Neil & Tom | New York City | Same Sex Wedding Photography
After twenty-three years, they were finally wed.
For most of the day, a light and excited happiness permeated everyone’s spirits. I was immediately welcomed by Neil and Tom as we headed to Central Park, and I was warmly introduced to some of their closest friends. The wedding would be a small, intimate gathering and a lunch reception, so it felt very casual. Only occasionally would I glimpse the extraordinary significance of the day.
They tell their story delicately, with humility and gratitude, but when they first fell in love (in 1990s Ohio), their relationship was certainly unwelcomed by many. They both did their best to hide the relationship, but at one point, when Tom’s employers found out he owned a home with another man, they immediately fired him. Having started there, they could not have imagined that a day would come when they would be able to marry– legally, with the blessing of a priest, and with twenty of their best friends in tow.
And yet, here we all were, witnessing the incredible power of love. The weight of the day buckled on Tom as soon as they reached their vows. He was doubled over, emotions sweeping through. Silently, invisibly, I was also doubling over on the inside.
Being a part of Neil and Tom’s beautiful wedding day was truly humbling and an experience I’ll long remember. Thank you both so much for sharing your special day with me.
Central Park is gorgeous in the spring.
I’m in love with the bow ties and all the perfectly mixed patterns and colors!
Love and support.
Matching rainbow socks and a special something sewn into Tom’s jacket lining.
Liza of Peartree Flowers generously created the grooms’ boutonnieres as part of our Same Sex Wedding Giveaway, and she created these beautiful centerpieces too.
In the ceremony room, a large canvas print of Tom and Neil from the very start of their relationship.
Waves of emotions during the ceremony.
Tears quickly turned to laughter as the priest asked, “Are you alright?,” to which Tom responded, “No!” with a laugh. “But continue!”
The grooms gave some wonderful toasts, thanking their friends for joining them and also telling the story of how they met.
One of their wedding gifts: Swarovski champagne flutes for this wine-loving pair. Their friends also teamed up to get them an incredible bottle of champagne from the oldest champagne house in France, which they will soon be visiting.
Nikki of Akula Kreative was another partner of our wedding giveaway, and she hand crafted this amazing paper succulent as part of a “thank you” banner for the couple.
The Wedding Hanger Shop also created these custom-engraved hangers for the grooms.
And of course, they make it Facebook official.
Thank you, Neil and Tom. What an incredibly beautiful and meaningful day. And thank you to my friend Maki and her parents, who encouraged them to apply for our giveaway. When Neil brought it up, Tom said there was no way I would pick two old bald men to win the prize. Little did he know, they were exactly the couple I was looking for.
Congratulations to you both!
Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Anna Wu Photography
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Quin Hotel, New York City
Florist: Liza, Peartree Flowers
Custom Paper Succulent Banner: Nikki, Akula Kreative
Wedding Hangers: The Wedding Hanger Shop
Anna Wu is a wedding and portrait photographer based in San Francisco but often traveling to New York City and all over the world. She combines a “fine art” aesthetic with a photojournalistic approach in order to capture the moments and emotions of a wedding day. View more of her work at annawu.com.
