Do you know that feeling when you meet those couples that just seem to effortlessly balance each other out? Lauren and Rudy are like that. I wouldn’t call them opposites because they are both so lovely and have moments where they are more fun and serious, but after our first meeting I could tell, they had found their person. Although their wedding day brought a little rain, it just made the two of them exchanging vows in front of their family and friends a little more romantic. And that NYC skyline? A little rain won’t take that magic away. If you have been looking for inspiration from a real wedding at Liberty House Restaurant, or some reassurance that rainy wedding days make for beautiful wedding photos, I hope you love Lauren and Rudy’s as much as I did!
New Jersey Wedding Videography
Before I share all the gorgeous details, I have to admit, rain makes your wedding videography a little extra dreamy, too. I love working with Murphy Studio because our styles are so similar, and I just knew Alan would bring out the romance of the day in Lauren and Rudy’s wedding video. A little word of advice if you haven’t picked out your New Jersey photo and video team? Find two people who complement each other’s styles. They don’t necessarily need to be the same company, but if you have a photographer or videographer whose style you love, ask them who they love to work with. I have been so grateful to document many wedding days with Murphy Studio and I look forward to many more in 2022 and 2023!
This is just the teaser but make sure to scroll to the end for Lauren and Rudy’s highlight wedding film!
Getting Ready Photos at the Hyatt House in Jersey City
Lauren and Rudy chose to have a daytime wedding, so I arrived early at 7 a.m. in Lauren’s room. Despite it being early, everyone couldn’t wait for their wedding to begin. Although it looked like the forecast was going to call for rain, nobody was overly concerned. If anything, it tied into their engagement story. Rudy proposed to Lauren on Labor Day weekend in 2020 during a group trip to Cape Cod. Although Rudy was worried the weather might spoil his plans, he waited for the rain to hold off for a few hours and then immediately took the opportunity to invite Lauren for a walk on the beach. One of their couple friends joined them and were snapping photos as Rudy got down on one knee. It took a little bit for Lauren to realize what was happening, but once Rudy popped the question, she started crying like a baby. So beautiful!
Rainy First Look & Outdoor Wedding Portraits
Although the clouds were rolling in, we still had Lauren and Rudy’s first look outside of Liberty House Restaurant. This has got to be one of the most underrated wedding photo locations because the view of the skyline is absolutely incredible and because it’s at a venue, it’s a lot more private than some of the other waterfront options. We got Rudy into position just before Lauren arrived. Once they had a few sweet moments together, we invited the rest of their wedding party to join them. I’m sure Lauren and Rudy didn’t anticipate rain when they started planning their wedding, but their moody neutral wedding color palette of dove gray and eucalyptus was stunning.
Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at Liberty House Restaurant
As a wedding photographer, one of the first things I do the morning of a wedding day is check the weather forecast. If there is ANY chance of rain, I grab a couple of clear umbrellas just in case. However, originally, Lauren was ready to walk down the aisle come rain or shine, without an umbrella. As the ceremony started, I could feel it start to come down a little harder and locked eyes with my second shooter who was closer to the start of the aisle. I immediately grabbed one of my clear umbrellas, ran to him, and tossed him the umbrella so that he could give it to Lauren as she started to walk down the aisle. Lauren continued to use the umbrella to cover her and Rudy during the wedding ceremony and I was so grateful that I make that a part of my process. We always need to be prepared for anything in New Jersey!
Lauren and Rudy’s wedding ceremony was a charming combination of playful and serious, just like the two of them. The ceremony was officiated by a family friend of the bride, who shared details of their love story and the couple’s shared faith as they start their next chapter together. As the rain continued to come down harder halfway through the ceremony, everyone put up their umbrellas. The rain didn’t stop Lauren and Rudy though. You could feel the unconditional love in the air as they exchanged traditional vows of “for better or for worse”.
Daytime Cocktail Hour and Wedding Reception
Lauren and Rudy’s cocktail hour started at 11 a.m., where I snuck Lauren and Rudy out for just a few more photos in front of their ceremony arch. The rest of the time was spent mingling and enjoying the time with their guests! Their reception immediately followed, where Lauren and Rudy filled the room with all of their favorite things, from Krispy Kreme donut favors to a bubble tea station representing their love of all things tea. After some of the more traditional reception elements (a first dance, their parent dances, and speeches), Lauren snuck away and wowed everyone with an outfit change before they cut the cake! The reception was only a few short hours and it went quickly – but every moment was incredibly special.
Is Rain on your Wedding Day Good Luck?
It’s hard to say, but honestly, I will never get sick of photographing weddings in the rain. The photos just turn out super romantic and dreamy. For Lauren and Rudy, I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and can’t wait to see what the two of you accomplish! For future couples planning their wedding days in New Jersey and beyond, my advice to you is don’t stress about the weather. Yes, you need to have a backup plan, but sometimes (just sometimes!), rain is a good thing.
Vendor Squad
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 rainy wedding inspiration, check out this rainy and beautiful wedding in Upstate New York. Enjoy!
