After having to reschedule their wedding multiple times due to COVID, Joanna and Frank decided to elope instead of throwing their 300-person event. While disappointed that their initial wedding plans had to change, they told us that it actually allowed for them to focus on the real reason they were getting married in the first place. “Our love for one another,” says Joanna.
So, they eloped in the same place where they fell in love, New York City! They also used their favorite neighborhood, Brooklyn as inspiration for their urban elopement, saying it was important for their special day to have “an authentic city feel.” Wedding planner, Ashley Sodipo helped bring their vision to life and also teamed up with the talented florist, FloraModa to create an oh-so gorgeous and whimsical floral backdrop for the newlyweds to pose in front of for photos.
Along with the must-see arrangement, Joanna and Frank’s elopement also included some killer fashion statements. Joanna donned two bridal jackets (one featuring ultra-fem illusion lace and other included stylish leather), where Frank looked dapper in a gray suit and colorful necktie.
To really lean into their Brooklyn-inspired theme, following their nuptials, Joanna and Frank enjoyed some New York-style pizza from their favorite spot. “It was only fitting,” they say. See more of their special day below!
The location: “With myself originally from Brooklyn, and Manhattan is where Frankie and I met and currently reside, the Brooklyn bridge symbolized the connection between us,” says Joanna. Adding “It was a perfect location to showcase our love.”
Remember the reason for the occasion; your love for one another! As a couple who had to postpone and eventually cancel their 300 person wedding due to covid, eloping was quite the departure from our original plans. However, we decided the embrace the changes and focus on the reason for our marriage in the first place, our love for one another, and celebrating that through our intimate elopement.
Eloping was a very special moment due to its intimate nature. After exchanging vows it seemed only fitting to celebrate in true New Yorker style with some slices from Joe's Pizza!
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Joanna’s second bridal jacket also had the hand-painted words “Big City Lover” accompanied with an assortment of vibrant flowers along the sleeves.
Congrats to the happy couple! Check out our real weddings page #onGWS for more city elopement inspiration.
photography: Kateigh and Ben Photography // venue name: Brooklyn, New York, USA // event design: Ashley Sodipo Events // planning: Ashley Sodipo Events // florals: Flora Moda // wedding dress: Kelsey Rose 'Rowan' // hairpiece: The Lucky Sixpence // bride's ring: David S. Diamonds // hair stylist: Dominique Rochelle Beauty // makeup artist: Dominique Rochelle Beauty // groom attire: Ralph Lauren and Bonobos // groom's ring: Blue Nile Diamond // cake: Sarah Victoria Cake Design // custom leather jacket: Lovey Dovey Designs
Thank you so much GWS for the feature… was an honor to work with this crew to make Joanna and Frankie’s day flower-full and festive!