Cort & Andrew

January 30th was a cold, clear winter day in Brooklyn, draped by blue skies and sunshine. After a routine breakfast of eggs and espresso, we got dressed and caught a Manhattan-bound 2 train to Brooklyn Borough Hall, where we met up with our friendly photographer and honorary witness, Briana. The three of us headed into the Brooklyn Municipal Building, checked in, took ticket C610 from the terse security guard, and patiently awaited our turn.

Following a fidgety and nervous few minutes spent discussing the latest season of Severance, our number was called by the clerk, and an officiant ushered us into the building's chapel for our ceremony. From the moment we stepped inside to gathering our things and exiting, we spent five minutes total in the chapel, with our actual wedding taking no more than ~50 seconds (a New York minute). It was a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, laughter, and love, completed by our sole guest, Briana, exclaiming, "You're married!".

Henceforth, husbands.

In Greek Orthodox weddings, Stefana (or wedding crowns) are two crowns joined by a ribbon, symbolizing the unity of the bride and groom groom and groom. The Koumbaro (best man, maid of honor, or in our case, photographer) exchanges the Stefana three times over the couple's heads during the ceremony, in a symbolic blessing.

We crossed the East River on a ferry to Manhattan for lunch at a restaurant named Manhatta, savoring memorable dishes and stunning views from its spot on the 60th floor of a FiDi skyscraper. Afterward, we hopped on the subway back home and enjoyed a pistachio cake from our favorite cafe (Ciao, Gloria) plus sparkling Greek orange wine alongside our celebratory cat, Hobbes.

We had a delightful day that was everything we hoped: our quintessential New York City wedding.

We’ve kept busy with work conferences and a trip to Southeast Asia for Andrew’s 30th birthday in the months since our wedding, and we're already planning more adventures for our future.Finally, our cozy (read: small) Brooklyn apartment is already packed with knick-knacks, travel momentos, cat toys, and too many books. For this reason, we cannot share an online registry in good faith.We are deeply grateful to have each of you in our lives and hope to see you soon.

– Cort & Andrew

cortharlow@gmail.com
andrewcostaris@gmail.com