Elaine Welteroth’s Brooklyn Stoop Wedding: A Joyful Celebration of Love and Community
Amid quarantine, Elaine Welteroth and Jonathan Singletary reimagined their big day—bringing their Brooklyn neighborhood together and proving that love can never be cancelled.
Elaine Welteroth’s Brooklyn Stoop Wedding: A Celebration Beyond Convention
In May 2020, amid the uncertainty and restrictions of the global pandemic, Elaine Welteroth—the New York Times best-selling author, Project Runway judge, and former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue—and her partner, Jonathan Singletary, reimagined what a wedding could be. Instead of the planned grand event, they exchanged vows on the stoop of their Brooklyn brownstone, transforming adversity into an unforgettable, love-filled celebration that brought joy not just to their friends and family, but to their entire neighborhood.
How It All Began: Adapting Dreams in Uncertain Times
The couple originally planned a more traditional wedding, set for May 10, 2020. But as the pandemic struck New York City, Elaine and Jonathan faced the difficult reality that their long-awaited celebration would have to change dramatically. Rather than postponing indefinitely, the pair decided to turn their home’s front steps into a stage for a unique, socially distanced stoop wedding—one that would unite their loved ones both virtually and in person, despite physical separation.
- The date mattered: Elaine insisted on keeping the original wedding date, valuing the culmination of their journey together over the details of the party itself.
- Creativity from constraints: Instead of mourning lost plans, they viewed their own stoop as a haven and a beacon for their love story—and a fitting venue for a new plan.
- The mantra: “Do the best you can with what you have.”
The Brooklyn Stoop: A Scene Set for Magic
The backdrop for their vows was their cherished Brooklyn brownstone, adorned with a lush floral archway designed by Lewis Miller Design. The whimsical, garden-inspired installation formed the heart of the ceremony and later became the centerpiece for the post-ceremony block celebration.
- Floral design reflected spontaneous beauty, echoing Miller’s famed “Flower Flash” pop-ups throughout New York City.
- Balloons, bubbles, and other joyful touches adorned the street.
- The street itself transformed into a celebration space, bringing together both invited and serendipitous guests.
Reinventing Tradition: The Ceremony Unfolds
Instead of the expected rows of chairs and distant altar, family, friends, and neighbors were joined via video calls and through physically distanced positions along the sidewalk. The officiant—Elaine and Jonathan’s long-time pastor from California—presided over the ceremony from afar, his presence beamed in over Zoom for all to witness.
- 200 guests tuned in virtually, sporting an all-white dress code from the waist up for unity and festivity.
- In-person guests, including notable friends like Karlie Kloss, maintained safe distances between designated ground markers.
- Neighbors participated from their own stoops, embodying the New York sense of community.
The Soul Train Aisle: Dancing Down a New Path
In a heartwarming twist, guests formed a “Soul Train” aisle on the sidewalk, dancing and cheering as Elaine made her entrance. Each step was shared—virtually and physically—with loved ones carrying her through to Jonathan at the top of the stoop.
- Guests held up phones and tablets, serving as “FaceTime buddies” so distant friends and family could participate in real time.
- The practical challenges—good WiFi, good weather, and good spirits—were priorities for the day’s success.
Personal Details: Fashion, Food, and Lasting Meaning
Every element reflected Elaine and Jonathan’s personalities and backstory, from the pair’s attire to the day’s sweet treats.
- Elaine’s look: She wore a simple, sleeveless white dress that had been in her closet for years, paired with her mother’s wedding veil as “something borrowed.” Custom shoes were designed by Aurora James, a close friend and creative force behind Brother Vellies.
- Jonathan’s attire: He donned a vintage white blazer borrowed from a friend, white linen trousers, and white sneakers, giving the event a cool, unfussy vibe.
- Accessories for all: On-site guests received welcome bags with gloves, masks, white parasols, seeds to plant flowers, and homemade brownies from Elaine’s mom’s family recipe.
Soundtrack and Block Party Vibes
The post-ceremony celebration was energized by Adeline Bolden, a Brooklyn-based singer and musician who DJ’ed the socially distanced block party. Guests enjoyed everything from Stevie Wonder classics to modern cookout hits, dancing in their marked spots on the street and sidewalk, united by music and joy.
Turning Quarantine Into Communal Joy: The Virtual Block Party
The event doubled as a block party, spreading joy and music through the neighborhood and into the digital ether. The couple’s ability to remain present and grateful while honoring old traditions in new ways inspired all who attended—whether on screen or down the block.
- Inclusivity mattered: The widespread use of technology and creative arrangements set an example for how joy can endure through challenging times.
- “Love is not cancelled” became the day’s heartening mantra, celebrated by all present.
- Necessity bred innovation: The wedding showcased that constraints can fuel originality and bring people together against all odds.
Reflections and Resonance: The Power of Community and Adaptation
In the weeks following the ceremony, as New York and the nation faced ongoing challenges, Elaine and Jonathan’s wedding gained new resonance as a symbol of resilience and hope. Their joyful union, set against the backdrop of struggle, underscored that connection, creativity, and love are forces greater than circumstance.
- Elaine expressed that the rituals, even in their stripped-down forms, took on new depths of meaning with every adaptation.
- The couple’s openness to change became a powerful lesson for others forced to shift plans in the face of uncertainty.
| Traditional Elements | Elaine & Jonathan’s Version |
|---|---|
| Church or venue ceremony | Brooklyn stoop adorned with local flowers |
| Large in-person guest list | Virtual attendance via Zoom; neighbors on stoops |
| Formal attire for all | All-white dress code for virtual guests (waist up); relaxed, meaningful outfits for couple |
| Receptions indoors | Block party on the street, music and dance outdoors |
| Officiant present | Pastor officiated over Zoom |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How did Elaine and Jonathan decide on their wedding date?
A: The date, May 10, 2020, was deeply meaningful to the couple, who chose to keep it and adapt their plans rather than postpone. They felt that holding onto their original timeline honored the journey they’d taken to get there.
Q: What made their stoop wedding unique?
A: Their wedding was shaped by necessity—held on their front stoop, with a Zoom ceremony, socially distanced guests, and a spontaneous block celebration. It was marked by innovative touches: a Soul Train wedding aisle, an all-white theme, and personalized welcome bags.
Q: How did they ensure guest safety?
A: The wedding strictly enforced social distancing, provided gloves and masks to in-person attendees, and limited in-person participation to neighbors and a few local friends. Most guests watched online.
Q: How was technology incorporated?
A: Technology was central: guests joined from around the country via Zoom, saw a photo montage “waiting room,” and the officiant conducted the ceremony virtually. Many guests participated via FaceTime and video calls, fostering togetherness in separation.
Q: What lessons did this wedding offer?
A: Above all, it showed that love can thrive despite obstacles, and that flexibility, community, and creativity can replace traditional expectations while fostering intimacy and joy.
Final Thoughts: A Template for New Traditions
Elaine Welteroth and Jonathan Singletary’s Brooklyn stoop wedding radiated hope, resilience, and resourcefulness. Their celebration has become a touchstone for couples everywhere who face the unknown, proving that when plans fall away, the heart of the occasion—the promise, the community, and the love—remains. In uncertain times, they built new traditions: love, after all, cannot be cancelled.
References
- https://www.hedsanddeks.com/blog/elaine-welteroth-brooklyn-wedding
- https://greenweddingshoes.com/elaine-welteroths-chic-brooklyn-stoop-wedding/
- https://www.theknot.com/content/elaine-welteroth-wedding
- https://camillestyles.com/entertaining/elaine-welteroths-brooklyn-wedding-was-nothing-short-of-magic/
- https://www.stylerave.com/elaine-welteroth-and-jonathan-singletary-zoom-wedding/
- https://loveweddingsng.com/2021/11/elaine-welteroth-jonathan-singletarys-all-white-stoop-wedding-in-new-york-lwngloves/
