Rowboat Wedding in Central Park at Wagner Cove

A Whimsical Rowboat Wedding in Central Park

Updated May 27, 2025

I met Nicolia by chance back in 2007, while we were both studying abroad in New Zealand. We were sitting at a picnic table chatting when, somehow, the universe revealed its magic—we had a mutual best friend. Not just a vague connection, but Courtney, one of my closest friends from high school, who happened to be Nicolia’s best friend from college. Small world doesn’t even begin to cover it. We did what any reasonable people would do: became Facebook friends and promptly returned to our respective lives. Fast-forward many years (and no sightings since New Zealand), I get an email from Nicolia. She’d been following my photography over the years and was reaching out to ask if I’d capture her wedding day in New York City.

I had no idea what a ride I was in for.

Nicolia and Andrej—who’s originally from Slovakia—decided on a unique elopement-style wedding in Central Park’s Wagner Cove, and brought friends and family from all over the globe to witness it. But the twist? The ceremony took place in rowboats. Yes, actual rowboats on the lake.

Nicolia wore a stunning seafoam dress. Friends arrived early to reserve a dozen rowboats (they can’t be pre-booked), and the couple recreated one of their earliest NYC dates: paddling across the lake. Half of their guests floated in the water alongside them, while the rest of the “land crew” waved from the shore, cheering them on.

I spent the ceremony photographing from land, then hopped into a boat post-vows to document the celebration from the water. It was playful, emotional, romantic, and completely them.

Afterward, the party moved to Calle Ocho inside the Excelsior Hotel for a sangria-soaked brunch (the kind of celebration where every table is filled with joy), followed by downtime before a sultry after-party at Madam X—where I got to hang up my camera and just enjoy the night as a guest.

This was hands-down one of the most original and heartfelt weddings I’ve had the honor to photograph, and the best part? Nicolia and Andrej actually got quality time with each guest. That’s rare.

Scroll down to see highlights from this unforgettable day—then imagine yourself in a rowboat, floating through Central Park, surrounded by love.