Jennifer + Calvin Elope in Cooperstown

They decided on January 13 -- a Wednesday. They would elope in the middle of the week. It wasn’t necessarily a date with sentimental attachments...other than, of course it would now serve as the anniversary of their wedding. This was the day all the schedules aligned and made the most sense. 

But then, we learned that January 13 was the first new moon of the new year. A new moon occurs when the moon is on the same side of earth as the sun and often can’t be seen. In many cultures and religions, the new moon carries a lot of significance, namely a time for new beginnings. How appropriate.

There are so many aspects I love for Jen and Calvin’s elopement date -- the fact that it represents a time of change, a starting point...the fact that it can’t be seen. I’m about to get super cheesy, so bear with me. A new moon, often difficult to physically see, is still there. We know it will rise again...many folks set calendars to it. It is reliable, constant, predictable...you see where I’m going here? Ok, I won’t go on then. Just understand why I love that Jen and Calvin picked this date, January 13, 2021, to exchange their vows, and that I had the honor to be part of that day. 

I met the couple that morning at the Landmark Inn in Cooperstown, which offers a number of elopement packages. After getting ready (beautiful work, Painted Lady Studios), they exchanged letters prior to heading to the main portion of the inn for their ceremony. There, we met officiant Patricia Brunnelle, who did a really lovely job leading their vows, interweaving stories from the couple’s history together. After the ceremony, we headed out to the snow for some portraits and finished the morning with a champagne toast! 

Congratulations to Jen and Calvin! I wish you all good things for your future together and your upcoming move!