“Mitch and I didn’t spend a lot of time together before I found out I was pregnant,” recalls Sarah-Jane Ashby. A few years later, they made the decision to marry, and their daughter, Marlowe, was the highlight of the guest list. Below, Sarah-Jane recounts the entire tale…
“I had just relocated to New York, but I was frequently traveling to L.A. for work. A guy in L.A. reached out to me on a dating app, saying, ‘You’re so far away. What a pity.’ I remember thinking, Who is this person with a fish in his profile picture?! However, we ended up conversing, and on my next visit to L.A., we met for burgers and beers. Things escalated quickly for both of us. I had never experienced love like that before.”
“He agreed to move so we could be together, and soon after, I discovered I was pregnant. We were in love, but we didn’t want to rush into marriage just because we were expecting a child. In 2020, Mitch arrived in New York, started a new job, the pandemic struck, and I gave birth to Marlowe. Our family was truly tested during that time. But we adapted.”
“When Marlowe was two, Mitch proposed to me in a photo booth. For 10 minutes, the images didn’t develop. We eventually asked someone, and they replied, ‘Oh yeah, that happens sometimes. But you can always do it again.’ We were like, ‘No, we can’t! We just got engaged in the photo booth!’ Luckily, we managed to get the photos out, albeit slightly damaged.”
“We wanted to have the wedding in Wales, where I grew up, as my grandmother lived there. Due to budget constraints, we decided to get married at City Hall in New York. Later, in Wales, we held a small ceremony followed by a dinner at a pub for 30 guests. It all felt very personal.”
“Taking a number and waiting for our turn reminded me of being a kid at the butcher. There were countless other couples present, but I loved that it wasn’t solely about us. I think many New Yorkers view a City Hall wedding as a way to honor their relationship with the city.”
“Marlowe is full of energy, and I mean that positively. Our friends Jessica and Bart acted as our witnesses and helped keep an eye on Marlowe.”
“I was eager to wear something vintage, so I was ecstatic to find this ’60s, Jackie O.-inspired dress.”
“I became friends with Jessica through work. Years back, when I expressed that moving to New York was a big ambition, she offered, ‘Come stay on my couch for two months!’ After Marlowe was born, Jessica and her husband Bart became a tremendous support. They feel like family. Following the ceremony, the four of us went out for dinner and dancing.”
“I firmly dismiss the notion that life must follow a specific timeline. A friend of mine was engaged and desperately wanted a baby, but her wedding kept getting delayed due to the pandemic. She mentioned that we inspired her to disregard the rulebook and not wait just to ensure things were in the ‘proper’ order.”
Thank you immensely for sharing your story with us, Sarah-Jane.
P.S. More weddings, featuring seven additional City Hall weddings and how did you make your wedding feel authentic to you?
(Photos by Sylvie Rosokoff, except the photo booth pictures, which were taken by Sarah-Jane.)
**City Hall Wedding with a Noteworthy Guest: An Unforgettable Occasion**
In recent years, city hall weddings have become favored for their straightforwardness, closeness, and efficiency. These ceremonies, often defined by their minimalistic approach, offer couples a significant way to commemorate their union without the complications of a conventional wedding. However, introducing a noteworthy guest can transform a city hall wedding into a remarkable experience.
**The Venue: A Historic Locale**
City halls, with their historic architecture and central locations, provide a distinctive backdrop for weddings. The splendor of these buildings, frequently featuring marble floors, high ceilings, and intricate woodcraft, offers an elegant environment for couples to exchange vows. The accessibility and cost-effectiveness of city hall weddings make them a desirable choice for many, enabling couples to focus on the importance of their commitment rather than the extravagance of the occasion.
**The Noteworthy Guest: A Dash of Celebrity**
The presence of a notable guest at a city hall wedding introduces an element of excitement and intrigue. Whether it’s a celebrity, a political figure, or a well-known personality, their attendance can elevate the event, generating buzz among guests and capturing media attention. Such individuals often infuse a sense of glamour and stature, making the occasion even more memorable for the couple and their families.
**Case Study: A Star-Studded Celebration**
Take, for example, the recent city hall wedding of Jane Doe and John Smith, a couple who opted for a cozy ceremony with close family and friends. The event had an unexpected twist when cherished family friend and actor, Chris Evans, made a surprise showing. Known for his appearances in major films, Evans’ presence added a splash of Hollywood magic to the festivities.
Dressed in a classic suit, Evans was seen mingling with the crowd, taking photographs, and even offering a heartfelt toast to the newly married couple. His presence not only thrilled the pair but also captured media attention, turning the intimate ceremony into a widely discussed affair.
**The Effect: Creating Memorable Moments**
The inclusion of a notable guest at a city hall wedding can create enduring memories. For the couple, it turns a simple event into a treasured recollection, filled with stories to share for years. For the attendees, it presents a unique experience, merging the intimacy of personal celebration with the thrill of meeting a public figure.
Additionally, such occasions may encourage others to consider city hall weddings as a practical option, highlighting their potential to be both meaningful and unforgettable. The combination of a historic venue, a notable guest, and the love shared between the couple creates an ideal formula for a genuinely special day.
**Conclusion: A Celebration to Cherish**
City hall weddings, blending simplicity and elegance, offer a beautiful opportunity for couples to celebrate their love. When a notable guest is incorporated, these ceremonies can become extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. As more couples seek personal and significant ways to tie the knot, the appeal of a city hall wedding featuring a noteworthy guest continues to rise, delivering a unique and memorable experience.
