An Intimate Destination Wedding at Cop Cot: Lewis and Matt’s New York Celebration

In late September, Lewis and Matt celebrated their wedding surrounded by 21 of their closest friends and family, who traveled from the UK to New York City to witness their union. The couple, aged 28 and 29, tied the knot at Cop Cot, located in the southern part of Central Park. When reflecting on their decision to have a destination wedding, they shared, “We would absolutely recommend it to anybody. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will keep you and family and friends remembering your special day for some time.”

The couple met online through a university connection and had been together for six and a half years before getting engaged at Volcano Bay in Orlando, Florida. Their engagement lasted about a year, and as Lewis expressed, their marriage was a significant commitment: “Getting married was important to us as it signified our commitment to one another and recognized the love and life we share.”

Initially, Lewis and Matt considered various wedding venues in the UK, but soon realized that the costs were prohibitive and did not reflect the value they were hoping for. They also sketched out plans for a Florida wedding, yet neither destination felt quite right. During a visit to New York in 2022, they fell in love with the city. Lewis remarked that NYC felt like a welcoming place for a wedding, especially given its vibrant LGBTQIA community and the supportive atmosphere toward same-sex marriage.

As they began planning, the couple explored the idea of getting married in Central Park. Lewis noted, “Central Park is an amazing place with so many iconic locations. It’s such a beautiful, peaceful park, surrounded by a juxtaposed city that never sleeps.” This juxtaposition provided a unique backdrop for their wedding day, allowing the couple and their guests a serene experience amidst the bustle of the city.

Like many couples planning a destination wedding, Lewis and Matt faced the reality that not all loved ones could make the trip. Some friends and family couldn’t manage the long haul, while others had commitments that kept them from attending. Despite this, they relished in the freedom a destination wedding offered, allowing them to bypass traditional constraints. “We got to choose exactly where, when, and what happened on the day without following a standard format of a traditional wedding,” Lewis explained.

Their main concern leading up to the wedding was the possibility of rain, given that Cop Cot provides a shaded area but no protection from inclement weather. Fortunately, the day of the ceremony unfolded without interruptions, and they experienced an incredible celebration.

The couple's group included immediate family members, grandparents, and close friends, which contributed to a heartwarming atmosphere. The wedding remains fondly remembered by attendees even two years later. Lewis mentioned that some family members had never before visited the United States, making the trip even more memorable, particularly for his grandfather, Kevin, who expressed a desire to return to New York.

During their time in New York, Lewis and Matt stayed at the Hampton Inn by Hilton for five nights before continuing their honeymoon in Orlando. On their wedding day, they donned matching suits in a light 'stone' color from Gere Menswear in Lincoln, complemented by white trainers and similar ties. The photography was handled by Jakub Redziniak, who captured exclusive moments of the couple getting ready separately before converging at Cop Cot for the ceremony.

Lewis highlighted Cop Cot as an excellent venue, saying, “It’s a great backdrop for a wedding venue and photo op.” The ceremony felt surreal, with the couple feeling as though it was a dream. They exchanged traditional vows followed by personal vows they had crafted, concluding with the exchange of rings.

Following the ceremony, the couple took group photos before guests enjoyed a stroll around Central Park while the grooms had portrait photos taken at various picturesque spots, including the bandshell and Bethesda Terrace. The group then enjoyed lunch at Joanne Trattoria. Later, a vintage trolley bus picked everyone up for a fun adventure throughout Brooklyn, stopping for scenic pictures around DUMBO and taking a ride on Jane’s Carousel before returning to Manhattan to conclude photo sessions at Times Square. A relaxing break at Sir Henry’s Bar followed before dinner at Raising Cane’s to wrap up the day.

Thinking back on the entirety of the experience, Lewis shared that they would do it all over again in a heartbeat. He expressed gratitude towards their planner, saying, “Claire, we wouldn’t have been able to do this without you. Your knowledge of the city, with all the quirks and intricacies that Google maps and reviews don’t show was so useful and made the day run so smoothly.” This highlights the value of having a knowledgeable planner during the wedding planning process.

Lewis and Matt's story exemplifies the beauty of personalized destination weddings that embrace individuality and inclusion. Their celebration not only marked their love for one another but also showcased New York City as a fantastic backdrop for creating unforgettable memories with loved ones.