Jennifer and Vincent's East Village Wedding in 1985

[@KG-kq7kn]

That opening shot was gorgeous 😩

[@sheLovesG]

I was 21 in the summer of 85 and fell in love in way that has never been matched. Sadly, we went our separate ways. I think of that time every now and then. This video took me there. You’re only young once so enjoy every minute to the fullest!

[@zyxwut321]

Your brain and body are at a certain level of peak health and energetic, fresh and open to new experiences in a way you simply cannot replicate to the same level at later stages of life. You simply feel life more intensely in your late teens and early twenties in a way that can't be sustained for longer. I enjoy my life now in my 40s more than I did then, but I know there was a certain magic then that is special to that time. We trade wisdom for youth over time, or least should. It's a fair trade, but the memories remain. :)

[@benadams1661]

Drugs are a powerful thing

[@davidadams2395]

Oh, to be young and free again. Nelson beautifully catches the vibrance of New York before it became staid.

[@CybermanBill]

David Adams yes.... The New York I loved!! It's so different now!! 🤖🤓

[@melissaonorati3458]

David Adams what does staid mean?

[@davidadams2395]

Melissa Onorati unadventurous, safe, respectable; in other words, boring.

[@Desibeatnik]

thats because every day things are getting worse

[@TheRadboy84]

It's TRUE all younger generations look to the past, the difference now is the fundamental way we communicate and interact has changed for ever in 20 years or so . These videos show the very end of that era just as it fades into history , it also captures new York before they turned it into a safe, clean, sanitized shopping mall . You see the filth and dirty streets ..yet somehow your drawn to it , gentrafucation of all urban city's led to the lifeless colorless modern citys in the western world , just giant cookie cutter neighborhoods. Here you can feel SOMETHING that's forever gone... but it's hard to put what that feeling is into words ..and that's what makes these films interesting to us younger crowds. I'm 34 and these videos do something for my soul , what I don't know.. but they affect me profoundly.

[@Frisenette]

Wow! He is fantastic with that camera! It’s mesmerizing to watch. Some of the greatest music recorded, and some not recorded, streaming from every corner.

[@ColinFromConnecticut]

Aw that sweet little boy "Happy Wedding Jennifer" I wonder where he is now! Lol! 40 and probably still living in the city!

[@theweakestlink2278]

This guys videos are fantastic! He lived such an interesting and colorful life.

[@crabstick250]

This just makes me wanna cry...a nyc that doesnt exist anymore...I was 21 and we went to the Pyramid all the time to see bands and dance. Nelson was an amzing fimographer...what an eye. Amazing. I didnt even know him but mourn his early passing. Ahhh my NYC...😢

[@jameslaumand3686]

You still live there

[@crabstick250]

@@jameslaumand3686 yes I am still in nyc.

[@karenanneherbert9596]

I was 20 and living on E5th between A & B. Happy nights at The Pyramid. :)

[@mjg239]

5:11 *Talking Heads' song And She Was* ... also, there's so much energy in this shot. Bar patrons, music playing in the bar, Nelson pans outside to a vibrant park with old men sitting, a woman passing by, a landline telephone ringing with that classic "bell sound"... then it immediately pans to a couple strolling arm in arm and a baby in a stroller, a helicopter overhead, cars drivng, then it ends with an old couple walking past. So artfully done. He captures the magic of summer in New York, July 1985 and even expresses the fleeting quality of life here. Impressed.

[@friendlier]

And also the amazing fact that these Nelson tapes on youtube are edited "in camera". He simply kept pushing Play and Pause. He put together all of the shots you mentioned on the fly!

[@TheJudex]

"Stop Gentrification" graffiti in 1985. Wow.

[@basil33]

:'-(

[@joehostile4541]

You really think 30 years ago was such a long time ago eh.

[@kayb947]

Saw that too !

[@alexkastano96]

The Judex that's when it's started really seriously and around 1999 alphabet city was a yappys playground ....

[@charlotia]

Yeah, that didnt go over too well...

[@Jamuna-Atma]

Aloha. I found these videos by "accident". And though I grew up in Philadelphia in the 80s, they still bring me back to happy times. I did go to NYC before it got "different." I also been kinda depressed lately and these videos miraculously found me at the perfect time. It might seem odd, but they bring happiness to me. When people were happier. Not wanting to hurt one another. There was an innocence. Its lost now.

[@Lovely_1One]

Aww I was 1.5 years old when this was filmed. Wish my parents had some footage of me back then in the 80s :( this is all so awesome!

[@jonchal5561]

Me too! I miss the old nyc

[@Untilhecomes85]

I was almost 4 months old

[@CaptchaNeon]

*We all should be vlogging our lives and our technology because one day future generations are going to be watching them. We definitely want to leave behind a lot of memories for kids that weren't born yet. As for Nelson, even though none of us knew you in person, we still feel bad you're gone and wish you were here.*

[@v.c.webster9250]

I knew him in Person! I'm Vincent who got 'married' in the video but of course it was all performance art. Nelson was ahead of the game with his videotaping of the scene. He's got thousands of videos that show so much detail, sidewalks, posters, furniture of the time etc.

[@CaptchaNeon]

Vincent Webster Oh wow!! Thanks for responding. I was wondering if you can answer a couple of questions for me. So did Nelson ever want to be in a relationship or have adopted children? It didn’t seem he was with anyone in any of his vlogs. *#2* Was Nelson really as composed as he seemed on the videos? He seemed to be the one who was watching everyone else and not really joining in on the fun and *#3* did you stay married to that girl?

[@aviratica6370]

@@v.c.webster9250 I looked at your channel, Is your song Jennifer about this one in the video? It's a lovely song.

[@scambaitrus4865]

I’m pretty sure there’s no shortage of video of today

[@jaylew8408]

@@CaptchaNeon they didn't actually get married, just performance art

[@kayb947]

When people actually spoke to each other.I miss the 80s. Fantastic videos, I get lost in the moment just watching them.

[@dennisgenovese227]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@liamnolan98]

nowadays us young folk communicate telepathically. it’s actually a wonderful thing.

[@mprevis]

Just inviting anybody and everybody to somebody elses wedding lol

[@sallythomas8599]

I know right! Had such a happy hippy vibe

[@MrPiper77]

The music from the 80s was everything!!.. I still remember my cousin's wedding in 85, I was 8. Now they are celebrating their first grandchild..

[@kengeorgejones6855]

This is so much fun. Imagine all these busy people in the heart of a busy city just spending their day having fun? It feels like another world. It's good to see more of Nelson walking and showing the sights, and good to see more people I hadn't seen much of on here. The camera really loves Jennifer. Thank you so much. Happy New Year to you, and Nelson...

[@graemebaker939]

Imagine a world with No hatred just living the way you want, as long as you didn't hurt anyone and just accepted each other for who you are!! Nelson my friend you where a legend RIP

[@Nii1978]

Graeme Baker The 80s certainly wasn’t that place. It was a very difficult and troublesome time to be alive.

[@graemebaker939]

@@Nii1978 Yeah dont remember making comment on the 80s fella. I was just highlighting wouldn't it be nice to have a world where no hatred existed.

[@seasons1650]

What world was that? Lol

[@deborahcookston9373]

Crazy he was never recognized on his films. This should be playing in a museum somewhere.

[@drinkingpoolwater]

he has outlived all his peers, fortunately.

[@Bransonareabreakingnews]

His old house in NYC has been made into an art studio. It has some of nelson's things and videos playing.

[@friendlier]

Nelson's tapes have actually been shown in art galleries and museums around the world. His archives are at the Fales Library at New York University!

[@friendlier]

@@drinkingpoolwater His tapes have, yes. But Nelson died in 1989.

[@drinkingpoolwater]

@@friendlier that was my point. i know he died in 89. his tapes have made him immortal.

[@sweetnesisbeast]

People were nicer back then, now everyone is literally staring at their phones all day; in their own world.

[@kaashee]

Matt LongBall we have phones ; they had acid

[@aliciae8457]

did u see that mean women, talking out ur arse. saying what everyone else says. i bet u dont even go outside or talk to ppl LOL

[@jennytaylor4165]

Dystopian, aint it!

[@aliciae8457]

not really

[@TheRadboy84]

People needed to gather in places and do things in real life . No internet no cell phones so the distractions simply didn't exist . Not that they are more happy its more WE are depressed.

[@starrynyte158]

Watching these videos are such a trip for me. I was a few months old when this was recorded. I was born and lived on 10th st until I was 5 and these visuals have unlocked sooo many memories

[@jonathancr7587]

I'm from Costa Rica and I was born in 1985 but I really like all the Nelson's videos.

[@Desertvibes234]

Little kid walks off “thanks, come to the wedding !” Hahahahah

[@ColdSid]

“I’ll try” 🤣

[@dawolf4274]

@1:11 "Brickhouse" by the Commodores, playing !?! LMAO LOVE IT !!! geez ! When you heard music EVERYWHERE in NYC Boomboxes... out of windows... open Clubs/bars... roller rinks... cars.... now? Not so much. And when you do, it's usually some shit you don't want to hear.

[@tri-eye5554]

1:43 Expose - Point of no Return

[@MissPerriwinkle]

i went to nyc twice a year for many yrs....the 80s were fab !!! the odessa, the pyramid, the gaiety, omg such fun. thompkins sq !!!! (trash trinkets & treasures).....

[@RrealHumdingerR]

A complete dump, hole in the ground, but it had character. History has a way of repeating itself as it's not alot of people's favorite subject.

[@lukeyas78rtw]

Captured the moment like a spontaneous performance art. Great footage and videography of NYC life!

[@fabioluigi9915]

Thanks for uplouding 👍🏻 I watch every video of Nelson Sullivan 😀 its the best on youtube ! ♥️

[@toniturnwald9890]

nice, the old twin towers. Cheers for uploading. I love all if his old Films Abs it's a shame that he died si young and early. cheerio Toni

[@Simon-pl2zi]

01:42 that song is Expose - Point Of No Return released in 1985

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

0:02 I barely remember the twin towers and I could see them everyday from my fifth grade classroom. Like an amnesia of sorts that accumulates over the years as society and technology advances. No one in 1985 thought 16 years later they would be gone. Imagine how mundane people thought their surroundings were in those years only for us in the present to find the 80's nostalgic despite the obvious state of the city there was a certain charm to NYC in 80's, 90's and even early 2000's.

[@420edu8]

Jojew anything past 1979 sucks

[@floursandroses]

@@420edu8 I was born in 79 and I loved the 80s. Had the best time growing up in that period. What a different world it was then. People in general were so much more kinder. 1990s weren't completely terrible, and from 2000 to present is the exact opposite of my childhood. A complete and utter sh!tshow. I would give anything for the people of current times to be more like the people in the times of my youth.

[@eliqueiros3]

I think I'd be very happy going back in time to this period and city neighborhood. I lived in NY in the 2000s. I had an older friend who was young in this era in the village and she'd always say you have no idea what it was like in the 80s. These videos show me exactly what she meant. Until the doctor comes and picks me up in his Tardis Nelson's videos are the closest link I've found to time travel.

[@jonahfalcon1970]

July 29, 1985. I remember I was celebrating my birthday in Central Park in the usual place.

[@selenamarino5203]

That’s so crazy! You knew where you were and what you were doing the day after this video was taken. That’s awesome. Meanwhile, another 16 years had to pass before I was even born

[@jonahfalcon1970]

@@selenamarino5203 I also lived nearby on E13/Ave B.

[@Serbinator_Dominator]

I was 3 months old....Damn insane time machine watchin this

[@concatinate]

I like how he zooms in on posted gig flyers, so that the performers and venue can be read. For some it may be the only surviving reproduction.

[@mohamed..ben.]

Everything is good on all of your videos, you are part of people who made and saved and share the history . Good job

[@johnnytheirishman3387]

In my opinion, 1985 was the most interesting year of the 80’s

[@theholyvineofdavid647]

@Shane Fausto Silveira yup and the very first WrestleMania

[@paulmcdonough1093]

82 for me we kicked the argie invaders from the falklands the cowards rule brittania

[@Untilhecomes85]

It was a great year I was born in 85

[@LeighDorei]

this channel is such a gem, i subscribed 6/7 years ago when the first videos were posted & found it in my saved videos. literally captured an entire era

[@tomford683]

I love these videos . I’m a big fan of the 80s ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@hugocorreagomez3649]

Nelson is amazing I just can’t to see his videos, I am addicted to this 😐😎

[@ladygirl99]

July 28th 1985 was my 8th Birthday wow lol!!

[@bandz4dayz490]

Never clicked so fast. OG Vlogger.

[@tmac8892]

That opening shot though.

[@JRS814]

Omg I was only 5 years old at this time in 1985, but I need someone like Nelson in my life, he'd make a great best friend

[@dennybenz5846]

Nerve of them not answering Nelson, so rude. Are you going to wedding and it was a complete ignore. Jerks

[@melissaonorati3458]

Maritza Aponte yeah very rude of thwm

[@melissaonorati3458]

Maritza Aponte them

[@avalondreaming1433]

I just feel like going after anyone who was mean or rude to Nelson, starting with Albert Crudo.

[@angelanetherton8240]

A lot of them were!! Narcissistic azzholes!!

[@floursandroses]

I just got past that part when I read this. All they had to say was yes or no. I realize that Nelson is not around anymore, but dam if that didn't make me want to fly through the video and smack the hell out of them. Nelson is a pure soul. I am happy he did have other beautiful, kind people that did love him so much for who he is.

[@jjcnyc6313]

I think it was a great video. To start off showing the Twin Towers was a perfect beginning. Hope you guys are still together. All the best.

[@JohnSmith-4U]

its 2023......time flies!!!

[@kathyditondo1175]

The most amazing wedding I've ever seen. Nelson you are a genius.

[@johnfranco4417]

I can almost feel 1985.

[@magamaga1827]

As a life long Queens, NY native who is now 50 yrs old and just turned 13 in 1985, what jumps out to me is the thick authentic NYC accent of the Hispanic local kid Nelson invites to the "wedding." You can tell he's born/raised. Let it be known to all of you transients and gentrifiers, including Nelson and his crew, that you weren't nor never will be considered real native NYers by the locals. You're just passing thru. That aside, I love Nelson's videos as he truly caught the vibe and essence of 80s NYC to its perfection!

[@friendlier]

I would say that was true even ten years ago. But I fear NYC, especially Manhattan, has now thoroughly gotten rid of anyone who isn't at an upper middle class income level. It's not going to swing back for a very long time to come. And most of the new people are not native New Yorkers.

[@AlsCollectibles]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing

[@mariaager1924]

I’m gonna need an update on Jennifer and Vincent!

[@conner4991]

The twin towers ! Wowzers for a 2000’s baby that’s crazy

[@gigglybits3724]

There's a video Nelson did when he took his mother up to the observation deck on the Towers...fascinating indeed.

[@lisatheboywonder6744]

I remember everything that happened that day I think I was about your age as I am 33 now. Like one of those things where everyone remembers what they were doing when Kennedy got shot. You remember everything you were doing on September 11th.

[@JustinLHopkins]

Cheap Cooking Channel We all do. You’re absolutely right.

[@scambaitrus4865]

Jeez. As my father always said.... I really do have socks older than you. I’m sad about that fact too😂

[@ch36799]

@@lisatheboywonder6744 i was at hospital in Germany on 11th September 2001.

[@MrFlyingSquirl]

What an absolutely lovely wedding idea! It's also fantastically wierd and.. genuine (?). Such an interesting video!!!

[@MattBanton]

I think it’s interesting that people at this time use the phrase “taking pictures”. I noticed that also in the film Grey Gardens. I’ve never heard that phrase used in my lifetime (I’m 35) to refer to what today we’d call “recording” or “video taping”.

[@mjg239]

I noticed that too. Several people have said that in various videos of Nelson's. "What are you taking pictures for?" I think it's because films were called motion pictures, and also people used to say "I'm going to the picture show" or, "you oughta be in pictures" (which was a classic song) to talk about someone going into film acting.

[@friendlier]

@@mjg239 People really didn't call making videos "taking pictures" then. It's just that very few people had video cameras and most people thought they were some sort of still camera when they encountered one. Also, there wasn't yet a simple term for shooting videos. In several of Nelson's tapes he says he's "videoing". 😆

[@redphantom85617]

Amazing!! I was born in February 1985. I was only 5 months old!!!

[@pipperskips51]

Ayyyeee 2 years later but..same. 2/12/85

[@jonathancr7587]

@@pipperskips51 I was born in 1th December 1985 😆

[@pipperskips51]

@@jonathancr7587 '85 babies 🙌

[@lisatheboywonder6744]

I was born 3-17-85 oh to be an adult in the 1980s 😍

[@coralinepope5848]

Dude on the bench can not get over that he's being filmed 😄

[@-Reagan]

Probably the first time in his life

[@sloburnjo]

toking schwag in Thompson square park - he filmed Wigstock and so much more here. Dude playing WatermelonMan on soprano sax! incredible stuff.

[@bugsy220791]

I love how this isn’t the best of the 80s or glorified it’s just real 80s

[@shefoldeditup]

Brilliant. We are so lucky to have those

[@Emeraldfox2001]

I was 3 and living in south dakota and 40 yrs later I'm watching my past that I never got to see much

[@beckc.5084]

"he said he's catholic and can't do it" that one killed me

[@joshrayfield4365]

New York is such an interesting city, I could live there. I know that it has had its problems but it has overcome a lot of problems. Every City and Town and Country and State has had problems. New York has so much to offer in stuff to do. From Art to Theater to film to politics to museums and events etc. There are so many places to eat in the city and there are so many different things to see. It is truly an amazing place.

[@anthonydavid5121]

All these cute young people are 60 today!

[@Iworkwithnitwits]

Youth is fleeting.

[@ForbinColossus]

And still fabulous!

[@raraszek]

Nelson was born in 1948, so he would've been 74

[@nymike06]

Very good video. This form of art was almost unheard of at the time. Mainly something a small percentage of tourists did in midtown New York. Nelson had a good eye. He probably would of captured very good video during 9-11 if he had been around.

[@JamesDeWeaver]

Sad that within four years after filming this, Nelson had already passed. 😢

[@BrandinZinck]

Nelson Sullivan was light years ahead.

[@Musistics]

We need music in the park again.

[@mckenzieneary8101]

Man he knew how to use that camera !

[@aceofhearts0]

I remember when those towers fall, I was in 7th grade, and I saw those towers fall on national TV..... I knew even at a young age that America was never going to be the same....

[@Costa998]

If you love this videos listen to the band STEPS AHEAD from the 80 s , it will bring you back to this era

[@crazymeee]

I was going on 4 months old when this video was shot and I was about three blocks , on Avenue D 10th street! The park did not change except for the amphitheater that was demolished in 1992? I know my uncle filmed a footage of me and my cousin's playing up there . Because of Nelson when I film I film every little details like the Flyers the advertisements on restaurants everything cuz it's just good to look back like right now

[@jesusenriquerivas5683]

0:33 Michael Zagger Band - Let's All Chant

[@raymondsolisjr.1262]

I'm glad Nelson didn't see the Towers crumble. I'm sure it would have broken his spirit and his heart

[@shalimarlittle8374]

I wonder if Jennifer and Vincent just celebrated their 33rd anniversary...

[@LaurenWoz421]

Shalimar Little according to Vincent (in the comments of this video) this was just performance art! Pretty cool and fun.

[@mjg239]

1:16 Graffiti across the street reads: *STOP GETRIFICATION* (sic). Through these videos, I discover gentrification was even an issue in 1980s NYC. Wow.

[@karenanneherbert9596]

I remember the squat clearances and the demonstrations/camp out in the Park that followed. Lived E5th between A/B. These videos are amazing - like a Time Machine for me!

[@BaBaYaga1999-p7u]

I wonder if they’re still married, in 2022… Would make it 37 years! Mazel Tov🎉

[@robbiedimes]

Happy Wednesday lol hey I'm watching this on a Wednesday that's great

[@raraszek]

I miss this New York. It's so boring today

[@mitchdaniels3455]

"Is this a comedy wedding?" LOL

[@angelanetherton8240]

For real!! Wonder how many drugs you gotta take to act like this?? Cause I’ll make sure I never even get close to the amount!

[@Skidoo22]

Has to be the only wedding accompanied by a soprano saxophone and a lit match.

[@stephaniewood6133]

I want to know if they are still married

[@jcolterh]

I was 2 weeks old when this was filmed.

[@paulym9969]

7:34 "Runners gone rounding to second" heard baseball on a radio, Im from Kansas City this is 1985 the Royals win the world series ! I was 16

[@jasonjohnson5476]

The voice you hear is Mets radio broadcaster Bob Murphy. The Mets beat the expos that night 3-2.

[@NYKID10014]

I moved to NYC in 1985. Amazing footage! I spent many nights & picked up many boys at The Pyramid! I love all your postings! Anything from BoyBar?

[@aviratica6370]

I was at the Pyramid last Friday.

[@friendlier]

Boybar was great! But Nelson died in 1989. I think bb came a bit after that?

[@NYKID10014]

@@friendlier Boy Bar 1984-1993. I can’t imagine he didn’t film there. “The Boy Bar Beauties”, great shows!

[@TsarGaming]

I want to start vlogging for exactly the same reason Sullivan used to, passion for it and a great nostalgia inducing content. I want to be able to look back at what i used to do when i am old. Hopefully one day, i can cop a decent vlogging camera and get on with it!

[@Heramitep]

Tsar Gaming any camera will do! Even cellphone camera’s! It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. It’s what you capture that makes it interesting not what you use to capture it.

[@TheRadboy84]

No editing capture everything , the convos as people pass the trash cans the advertisements the cracks in the street everything .

[@bilebily294]

I want to be 16 and 17 again.The best time of my life.Only if I knew then...

[@v.c.webster9250]

Oh my god, I'm just seeing this!

[@WhirledPeace]

Vincent Webster I can't believe it's you from the video. Past and present combined. Watching this for the first time I was so confused I didn't know if this was a real wedding or if you guys were a real couple, but it looked fun and odd. :) Oh, and I listened to your song 'Jennifer' on your channel, it's very beautiful. Peace :) 🕊☺️🕊

[@Desibeatnik]

Vincent Webster wow so cool. I always wonder where these people are so I loved happening upon this comment. I'm not typically a nostalgic person but lately I've found myself terribly nostalgic for the 80s. I would have been 17 when this was taped.

[@v.c.webster9250]

​@@WhirledPeacethank you!! I don't even know where my channel with music is.....

[@a.b.3666]

Does anyone know the name of the song at 5:12 ? Sounds familiar but can’t put my finger on it. Never mind I’ve found it.

[@mogo8913]

Talking heads, and she was

[@nadiasultana7283]

I was 5 years old wow

[@Serbinator_Dominator]

Nadia Sultana i was 3 months old lol 😂

[@eily_b]

6:34 Carrie Bradshaw walking by. It's already too late for New York. 😄

[@woodstockjon420]

Way Cool!😎🥁 I played A7 New Years Eve 82!

[@thatlawyercancook8095]

The irony of the stop gentrification graffiti ☹️

[@Sweetie_PieLo]

Did they stay married?

[@jonathancr7587]

Currently where is the black t-shirt guy? Anybody knows? He was really handsome

[@alessandroz75z]

Nice !! It seems to me a film by Federico Fellini

[@perrinmontenegro]

The pyramid still had those bars on the entrance 😫

[@mar002007]

So Jennifer is RuPaul’s friend from Atlanta. I don’t see him in video.

[@brucewebb1114]

And she was! The talking heads in the background.

[@denisespurlock7869]

To be young again.

[@meetmeinva]

Does anyone know where Jennifer and Vincent are now? I wonder if they had kids, etc.

[@athenavan2242]

This was a performance art they were acting

[@shutit1521]

I wonder if the happy couple are still together?

[@kaashee]

They might be but something tells me the grooms probably dead now :(

[@v.c.webster9250]

True ! or sort of. Well I've just seen this video, back in our wild days. it was performance art anyway.

[@v.c.webster9250]

I am not dead! So what is the 'something' that told you? Don't trust your intuition if that was it!

[@kaashee]

Vincent Webster sorry bud it was just that everyone has or is dead on this. Sorry man

[@samifo]

Yeah, no. Actually EVERYONE in this is alive and well.