A NYC LGBTQ City Hall Wedding

Two grooms kissing after a NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding ceremony

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

Two grooms hugging at Gantry Plaza State Park

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

Groom speaking into microphone and holding guitar

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

People sitting on couch waiting for a NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding to begin Groom at front desk laughing before a NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding Groom painting boy's nails while waiting for a NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding Groom's hand holding two wedding rings before a NYC LGBTQ City Hall weddingTwo grooms waiting for a NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding to begin Little girl showing red flower wrist corsage before a NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding Close up of family wearing matching Doc Martens before a NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding Little girl handing ring to groom during a NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding Officiant speaking during a NYC LGBTQ City Hall weddingGroom saying vows during a NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding Black and white photo of two grooms kissing during a NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding Father hugging groom after a NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding ceremony Two grooms and children outside bronze doors after a NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding Two grooms walking down sidewalk with children after a NYC LGBTQ City Hall wedding Two grooms enjoying a picnic in Gantry Plaza State Park Little boy giving grandmother a hug in Gantry Plaza State Park Black and white photo of two grooms holding hands at Gantry Plaza State Park Two grooms holding hands at Gantry Plaza State Park Black and white photo of hands of two groomsTwo grooms wearing bow ties leaning against Gantry Plaza State Park railingTwo grooms adjusting each other's bow ties at Gantry Plaza State ParkGroom moving table at Astoria wedding receptionClose up of flower centerpiece at Astoria wedding receptionTwo grooms kissing outside before at Astoria wedding receptionClose up of crayons in glass jar with signGroom laughing and listening during Astoria wedding receptionCouple seated at Astoria wedding receptionGuests listening to speeches at Astoria wedding receptionGroom and guests listening to speeches at Astoria wedding receptionMusician playing guitar at Astoria wedding receptionWoman smiling with other guests at Astoria wedding receptionGroom listening with two other guests at Astoria wedding receptionMusician performing on stage at Astoria wedding receptionGrooms and guests listening at Astoria wedding receptionSeated guests cheering at Astoria wedding reception

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