Julia and Eric designed their wedding with the same European vibe as their dreamy proposal (keep reading for the story!). The entire wedding took place at their New Jersey apartment, which just proves you don’t have to go far to have a unique and memorable wedding. This courtyard wedding was definitely one for the books and if you have been looking for micro wedding inspiration in Jersey City, this European style wedding ceremony just might be it. It truly embodied the casual romance we all dream about in Europe – from mix-matched chairs to stunning stone architecture.
Before I share any further, a quick introduction. We are full-blown romantics here at Mile Square Moments and love photographing deep and authentic connections. If you want a wedding photographer to act as a fly on the wall, and capture all of the candid wedding day moments, you can learn more about working with us here. Or, skip ahead to contacting us if you have any questions or are ready to save your date!
Getting Ready Photos at their Jersey City Apartment
Julia wrote that she and Eric bonded over “a love of Jersey City, live music, and cheese plates”. It was only natural that they bring as much of themselves (and their love story) into their courtyard wedding as possible. We started the day at their Jersey City apartment where Julia and Eric took turns getting ready. At Mile Square Moments, we definitely choose to take a documentary-style approach to our wedding photos and aim to be like a fly on the wall during getting ready photos – watching you relax and get ready for one of the most incredible days of your life.
When Julia and Eric booked, they admitted they felt as though they always looked better (and more like themselves!) in candid photos so we were a natural fit. I love the way these getting ready photos turned out – from Julia’s sister putting her bracelet on her to the guys sharing a drink in the ceremony space while Eric waited to see Julia for their first look!
A First Look Before the Wedding Ceremony
Julia and Eric had their first look just outside the front of their apartment building. Julia looked AMAZING in her one-piece bridal outfit and Eric could not take his eyes off of her even for a second. One of the things he said (even before their wedding day) was “Julia always looks so good that it makes me look good just to be near her.” He went on about how he feels like the luckiest guy on earth and when he said that, I have to admit, as a wedding photographer, I couldn’t help but gush a little bit. We took a few photos of just the two of them and then headed back to the courtyard so that the wedding ceremony could begin!
Courtyard Wedding Ceremony
Julia and Eric transformed their apartment building’s courtyard into a romantic European scene that felt like their own secret garden in the french countryside. They included lots of special touches – a glass of champagne as guests arrived, an abundance of lavender, and they even had a record player for their ceremony music (the two of them love listening to records together so it was an important addition to their love story).
The two of them walked in and down the aisle together, and their whole ceremony was incredibly emotional. You can see some of the candid wedding photos below – there were lots of smiles and lots of tears. Julia and Eric reading their own vows to one another was truly one of life’s most precious moments.
A European Courtyard Cocktail Hour
Right after the first kiss, Julia and Eric immediately started hugging and celebrating with their closest family and friends. The entire courtyard looked like a lavender-filled secret garden and it was the most incredible setting for their intimate guest list. Their cocktail hour was complete with lots of mingling and a champagne toast. Julia and Eric wanted something that mirrored the romance of their European proposal. In January 2020, Eric proposed in a rainswept Parisian alleyway. Keep reading – because this is one of the sweetest proposal stories ever.
On the day of the proposal, Julia had some work to finish so Eric spent the day alone roaming record shops. By the time he had a chance to propose, Eric had planned it perfectly. He planned to start his speech when they turned onto a corner of a small street and finish just when they were under the neon sign for Chez Paul at the end of the block. He got about five words in and then Julia said “Oh my god, are you proposing?!” and Eric knew he would never make it to the sign. He dropped down on one knee and proposed in the middle of the street.
Sunset Wedding Photos
After their shared cocktail hour, we started to take some classic wedding couple portraits at Lincoln Park nearby. It was the only time they had really left the apartment all day (for the most part, their apartment really was the perfect setting). We knew in advance that the photo time at Lincoln Park would be cut short as they prepared for a carnival setup, so the plan was to finish up the sunset photos back at their apartment on the rooftop. These photos – especially when they bring out the sunglasses – are some of my favorite from the entire day.
Cheers to Stolen Moments and Candid Wedding Photos!
Because these two are so busy working all of the time, Julia and Eric said that some of their favorite dates are the spontaneous ones – going for a late night glass of wine or sneaking away for a happy hour. These always end up being the dates they cherish the most because they feel like stolen moments together. Can you relate? I know that I sure can! I hope you have enjoyed reliving this gorgeous courtyard wedding at their apartment in Jersey City as much as I have. If you are looking for a wedding photographer to document YOUR wedding day memories, make sure to get in touch by clicking the button below!
Vendor Team
Bride’s Attire: Asos
Mile Square Moments | New Jersey Wedding Photographer
Mile Square Moments is a wedding photography company based in Hoboken, New Jersey. If you are new around here, you should know that we love getting to know each couple personally. Wondering if we would be the right fit? You might be a MSM couple if you aren’t afraid of getting a little up close and personal in photos. We love natural chemistry. A little PDA is encouraged around here! BUT, also enjoy a night binge-watching Netflix. Are you planning a wedding in New Jersey? If you are, Contact us here to find out about our photography/videography packages. We also love stories on Instagram. If you want more micro wedding inspiration, check out this roundup of my favorites in the last year here. Enjoy!
