltz Astoria coffee shop was spent enjoying performances by local musicians, including three songs performed by Michael.
The highlight of the wedding for the couple, however, was the fact that both couple’s children – Liam and Sadie – were there to celebrate with them. Indeed, as a show of the fact that Jace, Michael, Liam, and Sadie have formed a new family, everyone wore Doc Martens.
Vendors
Ceremony venue – Manhattan Marriage Bureau, Manhattan
Post-ceremony portrait and family picnic location – Gantry Plaza State Park
Reception venue – Waltz Astoria (2016 edit: now closed)
Catering – Butcher Bar, Astoria (BBQ!)
Desserts – Chef Alex Schindler, LIC Market, Long Island City
Musicians – Michael McComiskey, Joe Jung, Cedric Lamar, Robinson Treacher, Salt Cracker Crazies
Florist and guest book creator – Jace Palmer
Do you have a NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding coming up on your calendar? Drop me a line, and let’s talk about your photography needs.
If you would like to see more images from my wedding photojournalism portfolio, then please visit my website — KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com
