This feels like a special talent I didn’t go to university for.

I call it my Celebrity Radar.

I’ve got two lists: The first is celebrities I’ve seen as I’m out in the wild going about my every day activities. The second list, is celebrities I’ve seen in shows.

And if you know me, you know I have a pretty big rule: I don’t talk to them unless they talk to me. I think it’s an unspoken rule for local New Yorkers not to talk to celebrities. But for sure it’s my rule.

If you are visiting NYC (or eloping here!), you can guarantee we’ll be eating doughnuts at some point.

As far as we’re concerned…

• Saturdays are not for brunch… they are for donuts.

• Traveling… is simply a tool for discovering where the best donuts on the planet are hiding.

• Holes are only meant for donuts (lol, I can’t keep a straight face while typing this one, if you aren’t reading this with dry humor, I’m sorrrry).

When we moved to NYC, we had sold almost everything we’d previously owned and started from scratch when it came to decor. We weren’t purchasing very much because, well, we live in 485 sq. Ft. But it was exciting to get to create a vision for our space.

do you know what the common denominator was when they decided they wanted to elope?

They all simply wanted… intimacy (I know what you’re thinking— how do you elope in New York City and have intimacy when there’s a million strangers walking by? Y’all, this is one of the most romantic cities in the world, it’s easy to tune out the rest of the world where your beloved is standing in front of you declaring their love for you).

Their engagement story began with a surprise proposal on The Today Show earlier in February 2023. After their proposal the producers loved them SO much, they invited them BACK to The Today Show for a LIVE ceremony officiated by Hoda, with Al Roker walking Mindy down the aisle. Let me tell you, their love really captured the hearts of America— they are just so genuinely in love with one another.

One of the biggest wedding trends we saw in 2023 that I think will be a super big wedding trend moving into 2024 is the “Get married now, party later” concept. SO MANY of my couples were eloping in New York City for the city vibes and iconic backdrop, but most of them were planning on having a big wedding party to celebrate their union later in the year. Couples are really breaking tradition. They want there to be a sacredness to their wedding ceremony and they want their ceremonies to really scream “intimate”. And I don’t blame them. Sometimes it's really nice to just enjoy celebrating with others at a more casual party later instead of putting on a huge production of a wedding day.

Step into the enchanting world of holiday magic with a full professional Holiday Photoshoot in New York City!

You’ll love Stacie’s unique Christmas Crawl experience through the heart of NYC! Embark on a whimsical journey starting at the iconic Plaza Hotel, strolling past dazzling Holiday decorations and trees, including the renowned Rockefeller, capturing the city's yuletide spirit at every charming turn.

Stacie knows all the good spots for photos and will lead you all the way down to Bryant Park. That’s right! You’ll walk 17 blocks at comfortable pace and you’ll get to have all the classic NYC Holiday decorations in the backdrop of your photos!

Conclude the adventure with a cup of hot chocolate or indulge in delightful holiday shopping at Bryant Park (hot chocolate not included in experience, but Stacie can show you where the good stuff is in Bryant Park!)

In just 75 minutes, create lasting memories beautifully encapsulated in 25 expertly edited photos. Book your slot for this magical NYC holiday experience and let us transform your festive moments into timeless treasures!

As we look forward to 2024, Luis and Angela's elopement beautifully exemplifies the magic that can happen in the most unexpected places. It's a reminder that love, in all its forms, should be celebrated and cherished. Love can bloom across borders, through screens, and in the crowded streets of New York City.

We took both posed and candid shots, and some of my favorite shots are of Wawo continually kissing Gisela’s shoulder. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. It was really special to observe and photograph.

Have you planned a quick weekend in New York City? Grab Stacie’s local Tour Guide for experiences off the typical touristy path.

Upper West Side Photographer, Stacie Stine, photographs her friends in Central Park on a Snow Day!

Upper West Side portrait Photographer, Stacie Stine, challenges herself to photograph the city with a wide angle lens, while also editing much moodier than her usual editing style.

One of my all time favorite snug corners is Remi Flower and Coffee on the East Side. It’s about a fifteen minute walk from Grand Central and it’s literally a breath of fresh air. To walk into a fresh flower and fresh coffee smell is divine. To be surrounded by so many festive plants and natural light is just the funnest. And because of Covid, they added the cutest Greenhouses outside their shop, and those make everything a million times more cozy and cute.

If you ever visit New York City in the spring or summer, I would add this to my list of places to visit or eat lunch at in a heart beat. Pack a lunch or grab some to go and enjoy the quiet and beauty of this Central Park garden. So many people go to Bethesda Fountain when they visit Central Park (and I totally get it, it’s pretty and iconic), but The Conservatory Garden is a breath of fresh air.

The second you walk in, you’re hit with that fresh flower spell of a smell. This is SUCH a beautiful green space. It’s not a large coffee shop, but if you’re looking for a space that’s brightening and beautiful (with well-made coffee and REALLY fun and experimental floral syrups), then this place is it

At Donut Plant, in New York City, we highly recommend the coconut cream, Manhattan Cream, and the Creme Brûlée. Or whatever they have that’s seasonal. I think we will have to go back to try a Fall flavor before they transition to winter flavors.

The northern part of Central Park— that’s the part I really have fallen in love with. There are nature trails, bridges, waterfalls, tunnels, Hills, and quiet benches.

Any part that feels least explored or adored is typically my favorite part of anything. That’s the north part.

When we heard JK Rowling had written a play about a grown up Harry Potter I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it. I think mainly because when Harry and I last parted, I was incredibly sad it was all over, I wasn’t sure I wanted to see where he ended up. And for the first time since Harry Potter was written, I wouldn’t be his age— I wouldn’t be relating to him the same way I was used to.