NEW YORK LOVE STORY

Karen Tancin
Mar 31
4 min read

A New York Elopement:

Aaron & Ricky at Jane’s Carousel

Planned & Designed by Classique Event

There are weddings, and then there are moments that feel like they belong in a film. Aaron and Ricky’s New York elopement was exactly that—cinematic, emotional, and undeniably iconic. Travelling from Australia, the couple entrusted us with a vision that was deeply personal: to marry in the very place their love story had been cemented, surrounded by the unmistakable magic of New York City.

From a planner’s perspective, this was more than a destination wedding. It was about translating memory into experience—designing a moment that would live with them forever.

The Vision

From our very first conversation, Aaron and Ricky were clear in their intention. This was not about scale—it was about significance. New York wasn’t just a destination; it was part of their story.

They wanted intimacy, emotion, and a setting that felt powerful yet personal.

The brief was simple yet profound: capture the essence of their relationship in one unforgettable moment beneath the skyline they loved, the Brooklyn Bridge had to be the prominent backdrop.

We leaned into this vision by allowing the city to lead. The architecture, the lights, the energy—New York became both backdrop and atmosphere.

A Dream Location

Set beneath the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in the heart of DUMBO, Jane's Carousel offered a setting unlike any other.

Encased in glass, the carousel pavilion delivered an extraordinary contrast—historic charm wrapped in a modern, architectural shell. As night fell, the city illuminated around them, reflecting softly through the glass and creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and expansive.

It was the perfect balance: a private moment, set within one of the most recognisable landscapes in the world.

A Carefully Curated Team

Every element of this wedding was intentionally selected to reflect the couple’s style and elevate the experience.

For Aaron and Ricky, photography and film were not just documentation—they were their legacy. Each frame needed to feel editorial, emotive, and timeless. The result was a collection of imagery that speaks not only to their love, but to the energy of New York itself.

The Morning: Anticipation Builds

The day began quietly, with a sense of calm anticipation. Every detail was considered—tailored suits pressed to perfection, rings polished, and final touches refined.

There is something powerful about elopements. Without distraction, every moment becomes heightened. Every glance, every pause, every breath carries meaning. They were excited, nervous and full of emotion.

A Moment on the Bridge

Before the ceremony, the couple made their way to the Brooklyn Bridge—a place that held deep personal significance.

Walking hand in hand across one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, the city moved around them, yet the moment felt entirely their own. It was here that the scale of their decision—to travel across the world and marry in this city—truly settled in.

The Ceremony: A Cinematic Experience

As evening set in, Jane's Carousel transformed into something extraordinary.

Candlelight flickered against the glass walls, casting a warm, romantic glow that contrasted beautifully with the cool sparkle of the Manhattan skyline beyond. Elegant candelabras lined the space, creating depth, intimacy, and a sense of quiet luxury.

Aaron and Ricky entered from opposite sides, circling the carousel slowly, catching glimpses of one another—building anticipation with every step. It was a moment of theatre, of emotion, of storytelling.

Led by Alex Perez, the ceremony was deeply moving. His words carried warmth and sincerity, resonating not only with the couple but with those who had quietly gathered outside, drawn in by the magic unfolding within.

In a heartfelt tribute, Aaron and Ricky honoured Aaron’s late Nana—acknowledging her presence in spirit. A sand ceremony followed, symbolising the blending of their lives into one.

As they were pronounced husband and husband, applause erupted from outside the pavilion. Strangers—now witnesses—celebrated alongside them, adding an unexpected and unforgettable layer to the experience.

A Celebration Above the City

Following the ceremony, the couple transitioned into a private celebration overlooking the city skyline.

High above the streets of New York, they shared an intimate dinner—just the two of them—reflecting on their journey, their commitment, and the magnitude of the day they had created.

It was quiet, elevated, and deeply personal. A moment to pause within the energy of the city.

Planner’s Reflection

As a wedding planner, some moments stay with you forever—and this was one of them.

Aaron and Ricky’s elopement was not defined by scale, but by intention. Every decision was meaningful. Every detail was purposeful. And every moment felt authentic to who they are.

New York delivered what it always does—energy, romance, and a sense of possibility. But it was the couple who transformed it into something truly unforgettable.

This was not just a wedding. It was a story—lived, felt, and forever etched beneath the lights of the Big Apple.