Amanda and Dion got married at Maritime Parc in Jersey City, New Jersey on May 23rd and as their Maritime Parc wedding photographer, this day was so special. A beautiful spring wedding with the most gorgeous blush and pink color palette, the Manhattan skyline as their backdrop, and two people who were so clearly made for each other. And yes, their golden doodle was there in a bow tie and he absolutely stole the show. Scroll on for a look at their day!
Starting with the Details
The details for this wedding are so beautiful. A blush floral invitation suite with delicate watercolor designs, the prettiest hexagon ring box, and the most thoughtful groom details. Dion had a gold Rolex, custom golden doodle print socks, a black bow tie, and a watch that told you everything you needed to know about Dion’s personality. Every detail felt intentional and cohesive and completely matched the energy of the whole day.
Getting Ready
Amanda and her girls got ready at The Westin in Newport and the energy in that suite was so joyful. Everyone was in the most adorable matching pink floral robes, the champagne was flowing, and there was so much excitement in the air. Amanda’s gown was absolutely stunning. A fitted mermaid silhouette with the most beautiful sweetheart neckline and a dramatic train. She looked radiant. Her blush peony and ranunculus bouquet was just gorgeous and perfectly matched the whole color story of the day.
The First Look
Dion arrived before Amanda to Liberty State Park. Their first look was just cinematic. The Manhattan skyline stretching out behind them, Dion in his ivory tuxedo jacket waiting as Amanda walked up to him. When he turned around, his expression was the sweetest. They had a few quiet minutes together before we jumped into portraits and those moments are always the ones I treasure most as a photographer.
About Maritime Parc
Maritime Parc in Jersey City, New Jersey is one of the most stunning waterfront wedding venues on the East Coast and I am so lucky I get to photograph here. The venue sits right on the Hudson River with unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline from every room. A few of my favorite things about shooting at Maritime Parc:
- The floor-to-ceiling windows in the ceremony room with the NYC skyline as your backdrop
- The waterfront terrace for cocktail hour overlooking the Hudson
- The rooftop for portraits and end of night photos with the lit city behind you
- Liberty State Park right next door for wedding party and couple portraits
- The historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal building as a backdrop
Maritime Parc is located in Jersey City, New Jersey and is one of the most sought-after waterfront wedding venues in the New York and New Jersey area. If you are considering it for your wedding, I would love to be your Maritime Parc wedding photographer.
Portraits at Liberty State Park
After the first look we had the best time out on the waterfront at Liberty State Park. Dion in his ivory jacket, Amanda in her mermaid gown with that dramatic train, the skyline behind them. Every single moment was stunning. And then their golden doodle joined us in his little bow tie! That might have been my favorite part of the day. They were so relaxed and natural together. Laughing, kissing, and enjoying the day. Later, we grabbed a few umbrella portraits and saw a beautiful rainbow in the sky.
The Bridal Party
This bridal party was so much fun to work with. The bridesmaids all wore the most beautiful mix of pink gowns in different styles and lengths and together in front of the Manhattan skyline they looked incredible. The groomsmen were sharp in their classic black tuxedos and the full wedding party shot with that skyline stretching out behind them is one I keep going back to. What a group.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was held inside Maritime Parc’s stunning ceremony room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. The floral arch was absolutely breathtaking. Tall tropical greenery with the most incredible coral and blush blooms cascading down both sides. Amanda walked in and the whole room just lit up. The first kiss had everyone cheering. They greeted their guests in a receiving line after the ceremony before entering cocktail hour.
Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hour was held both inside and outside on the terrace overlooking the Hudson River and it was just the perfect early summer evening for it. The Manhattan skyline glowing in the distance, guests mingling on the waterfront, the most beautiful blush and coral florals everywhere. Maritime Parc does cocktail hour so well and these photos always some of my favorites. That rooftop terrace with the skyline behind it is just magical.
The Reception
The reception room was beautifully done. Blush and coral floral centerpieces, floating candles, gold table numbers, and the most gorgeous soft lighting throughout. The first dance was so sweet and then things just took off from there. The mother son dance, the energy on the dance floor, the whole room just having the best night. And to end the evening they headed up to the balcony with the lit Manhattan skyline behind them. Amanda changed into a gorgeous after-party mini dress. Her feather dress, the city lights, and the two of them dancing and spinning together.
Amanda and Dion, thank you so much for having me be part of your day. It was so full of joy and love and beauty and I am so honored I got to capture it all. Wishing you both the happiest life together.
If you are planning a wedding at Maritime Parc and looking for a Jersey City or 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: Maritime Parc
Videography: Live Picture Studios
