Mariana and Mike took their gorgeous engagement photos in Curacao with us and it just made us so much more excited for their wedding day. Their affection and playfulness really shines through the camera, it just makes them a dream couple any photographer would love to have. Olya is the master planner for all things photography related for the wedding day schedule. She helped the couple plan the first look, the day of schedule, as well as the after-wedding bridal portraits.
Since there was rain in the forecast, Mariana and Mike booked a photo permit for Van Vleck House and Gardens in Montclair New Jersey. This turned out to be the best decision regardless of weather because having a different private location than the reception venue really adds variety and beauty to the day. The covered garden was such a romantic escape from the wedding party and everyone else, it gave the couple unfettered first look time to really enjoy each other’s presence. We always love prioritizing the couple enjoying the moment on their wedding day over anything else. The advantage of paying for a permit location is full access to the grounds for photography, and the location being closed off to the public. It would be difficult attempting to have a private moment on a beautiful sunny day with lots of visitors roaming around and through the couple. Looking back, the couple agreed it was worth every penny!
Mariana and Mike had their ceremony at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Passaic New Jersey. The bright vivid colors inside this church is one of the most beautiful ceremony locations we’ve ever photographed. Most churches are extremely toned down white and brown color schemes, not this church! Since Mike grew up going to this church, it was special to them and we made sure to take additional portraits alone down the aisle after everyone had left.
The Hudson House in Jersey City has become one of our new favorite venues in New Jersey. The extreme two story floor to ceiling windows truly project a glamorous vibe that is rare in most venues. The venue perched right on the Hudson River gives an unrestricted view to the New York City skyline which really lights up the sky at night, and adds a whole new backdrop to the wedding venue. Hudson House has three floors for the wedding party to use, as well as an outdoor grass space for ceremonies. We really love the third floor rooftop access with modern glass walls that provides the full experience of the skyline view.
Mariana and Mike booked an after-wedding bridal session with us because of the overcast day on their wedding day. They loved the venue so much they wanted to re-take the portraits on a clear sunny day, and we were beyond obliged to come back with them! The venue was gracious enough to provide full access to their space during the week for photos at no extra charge. We think couples should take advantage of this more often!
Mariana and Mike’s engagement session and wedding day both included video highlights that were created by Tony. The couple looks so good on camera that we just had to get as much media coverage of them as possible. You can re-watch their engagement video in Curacao, or the wedding highlight video at the bottom of this page.
To read more about the Hudson House and why we love it so much, click here!
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