Fall weddings are so sublime, but the weather can certainly be unpredictable. You just never know if there will be a cold snap. For this beautiful wedding, the temperature was absolutely perfect, but light rain did take over much of the morning and afternoon. The sporadic rain this day didn't put a damper on anything for this sweet couple though. Sarah and Louis had such a fabulous wedding day in Hoboken and Jersey City, with the dazzling New York City skyline as their backdrop.
Sarah and Louis have a wonderful first chapter of their story together. Their parents had known each other years ago, as their fathers worked together in the same company and they both lived in Staten Island. Sarah's parents actually went to Louis' parents wedding ceremony! Louis' parents eventually moved to New Jersey, and coincidentally, Sarah's parents moved to the same town a few years later.
Sarah and Louis ran into each other occasionally when they were young, but never really knew each other until their college days. During that time, they messaged on Facebook and started to get to know each other. When they returned from college in spring, they went on their first official date and spent the entire summer together. Sarah and Louis have been together ever since! And the icing on the cake was how their relationship reconnected their parents, too!
And how did they know they had found the one they were meant to be with? That's easy. Life feels so natural and effortless when they're together, and it's been like that since the beginning of their relationship.
On the morning of the wedding, Sarah's hair and makeup were already professionally styled and impeccable by the time we arrived at W Hoboken hotel in Hoboken, New Jersey. She dressed into her gorgeous bridal gown that featured a strapless, sweetheart neckline, a lovely, delicate pearl beaded belt and a very elegant fit and flare silhouette. Sarah was an absolutely beautiful bride!
Meanwhile, Louis prepared for the day nearby at his home. His parents and groomsmen, including his younger brother, were there to help, and of course to celebrate with him that morning, too! Louis and his groomsmen dressed into their very formal black tuxedos, all looking fantastic and ready for this special day.
Sarah's bridal party all dressed into their long, green gowns and looked so spectacular, too! But first, they celebrated with mimosas with Sarah and had photos taken in their matching pj's. And we loved how the girls had their own special, first look at Sarah once she was dressed in her beautiful gown.
And as they continued getting ready that morning, the couple took a moment aside to read love notes that each had written earlier. They were so sweet and so heartfelt. It's always so wonderful to capture these sentiments and the special moment when our couples read those words that were written straight from the heart.
Then, it was time to travel to the church to make it official! Sarah and Louis's ceremony was held at Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church in Hoboken. Louis was so emotional at the sight of his beautiful bride as she walked down the aisle. A wonderful Mass was given by Father Remo DiSalvatore, then after the traditional ceremony concluded, Sarah and Louis were presented to their friends and family officially as 'Mr. and Mrs.'! Once outside, they released white doves to celebrate.
Our good friend and an amazing photographer, Paul and his team at Paul Francis Photography, took fabulous photos of Sarah and Louis and their family and wedding party that day. Many of these photos were taken there at their beautiful church.
After the photo sessions, we all headed to the chosen venue for the party. And what an amazing location it was! The two held their reception at Hudson House, a fabulous venue overlooking the Hudson River and the exciting New York City skyline. The rain made no difference in the scenery... those picturesque views were incredible!
And the views inside were spectacular, too! The elegant reception space was filled with flickering candlelight and with gorgeous floral arrangements in white from A Touch of Elegance. It could not have been any more warm and romantic!
Sarah and Louis's arrival was announced following their wedding party, then the two shared the first dance of the evening, and their first romantic dance together as husband and wife. Afterwards, touching parent dances took center stage before guests took their seats for dinner.
During dinner, the couple's parents gave wonderful speeches, followed by sweet toasts given by Sarah's maid of honor, her good friend from college, and from Louis's brother who served as his best man, and from his lovely sister. Then, the dance floor opened to everyone, and stayed packed all night! The Joe Baracata Band made sure to keep the party going strong, right to the end!
What a wonderful day this was, and such a beautiful wedding event to capture. We thank Sarah and Louis for allowing us to film their day and to share in their wedding celebration. And we wish them a lifetime of love and happiness!
Photographer: Paul Francis Photography - Morristown, NJ
Floral Design: A Touch of Elegance - Randolph, NJ
Hair Stylist: Diana Dodic - New York, NY
Makeup Artist: Kayla Strachan Artistry - New Jersey
Wedding Dress: Adrienn Braun Couture Bridal Shop - Hoboken, NJ
Bridal Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Entertainment: Joe Baracata Band - Belmar, NJ
Cake: Calandra's Bakery - Newark, NJ
Officiant: Father Remo DiSalvatore - Hoboken, NJ
Rentals: Jersey Shore Doves - Toms River, NJ
Event Decor: BL Calligraphy - Mendham Township, NJ
Church: Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church - Hoboken, NJ
Venue: Hudson House - Jersey City, NJ
Accommodations: W Hoboken - Hoboken, NJ
