Date: 08/08/2025
Location: New York City
On a relaxed summer afternoon, a Sydney art-world gathering set two lives on a new trajectory. What began as a casual exchange between arts professional Isabella Chow and artist Coen Young would later unfold into a Manhattan elopement and a wedding day improvised across downtown New York.
“WE MET THANKS TO TWO BRILLIANT WOMEN.
At the time, I was working with Amanda Love (art advisor, curator, philanthropist extraordinaire) and we were hosting an event for the artist Mel O’Callaghan. Mel and Coen had known each other for a long time through his long-time gallery, Mais Wright. Although I’d admired his practice from afar, and we moved in the same circles, we’d never actually crossed paths. He was intriguing. There was a Sliding Doors moment (vis-à-vis Gwyneth Paltrow), a phone number fumble and some nerves, but there was an immediate ease, and we’ve been together ever since – even through two years of long distance between Sydney and New York.
BUREAUCRACY DOESN’T LEND ITSELF TO SPONTANEITY – BUT WE SOMEHOW MANAGED TWO QUASI-PROPOSALS.
The first proposal came after a meeting with lawyers to discuss our visa situation – hardly the stuff of romance – followed by burgers at JG Melon, where Coen suddenly (and jokingly) dropped to one knee and proposed with an onion ring, which I ate immediately in attempts to hide the evidence. We toasted afterwards with martinis at The Carlyle around the corner.
Just over a year later, there was a second, even more pragmatic proposal – a handshake at the Turtle Pond in Central Park. No audience or announcements.
A week later, we eloped with nothing but an early morning appointment at Manhattan City Hall – so perhaps we were spontaneous after all.
WE WANTED SOMETHING PRIVATE, LOW-KEY AND COMPLETELY UNFUSSY.
We had no rigid plans, no reservations made in advance – everything unfolded intuitively. The day was played entirely by ear, which somehow made it feel even more right.
WE PLANNED THE WHOLE THING IN SEVEN DAYS.
A few days before our City Hall appointment, we made a dash down to Popular Jewelry on Canal Street for matching gold signets and I was lucky to find (with the help of my sister, Abi) a gorgeous Rick Owens dress last minute. Coen made my bouquet the night before − white roses wrapped in velvet.
We took the early morning subway to City Hall and a couple of friends joined us as witnesses, also doubling as camera operators for our families watching from across Australia and the UK.
CITY HALL SURPRISED US – IT WAS BEAUTIFUL, AND UNEXPECTEDLY FUN.
The atmosphere was relaxed and full of love, with plenty of time to explore its halls. The ceremony itself was incredibly brief, and we then moved onto an impromptu crawl through some of our favourite New York bars and restaurants.
WE BOTH WANTED TO WEAR BLACK – I NEVER IMAGINED MYSELF AS A BRIDE.
Coen, who was only visiting, wore what he had on hand. The Rick Owens dress I found felt elegant without being contrived – but comfort was non-negotiable. For something borrowed, I wore it with my favourite vintage Gucci purse I inherited (stole) from one of my many sisters. Being able to wear them again with those memories is a treat.
YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH CHAMPAGNE, OYSTERS AND STEAK FRITES.
We went to Bar Oliver for morning pastries and bubbles. Lucien for a lunch of oysters and steak frites. Chocolate mousse and martinis at Buvette for afternoon tea, before going to Demo, a friend’s restaurant in the West Village, for a final procession of snacks and wine, closing the day exactly as it had begun; unhurried, convivial and true to form. (In hindsight, it was much like our first date in Potts Point – a summer afternoon at our favourite haunts, eating and drinking our favourite things).
I DIDN’T THINK OF IT AS ROMANTIC – UNTIL SOMEONE ELSE DID.
We knew eloping on the other side of the world would come with complications. It was daunting to imagine the reactions from friends and family, even though it was right for us. One friend’s response was, ‘How romantic!’
I hadn’t thought of it that way, as I have a pragmatic tendency, but she was right. In its own understated way, stripped of spectacle and tradition, it was rather romantic.”
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