Sapphic Magic at Manhattan City Hall – Fitch & Ashley

While it was a long time ago now, Fitch (they/them) & Ashley’s (she/her) manhattan city hall elopement is still one one of my favorite days i’ve had the privilege to document.
Fitch was my manager at my first ever restaurant job when I was 18, and I remember being immediately enchanted by them. They were confident, beautiful, and so unapologetically themself. Their identity wasn’t a costume they took on and off, it was a way of being, and it was beautiful.
I wouldn’t say I was closeted, but I also definitely wasn’t where I am today. I hadn’t spent much time around any queer people, really, and Fitch and Ashley were the first sapphic couple that I had really gotten to know. They both took me under their wing, sharing parts of the New York City queer world I was completely oblivious to- even with having grown up here. They took me to my first dyke march, encouraged me to go on my first date with a girl, talked me through relationship struggles, and introduced me to their bold and beautiful circle of queer folks.

Being around these two and documenting their relationship, from engagement session to elopement was a massive part of what helped me accept and embrace my own lesbian identity. Experiencing their love for each other helped me realize that I could be authentically myself and be loved: I didn’t have to choose, and I didn’t have to hide.
I’m so beyond honored to know these two, and even more honored that they trusted me with their elopement.

location: Manhattan city hall, tompkins square park

shot on digital + 35mm film