I have been anxiously waiting to share photos of Michelle and Brian’s New Jersey backyard wedding with you! From the very beginning, these two were after my heart. When I asked what they were most excited for on their wedding day, they mentioned they couldn’t wait to turn their wedding photography pictures into artwork in their home. Word to the wise, I don’t think there is anything that can make your photographer love you more than that. I think I speak for every wedding photographer when I say, we don’t want your wedding photos to live in an online gallery. Print your photos. Love your photos. Make that album or canvas.
New Jersey Engagement Photos
You may recognize these two from this blog post after their engagement photos earlier last year. Michelle and Brian met in high school, but they re-connected after running into each other at a Kenny Chesney concert. That’s one of their favorite things to do together still, hit up different concerts in New Jersey and New York together. After 5 years of hitting up concerts together, Michelle and Brian got engaged in November 2019 at a Friendsgiving dinner. Brian’s nieces and nephews came in holding signs one after another and she said YES to a lifetime of adventures. Shortly after that, we got together and I got to take their engagement photos around Hoboken, New Jersey.
Wedding Detail Photos & First Look Photos at the W Hotel
I love the W Hotel. Right near the waterfront, and they have a beautiful photo locations. I took a few of the detail shots in their rooms before the first look. Here’s a quick tip for couples planning their wedding day timeline: have everything you want for detail shots set up before you start getting ready. The shoes, the wedding day masks, perfume bottles, invitations, jewelry, any extra florals (the bouquet, boutonnieres, petals), the rings with the ring boxes – whatever you have. Don’t worry about coming up with the perfect way to put them all together, your photographer can do that! After that, Michelle and Brian met near the lobby for their perfect first look. The way Brian looks at Michelle and opens his arms in disbelief was priceless!
First Look with the Bride’s Dad Before Family Portraits
After Michelle and Brian’s first look, Michelle had a first look with her dad. Honestly, this is becoming more and more popular and I absolutely love it. It feels like such a special moment when a bride’s father sees her all dressed up for the first time (whether it’s spontaneous when he walks into the getting ready room or sweet and planned like this one). It doesn’t take very much time either so don’t worry about your timeline! If you want these photos, we can definitely fit it into your schedule, no matter how tight the timeline. For Michelle and Brian, after her first look with her dad, we brought more immediate family in for traditional family portraits before the ceremony.
St. Ann Church Wedding Ceremony in Hoboken, NJ
After the first look and family photos, everyone headed to the breathtaking St. Ann Church for Michelle and Brian’s traditional Catholic wedding ceremony. Honestly, this church is STUNNING. I couldn’t get over the white marble and grand arches. I also want to take a moment to mention that one of the benefits of having a second photographer on your wedding day is that we can capture multiple angles at the same time. As confident as I am in my ability to capture as many moments as possible, I am obsessed with these aerial shots we were able to get given that there were two of us!
Bride and Groom Portraits after the Ceremony
After the ceremony, Michelle and Brian popped some champagne, and headed off for sunset photos in a limo! We took photos on the Hoboken waterfront with an unobstructed view of the New York City skyline. It felt extra sentimental because we had taken their engagement photos nearby as well.
Backyard Wedding Decor
I’ve already gushed about how much I love backyard weddings but this one was something extra. Michelle and Brian kept the color palette simple – white, cream, greenery, gold and black. Simple but elegant. Incredible. The string lighting shined in the night. They set up a few tables with white linens and Michelle and Brian sat at a sweetheart table with a modern neon sign shining behind them. I love a sweetheart table, by the way. Anything that gives the wedding couple a chance to actually eat! Another perk to backyard weddings? No venue rules. The tables were lit with real candles which added a soft ambiance to the backyard wedding decor.
Backyard Wedding Reception
What I loved most, was how relaxed and fun this backyard wedding reception was. From the bride and groom entrance, to the first dance that was full of laughter, everyone was ready to celebrate. Later in the evening, they had a small fire and smoked cigars and had a good time. Although this was a smaller wedding than they originally planned, there was no shortage of love and laughter!
Hoboken Backyard Wedding
I hope these photos leave you inspired to plan your own New Jersey wedding. When I asked what Michelle and Brian were most excited about, they told me that they were most excited to spend time with their family and friends. NOW MORE THAN EVER. If you are currently planning a wedding in New Jersey, New York, or beyond, you can reach out here to check my availability for 2021 or 2022. Connecting with couples is my favorite part of the job and I can’t wait to learn more about what you have planned for your own day!
Vendor Squad
Event Planner: Rebecca Simon
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 and a little PDA around here! BUT, also enjoy a night in 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 my favorite from 2020 here. Enjoy!
