A Central Park Elopement for Sara & Siggy in New York

Sara & Siggy are quintessential New Yorkers with tons in common. The question is, how did they NOT meet while attending the same university? Fate intervened, and the two of them connected through a meet-cute involving work and music. After a wonderful party proposal, the couple knew they wanted to elope in their favorite place in New York City – Central Park. They were excited to find that Wagner Cove, a peaceful and serene spot in the middle of the Park, had a chuppah-like wooden arch for their ceremony. Sara & Siggy tied the knot while family and friends stood by them, and fellow New Yorkers waved from their boats on the water. A truly picturesque Simply Eloped wedding!

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another? 

Sara & Siggy: We first met in San Francisco in May 2016. Sara studied opera and music in college at Rice University, where Siggy also studied Computer Science. We graduated just a year apart but never met on campus. However, when Sara worked a day job in San Francisco as a recruiter, she wanted to network with fellow Rice alumni – partially for work, but mainly because she was curious about what non-musicians were up to in the Bay Area. She messaged Siggy on LinkedIn (and admitted to herself privately that she thought he was cute!) inquiring about recruiting at LinkedIn (where he coincidentally worked!). She also included some information about her musical compositions. Siggy excitedly responded, eager to connect with a fellow musician. He had been working as an engineer while playing music in a band called “Rad Dad.” Siggy sent a demo to Sara, and she enjoyed it instantly. Fast forward nine days later, we were actively chatting on Facebook and met to see a “sound bath” concert (electronic music playing in the dark while people sit silently and relax/listen; an interesting first date!). From the moment Sara saw Siggy, she suspected the meeting wouldn’t remain platonic (so did Siggy)… and we were inseparable. The date progressed from an eccentric concert to dinner to karaoke in downtown San Francisco where Sara sang “Besame mucho.” The rest is history! 

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Sara & Siggy: Siggy is notoriously bad at keeping secrets – so the proposal wasn’t exactly a surprise! (not a bad thing, though!) Siggy had heard from a co-worker about a unique jewelry boutique in Oakland, where Sara & Siggy lived before moving to NYC. We visited the boutique together in the summer of 2019, where Sara quickly found her current engagement ring. However, Siggy didn’t have an exact plan at that point. The proposal ended up happening at Sara’s big birthday bash in October 2019 in downtown Oakland at a cool art space. Siggy was so nervous and told Sara a week in advance that the birthday was the perfect time to propose surrounded by friends. However, Sara didn’t know when Siggy would ask and was still surprised and loved the moment. We danced to some Spanish ballads afterward and enjoyed time with our loved ones!

Where did you choose to elope, and why did you choose that destination?

Sara & Siggy: We chose to elope in Wagner Cove in Central Park. We are both Jewish and love how the structure resembles a chuppah! It seemed totally destined. We also both love animals and nature and appreciated how this spot felt a bit rugged and off the beaten path. 

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What were your favorite parts about eloping there?

Sara & Siggy: We love that it was accessible and in our favorite park in NYC, Central Park. However, it still felt a bit like a hidden gem at the same time. We also loved the pond where ducks (and even turtles!) swam by. It was particularly fun when, during our vows, people waved at us while paddling in canoes! So sweet, and so undeniably New York. 🙂 

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there?

Sara & Siggy: Quiet, picturesque, romantic, undeniably New York, a hidden gem of a location in Central Park. 

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement? 

Sara & Siggy: Sara stayed in a hotel with her sister near Central Park the night before the wedding. Siggy remained at our apartment. We wanted the day to feel extra special by spending some time apart. Sara got ready with the awesome hair and makeup team provided by Simply Eloped. Her Mom came over mid-day and she and her sister enjoyed getting dressed, finishing their makeup and simply enjoying time together before the ceremony. Then we walked over separately, and our photographer, Marta, beautifully captured our First Look! 

How was your experience with Simply Eloped?

Sara & Siggy: It was so easy and stress-free! We decided to elope because our big wedding had been so delayed with COVID, and it was the best choice we could have made. Simply Eloped truly takes care of all of the details, including the permit required to have a ceremony in a public space like Central Park. Their added-on services were fantastic, including the hair and makeup vendors, florist, and officiant. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience! 

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement?

Sara & Siggy: We kept things simple and enjoyed an intimate dinner at an Italian restaurant, Il Piccolo Ristoro, in Chelsea. We shared stories, enjoyed great food and wine, and celebrated the day! 

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Sara: I would say to just go for it! For us, elopement felt incredibly intimate and special. Simply Eloped took care of all the details, including photography, which is so important. It’s also a great way to customize your ceremony and reception without worrying about accommodating lots of guests. This enables you as a couple to truly focus on your relationship, unique style, and preferences. You won’t regret it, we promise!

Officiation by: Sarah Ritchie
Photography by: Marta Zapardiel
Hair & Makeup by: Emily Van Scoy
Flowers by: Flowers by Richard
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Central Park, Wagner Cove, New York City, New York

Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Martha Stewart, Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.