Felina Ridgewood Wedding Photographer
I had the honor of capturing Sabrina and Ryan’s beautiful two-day wedding celebration. These two planned a wedding that that was personal and intentional. First, their Filipino mass at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Forest Hills, Queens on day one. Then a stunning reception at Felina in Ridgewood, New Jersey two days later. Every detail reflected who they are as a couple and the love their families have for them.
Starting with the Details
The details at Felina were just stunning. Sabrina and Ryan’s invitation suite set the tone for the entire weekend. Classic black ribbon and a wax seal tied everything together. Their stationery had the most beautiful lettering with their names and wedding details. I also especially love Sabrina’s custom perfume with her new last name 🙂
Getting Ready
Sabrina got ready in the bridal suite at Felina and it was such a beautiful morning. The girls had the cutest pajamas and champagne and the energy in that room was so happy and excited. Sabrina’s Anne Barge gown from Elizabeth Johns was absolutely iconic. The little bow details going down the back of the dress were stunning. And her veil! Absolutely gorgeous. Hair by Prostyled Bride and makeup by Kayla Strachan were both amazing, as always.
The Bridal Party
The bridal party was so much fun. The bridesmaids looked gorgeous and the energy in this group was just the best. So warm, so celebratory, so full of love for Sabrina and Ryan. I loved the classic black mismatched gowns and tuxes. We had a great time with portraits and throughout the night.
The Ceremony at Felina
The ceremony inside The Treasury at Felina was breathtaking. Seen from the mezzanine above and from the floor below it was just stunning. Sabrina and Ryan’s vows were some of the sweetest I have ever heard. I spotted multiple guests crying and honestly I was right there with them. It was one of those ceremonies where you just feel the love in the room so deeply.
About Felina
Felina in Ridgewood, New Jersey is one of the most unique and stunning wedding venues I have ever photographed. It is a beautifully restored neoclassical bank building right in the heart of downtown Ridgewood. The moment you walk in you just feel it. It is so special. A few of my favorite things about shooting here:
- The Treasury ballroom with its soaring marble columns, towering ceilings, and the most incredible floating chandelier sculpture
- The original bank vault door which is such a stunning and unexpected detail for portraits
- The wraparound mezzanine which is perfect for cocktail hour and for getting wide ceremony shots from above
- The rooftop terrace with views over downtown Ridgewood
- The luxurious bridal suite with beautiful natural light
- The warm and walkable Ridgewood neighborhood right outside the door
Felina is located at 54 East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood, New Jersey and is part of the Landmark Venues portfolio. It holds up to 200 guests for a seated dinner and the farm to table culinary experience is exceptional. If you are getting married at Felina, I would love to be considered as your Felina Ridgewood wedding photographer.
Bride and Groom Portraits
We stepped outside for portraits and I just love the cute town feel around Ridgewood. Sabrina’s veil caught the breeze so beautifully and every frame felt effortless. Then we moved inside Felina and honestly, that space is a photographer’s dream. The grand staircase, the sculptural chandeliers, the tall arched windows. These two are so natural and joyful together. It was an honor photographing them all day.
Family
Sabrina and Ryan also had the most wonderful family. So warm and so kind. They checked in on us multiple times throughout the day to see how we were doing and that meant the world to me. You could just feel how loved these two are by everyone around them.
Reception Details!
The room was just gorgeous. The florals by Petals and Greens were absolutely beautiful and the personalized details on every single table made the whole space feel so intentional and so warm. The cake by Rudy’s Pastry Shop was beautiful, of course.
Sabrina wrote handwritten notes to every single guest. Every guest. I was so moved by that and the reactions when guests found them were so sweet. The champagne glasses had ribbon tied with each guest’s name on it. There were personalized matches, beautifully designed menus on the tablescape, a gorgeous bar sign, and a welcome sign that set the tone perfectly. Every detail was thoughtful and personalized.
The Reception
Before the reception started Sabrina made a little change to her look. She removed her veil and switched to a neck scarf instead. I loved that so much. Such a fun and chic moment. And then the party really started. Hook Club kept the dance floor absolutely packed from start to finish. Sabrina and Ryan are incredible dancers and this whole group had the best energy all night long.
The Church Ceremony — Our Lady of Mercy, Forest Hills, NY
Two days before their reception, Sabrina and Ryan had a beautiful ceremony at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Forest Hills, Queens. This was the church where Ryan went to school and it made the whole thing so meaningful. They brought in a priest for a Filipino mass, honoring Sabrina’s culture and heritage. The ceremony was about an hour and every single moment of it was full of warmth and intention. It was such a privilege to be there for it.
Sabrina and Ryan, thank you so much for having me be part of both of your celebrations. Two days with you and your people was such a gift. Your wedding was so full of love, culture, joy, and beauty and I am so honored I got to capture all of it. Wishing you the happiest life together.
If you are planning a wedding at Felina in Ridgewood and looking for a New Jersey wedding photographer, I would love to hear from you. Contact me here to check your date.
Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Karina Mekel Photography
Venue: Felina Ridgewood
Church: Our Lady of Mercy Church, Forest Hills, NY
Coordinator: Carissa DeMarco at Felina
Videography: Artline Studio
Floral Design: Petals and Greens
Hair: Prostyled Bride
Makeup: Kayla Strachan
Bridal Gown: Anne Barge from Elizabeth Johns
Cake: Rudy’s Pastry Shop
Band: Hook Club
About the Photographer
Hi, I’m Karina! I’m a New Jersey and New York wedding photographer. I love capturing real moments, beautiful details, and all the joy that comes with a wedding day. If you’re planning a wedding at Felina or anywhere in the tri-state area, I would love to connect. Say hello here!
See More wedding photos from A Beautiful Estate at Florentine Gardens Spring Wedding | Alexa and James
