We didn't pick a wedding venue—our photographer Nicki did…thank god! As Montrealers, we've been to New York many times but simply felt lost and overwhelmed when it came time to decide on the best spot for the ceremony. There are so many iconic New York landmarks it was tough to decide. We knew that we wanted to incorporate views of the amazing city that we both loved enough to get married in...something urban that wasn't too formal or conventional…oh, and some water…but other than that, we were stumped!

To top it off, Teddy and I are both kind of camera shy and not really into big public displays of….us-ness…so we were worried that we'd feel silly or exposed in any public place rife with tourists…or citizens of New York…or people in general…which, let's face it, is tough to avoid in the Big Apple!

In the end, we flew into New York the day before the ceremony without a solid spot in mind. If I recall correctly, Nicki texted us that afternoon to say she'd scouted out some of the piers along the Hudson and felt that the Christopher Street Pier incorporated a lot of what we wanted: an urban vibe, water, and those highly sought after views! She also told us that it would be a great point from which to start our photo shoot "walk" through the character-filled West Village and on over to the High Line. She warned us that it seemed a bit busy but she thought we could find a cozy corner near the water somewhere to conduct the ceremony without too much difficulty. We were sold!

After prepping at the hotel, we made our way down to the pier. It had been overcast and threatening to pour all day, but we'd yet to have any rain and we crossed our fingers and prayed to Mother Nature to hold out until after the ceremony. Lo and behold, those grumpy grey clouds were the best thing to happen to our wedding because when we arrived at the site around 4 p.m. it was absolutely deserted! With the exception of a group of teenagers and a lone, very chilled out pot-smoking cloud gazer who was occupying the only skyline facing corner of the entire pier (and who kindly conceded it when approached by our ever efficient, polite and diplomatic officiant), we had the whole pier to ourselves! It was incredible. We felt as though we were in New York City's most exclusive spot, set against the backdrop of one of the most iconic skylines in the world. The breeze was blowing, the water was lapping and the city was just starting to light up—we were on Cloud 9!

In the end, it didn't rain, the cloud cover gave Nicki better lighting for photos, and despite not having much of audience, what audience was there (i.e. the group of teenagers) cheered, whistled and applauded our first kiss in such a heartfelt way that we felt truly touched.

Honestly, even if I'd tried, I couldn't have come up with a more perfect spot to have our ceremony than the Christopher Street Pier. It was everything we could have ever asked for or dreamed of—unique, reflective of our personalities, and incredibly memorable.

My lace crop top and palazzo pants are from Boutique Lustre. Yasmine Wasfy is the amazing designer behind this Montréal boutique; she does both bridal and non-bridal wear—she will either design a bride something entirely new or take an existing piece in her shop and completely tailor it to her body. That is what she did for me—I'm 5'10" so she added nearly 4 inches to my pants to accommodate my heels. They were the longest pants I've ever seen! I had my mind and heart set on a jumpsuit but I found it challenging finding one to fit my long frame; my girlfriend suggested this local boutique and I was so happy she did! Yasmine customized all of the pieces to my body and I felt like a million and one bucks on the big day.

Words by Vanessa, the bride, as told to Amber Marlow. Photos by De Nueva Photography.

intimate new york elopement teddy and vanessa on small balcony overlooking city

intimate new york elopement embrace on pier

intimate new york elopement teddy and vanessa holding hands on pier, skyline in background

intimate new york elopement couple on pier with city skyline in background

intimate new york elopement embrace with couple smiling

intimate new york elopement kiss by pier under tree

intimate new york elopement teddy with his arm around vanessa's waist at pier railing

intimate new york elopement teddy holding vanessa from behind

intimate new york elopement couple leaning against building, smiling at each other

intimate new york elopement couple sitting on steps

intimate new york elopement couple in front of brick wall set with opaque window grid

intimate new york elopement holding hands on tree-lined park path

intimate new york elopement kiss in front of eave-covered brick wall

intimate new york elopement couple walking down garden path holding hands

intimate new york elopement embrace on bridge above traffic

intimate new york elopement teddy, vanessa, officiant, and teddy's son laughing on pier

intimate new york elopement vanessa reading vows

intimate new york elopement teddy reading vows

intimate new york elopement ceremony on pier

intimate new york elopement teddy and vanessa looking over river

VENDORS

Photography | Nicki Fietzer of De Nueva Photography

Makeup | Cari Duprey

Officiant | Hope Mirlis of A More Perfect Union

Teddy and son's suits and accessories | PK Subban Collection at RW & Co. (customized by a local tailor)

Men's white sneakers | Frank & Oak

NICKI FIETZER

De Nueva Photography is a New York City photography studio specializing in elopements and weddings for fun, offbeat and adventurous couples from around the globe. I think getting your wedding photo taken should be an enjoyable, relaxed experience. I aim to capture you being you, hanging out, laughing and maybe sharing a snuggle with your favorite person in the world. When not taking pictures I'm a travel addict, a runner and a yogi who loves to cook in kitchens well stocked with wine.