Nothing makes a wedding like the addition of a fur baby! I absolutely loved photographing Justine and Erik’s wedding at Battello, but I think we can all agree that their precious 8-year-old French bull dog came pretty close to stealing the show! If you love dog-friendly weddings, I just know that you are going to fall in love with this untraditional wedding as much as I did. Justine and Erik’s micro wedding definitely packed a full punch! From a stunning first look at Marina Park in Jersey City to an evening dancing with an incredible group of family and friends at Battello, I can’t wait to share all the gorgeous details!
First Look Wedding Photos in Marina Park, Jersey City
I met Erik at Marina Park a few minutes before Justine arrived so we could set him up in the right position. The weather was wonderful and the energy was electric. Justine and Erik have been together for five years and the love they have for each other filled the entire park. I loved being in their energy. They are those easy going, fun loving people you can’t help but enjoy being around! They really trusted me and my process throughout the day. This allowed me to guide and capture the natural chemistry that exists between them. On top of that, Erik brought a photo from his grandfather’s obituary and showed his grandmother that he was with him all day. It was the sweetest thing.
After the first look and a few portraits, we headed to the venue (Battello!). From there, we took a few more wedding portraits of the two of them and their precious fur baby Charlotte who looked like she was made for the camera! Their family met us at Battello for some portraits before the wedding ceremony as well. A little tip from your local wedding photographer? When you get photos done before the ceremony, the “hard part” is done. You can enjoy the ceremony, then roll into cocktail hour or your reception and feel like a guest at your own wedding!
Dog-Friendly Wedding Ceremony at Battello
Justine and Erik let the beauty of the venue (and their love for one another) really shine during the wedding ceremony. Decor was kept classic and understated. They chose to walk down the aisle together, with no bridal party of distractions. Charlotte sat in the front row watching her humans get married and walked down the aisle after they were pronounced husband and wife. The smiles across their faces were contagious and it truly was such a heartfelt, sweet wedding ceremony.
A Unique Cocktail Hour Timeline
When it comes to cocktail hour, couples typically have two options. First, they can have a first look and take their photos before their wedding ceremony, and then attend cocktail hour with their guests. Or, they can choose to take photos after the ceremony during cocktail hour. Unsurprisingly, Justine and Erik chose to do things a little differently! They wanted to be intentional with scheduling in some alone time so the two of them could enjoy the first moments of being married after their ceremony together. They spent some time in the Battello bridal suite while their guests enjoyed a beautiful cocktail hour in the other room!
Gorgeous Wedding Reception Reveal at Battello
As a wedding photographer, I often schedule time to sneak into the reception space before guests arrive to capture all the gorgeous details. One trend I have been loving more lately, is when the couple takes a moment to see the space, too! A busy wedding timeline doesn’t always allow for this, but when it does, it’s encouraged! You’ve likely spent months (or years!) planning every detail. This is the perfect time to enjoy the fruits of your labor before the party truly begins. Justine and Erik focused on having a good time above all, and really brought their personalities into the details! Everything was intentional and meaningful.
Lively Wedding Reception at Battello
When I first discussed the details of the wedding day with Justine and Erik, they mentioned they had a great group of family and friends joining them to celebrate. After meeting a few of them, I can tell you that they were, without a doubt, correct. The evening was exactly what they wanted: an evening full of dancing and laughter. On top of that, you couldn’t dream a better view than the NYC skyline. Everything came together flawlessly and effortlessly.
Stunning Wedding at Battello!
One of my favorite parts about being a wedding photographer is connecting with each and every couple I work with, and really diving deep into their love story. Justine and Erik (and Charlotte!) were absolutely wonderful to work with, and I was so honored to capture their stunning Battello wedding. You could feel the chemistry between them from the first look to the last dance of the night.
If you are currently planning a wedding in New Jersey, NYC, or beyond, congratulations! If you are looking for wedding planning inspiration, make sure to check out more love stories here on the Mile Square Moments blog. It has been a great love of my life to capture so many incredible couples’ love stories!
Vendors
Reception Venue: Battello
Entertainment: Hank Lane (Billy Stone Band)
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!
