Ali & Alex are different in almost every way, except for the ways that actually matter. Seriously, I loved getting to know these two so much but the more they told me their difference (she likes whiskey and he prefers gin, she loves her AC and he loves his camping trips), the more they felt exactly the same. These two have the same fun-loving energy and are pure romantics at heart. From the moment they met in business school, there was a spark. I couldn’t have been more honored to capture their Battello wedding this year.
I’ve been fortunate enough to capture a few weddings at Battello in the last couple of years, but one thing I always appreciate is how different each and every couple makes their wedding day feel. With pops of color and fun disco details, Ali and Alex’s wedding was unlike any other and I’m sure that they wouldn’t have it any other way. I like to believe I’m the photographer for the madly-in-love and hopeless romantics of New Jersey, and these two are the real deal. I can’t wait to share a piece of their love story today.
Battello Wedding Photographer Review
After your wedding day, I know you want to soak up every minute of married life. That’s part of the reason each and every review I receive is so special to me. Ali & Alex, I can’t thank you enough for your incredibly thoughtful review after your Battello wedding!
Other than our venue, Devin/Mile Square Moments was the first vendor we booked. We instantly fell in love with her photography style and how well she captured authentic love between her couples. It’s exactly what we were looking for. After an intro call we knew we had to book her for our wedding. Her vibe was just right. We felt she understood our vision, was excited by our ideas, and genuinely felt like a friend right out the gate.
She also commits to your event and was happy to stick around a little longer to capture our last dance or sunset shots without additional charge. We got our engagement photos ahead of schedule, despite her being wildly busy at the end of the year. And we had over 50 wedding photos within DAYS of our wedding. We haven’t even gotten our full gallery yet and if it never comes I’d be happy. I screamed and cried when I saw the preview pics. Over the last year Devin has felt like a friend, not a vendor. When my aunt passed away she sent us a little care package, knowing that my aunt was meant to be our flower girl at my wedding. She’s the nicest and most helpful person and I couldn’t imagine our wedding without her. I’d give her 1000000 stars if I could. She made our day so perfect.
A Dreamy NJ Engagement
For the last few years, one of the things that Ali and Alex love to do together is shut off their phones and be present with one another on a 4-5 mile walk every day. On that walk, there is a bridge they cross that Ali is in love with. On one winter day (exactly two years from the day they became official!), Alex set up balloons and streamers and told Ali that he had a surprise for her. He decorated the bridge in her favorite color, and completely took her by surprise. Like she said to me, her nails weren’t even done. It was there, on one of their favorite spots and on one of their favorite days, that he asked her to marry him.
Even more romantic? A children’s choir was singing nearby which was unrelated but felt like the most perfect timing.
Did you notice that we captured their fall engagement photos in a few of my favorite New Jersey locations? I always love the fountain at Van Vorst Park and the brownstones nearby (above) and it was nice to visit Skinner’s Loft again after Julie and Matt’s wedding day.
Vibrant Wedding Day Details
I always love to capture detail shots during the getting ready photos, but I could not get enough of all of the fun and thoughtful touches that Ali and Alex included. From their fun magazine-esque programs to more heartfelt pieces like the cards they wrote for each other, the day was perfect. Ali and Alex chose a traditional wedding day timeline (no first look!) so instead, Ali had a first look with her father in front of the water before their ceremony. The two of them also chose to have photos taken with their respective wedding parties before the ceremony, to save time after. They wanted to enjoy as much of cocktail hour as they could with their guests!
Battello Wedding Ceremony
Steps away from the Westin where they were getting ready, was their beautiful wedding ceremony at Battello. I absolutely love a first look but the way that Ali and Alex looked at each other walking down the aisle felt like absolute magic. It was actually the moment they were both most looking forward to on their wedding day! Their ceremony decor was fun and colorful, but nothing could draw attention away from how happy these two were to finally be getting married. As I was getting to know Ali and Alex leading up to their wedding day, it was just so clear how much these two loved each other and how they brought out the best in one another. I’m glad their wedding ceremony reflected that feeling!
Waterfront Photos at Battello
After the ceremony, Ali and Alex (with their wedding parties!) were ready to take photos…and have a great time. I knew that they wanted to attend as much of their cocktail hour as possible, so we worked through their shot list quickly to get them as many photos as possible, without taking away from the experience for a second. One of my favorite parts about the Battello wedding venue is the incredible views just outside. If you are planning your wedding and have a tight timeline, make sure to choose a wedding photo location nearby (I’m happy to provide some recommendations!).
Black Tie Battello Wedding Reception
Even though Ali and Alex had a guest list of 150 people, the moody color palette they chose made their wedding reception feel intimate. Even more, they created a lot of the gorgeous wedding signage themselves. I couldn’t BELIEVE my eyes when they told me that so much of their incredible wedding décor was DIY.
Although a black tie wedding can feel formal, Ali and Alex’s felt like a true celebration. They entered their reception with hands in the air, ready to celebrate, and didn’t stop dancing all night. When their reception ended, they even had a private dance for the two of them to soak up what was truly an unbelievable day. The huge windows overlooking the water and the abundance of string lights made it feel like you were dancing underneath the stars. So romantic.
A Unique Wedding at Battello
I know I say this a lot, but I was beyond honored to capture Ali and Alex’s wedding day at Battello. I loved absolutely every moment, from when I arrived to document the details to their last dance together at the end of the night. One of my favorite parts about being a wedding photographer is connecting with my couples, and these two made it absolutely effortless. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish together.
Vendors
Mile Square Moments is a New Jersey wedding photographer for the deep in love and hopeless romantics. We capture amazing moments and authentic love stories for couples in Hoboken, New Jersey and beyond! Get in touch to inquire about our photography services or follow along with fun love stories on Instagram. If you want more inspiration from a wedding at Battello, check out this gorgeous winter wedding at Battello. Enjoy!
