Louisiana couple Bryce and Willie decided to elope in their favorite city in the world: New York City. Their romantic and intimate ceremony took place by the water at Brooklyn Bridge Park, which offered sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge.

What advice would you give to engaged LGBTQ+ couples?

In a world that’s already hectic with day to day life – let your special day be something that can be remembered, actually enjoyed among the two of you – and most importantly SIMPLE. Simply Eloped did just that!

Advice for vendors and venues working with LGBTQ+ couples?

Think outside the box. Traditional wedding ceremonies are cool – but Simply Eloped gave us a unique, memorable setting that went beyond what one thought was possible.

What challenges did you face as an LGBTQ+ couple planning your wedding?

The main challenges faced in planning our wedding day was where we wanted to have our ceremony and who we wanted to invite. Having Simply Eloped gave us the opportunity to choose from a handful of wonderful venues – taking the hassle out of hours of searching. Due to having these venue options it overall helped to simplify the remaining decision making, from attire, to time/date, to the number of guest we wanted at such a place.

Did you encounter any pleasant surprises as an LGBTQ+ couple planning your wedding?

Being a young gay couple that was only a few years out both individually and as a couple, there was still some anxiety and nervousness taking on the Big Apple, as we both grew up in a small town. From the get go and the very initial contact with Simply Eloped, we were greeted and comforted for this wonderful day on the horizon.

When the big day finally arrived, we were welcomed with open arms by the amazing staff of Gianna and Sarah. To our pleasant surprise the big city feel turned to a more personal feel as we were congratulated by everyone from local law enforcement to business owners to people around the area. We were delighted by the outpour of support and love. New York City forever has a special meaning to us.

New York City destination elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Gianna Leo Falcon | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

New York City destination elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Gianna Leo Falcon | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

New York City destination elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Gianna Leo Falcon | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

New York City destination elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Gianna Leo Falcon | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

New York City destination elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Gianna Leo Falcon | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

New York City destination elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Gianna Leo Falcon | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

New York City destination elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Gianna Leo Falcon | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

New York City destination elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Gianna Leo Falcon | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

New York City destination elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Gianna Leo Falcon | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

New York City destination elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Gianna Leo Falcon | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

New York City destination elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Gianna Leo Falcon | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

New York City destination elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Gianna Leo Falcon | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

New York City destination elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Gianna Leo Falcon | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

New York City destination elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park | Gianna Leo Falcon | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

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Photographer: Gianna Leo Falcon

Venue: Brooklyn Bridge Park

Planner: Simply Eloped

Attire: Michael Kors; The Black Tux

Officiant: Weddings by Sarah Ritchie

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